Inc LocoNet Cable Maker Kit - Manual

ManualsBrandsDigitrax ManualsHobbyLocoNet Cable Maker Kit

data, amplify or boost the signal and output it to the track. RailSync can

also be used as a source of power for low current devices such as throt-

tles.

The LocoNet data network capability can run on as few as 2 or 3 wires.

Confusion may result in that the whole cable is termed a “LocoNet” cable

but in fact carries the LocoNet data messages and also packet copy/con-

nectivity functions.

Digitrax uses the following LocoNet Wiring Convention:

Pin No Color Function Voltage

1 White

Black

Red

Green

Yellow

Blue

Rail Sync B

Ground

LocoNet

Ground

Rail Sync A

7 vdc

14.5 vdc

7 vdc

All components are RJ12 6-wire

Do not use RJ11 4-wire

Male Plug

Female Jack

1 2 3 4 5 6

6 5 4 3 2 1

Rail Sync

Ground

LocoNet

Ground

Rail Sync

Ground

LocoNet

Ground

This arrangement is called a data cable.

LocoNet Wiring: The Theory Behind the Practice

Digitrax recommends using the 6-wire conguration for the following

reasons:

1. In a 6 wire at conguration, the left 3 wires are eectively a “mir-

ror” image of the right 3 wires.

2. There are 2 Ground (pins 2 & 5) and 2 LocoNet data connections

(pins 3 & 4), so the eective “loop resistance” is lower because of

paralleled wires. This lets LocoNet run over greater distances.

3. If one ground or signal connection is broken or intermittent, the

network can maintain a reliable connection.