Strange issue with some new BDL168s

James Norris Aug 28, 2015

  1. James Norris

    James Norris TrainBoard Supporter

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    Hi Guys,

    I have a strange issue with some new BDL168s. The layout wiring is fairly complex but to try and solve the problem I have broken it down to a few items and the problem is still there. So simplified, I have a DCS51 plugged into the layout, trains run. I have a BDL168, all connected except the Loconet cable. As the train runs the lights on the test plug, plugged into the BDL, don’t light up. When the Loconet cable is plugged in to both the DCS51 and the BDL168 the test plug on the BDL lights up where it is supposed to but the DS51 stops responding. For example if the train was running when the Loconet cable was connected I could not stop the train. If I remove the Loconet cable I can stop it. I tried replacing the DCS51 with a DCS100 and a DT402 throttle and I had the same problem, with the loconet cable plugged in the DT402 will not respond. What am I doing wrong? Interestingly the lights on the actual BDL board blink correctly when the Loconet cable is connected but the light on my PR3 shows error? (The full system has a PR3 in it to connect the PC). I have also tried another BDL, I have 5 on the layout, they are all new and all do the same thing?

    I have also checked the Loconet cable and tried different ones.

    Any help would be appreciated.

    -James
     
  2. oregon trunk

    oregon trunk TrainBoard Member

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    Did you give each BDL168 an address? It important that they get a separate address.
    Did you double check your wiring on the 16 pin connector. Make sure no cold solder or poor connection, or anything across where its not suppose to be.
    Did you attach anything to the pins used for LED's on sub panels? I have found a problem kinda like what you are talking about with this. If you have disconnect and test again. loconet will not work right if you have not followed the directions clearly
    Do you have the ground attached to your command station? It needs it to work properly, and may be your culprit.
    Are all four sections hook up the same on the 16 pin connector as the others? Have to be careful not to reverse the wires connecting. You need to keep each rail the same to the BDL168 and the one who hook up to the same bus. Not keeping this straight will damage the BDL168. On mine all black wires hook to the same rail connected to the BDL168 and the other is white and they are wired to the white buss to the other rail, not connected to the BDL168.
    I have three on my layout as well as two SE8c's, and Im trying to remember what it was that I had the same problem.
     
  3. James Norris

    James Norris TrainBoard Supporter

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    Hi,

    Not yet, so far I have only tested with one board and could not get past connecting the loconet.


    Yes, I have also checked for shorts. As a secondary check the layout runs in DC and DCC.

    Not at first but later I plugged in the tester boards that came with the BDL168s, either way it made no difference.

    I thing so but I have noticed I have the ground connected to pin 11 and pin M below, this could be the issue as you say?

    Yes, all the connections are to the same rail.

    One other thing I have thought of. In three locations two of the block connectors are attached to the same rail, this is because I haven't decided where to cut the rail. However it would make sense that this is no different than having a loco spanning the a gap in the rails?

    I am powering the BDLs using Digitrax transformers PS14s however. The BDL book says to use PS14 14V AC power supply but output on the label of a PS14 says DC? Is that right?

    Thanks for the advice. I will correct the ground wire connection and try again.

    -James
     
  4. DCESharkman

    DCESharkman TrainBoard Member

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    I had 6 of these and could never get any of them to work. Went with Team Digital instead and have been happy ever after.
     
  5. Rich Businger

    Rich Businger TrainBoard Member

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    You need a LocoNet connection for the BDL168 to function properly.
     
  6. James Norris

    James Norris TrainBoard Supporter

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    Hi Guys,

    All sorted. It was the ground wire where I had soldered it to two pins not one. Once I had cut through the link everything worked, Loconet Checker picked up on all 5 BDL boards and I was able to quickly renumber them.

    -James
     

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