I would like to be able to use some Digitrax BDL168's (was used for my HO DDC layout) for my Lionel (AC O gauge layout) for Block detection.
Digitrax said it would not work.
I was wondering if I can add a simple circuit between an insulated rail and the BDL168 to allow it to be reused?
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Did Digitrax say WHY it would not work?
I'm not familiar with that product but 2-rail systems generally use current sensing to detect occupancy. Perhaps their current sensors are configured to only detect high-frequency DCC as opposed to low-frequency O-gauge 60 Hz AC?
IF such is the case I'm imagining using a high-frequency signal from a $2 eBay 555 timer module. This isolated signal could be piggy-backed onto the AC track power and a 5 cent resistor in each block would draw high-frequency AC current when the axle(s) straddle the outer rails. Note that the actual hi-frequency current can be quite small since the 2-rail method can have simple resistors within a rolling-stock axle as a detectable load current.
Alternatively in the same way a 3-rail isolated section can activate a relay for signals, it could activate whatever type of electrical load the Digitrax current sensor requires. This would probably require a relay or some kind of switch (e.g., transistor) for each block.
Stan2004,
They did not say why. I believe it does current sensing and I believe it its rated for 3 AMPs. Would the high frequency signal work with Legacy or would I be better of with just having it trigger a transistor?
Thank for your suggestions.
Well, if the WHY is because exceeding 3 Amps (as you would in O Gauge) overloads their electronics, renders it helpless, releases magic smoke, whatever then that's a different issue.
I am merely speculating (out of ignorance) about a hi-frequency requirement in their current sensing mechanism. The Legacy/TMCC signal frequency is over 10 times higher than the DCC frequency so I do not think this would be an issue if you had to add such a signal to trigger the Digitrax sensors.
In any event, if the hi-frequency is required, my idea of a low-cost eBay oscillator module is simply to remove the need to dedicate an expensive DCC power booster if its sole purpose in life is to generate a hi-frequency signal!
Hopefully someone who knows the Digitrax sensor characteristics/requirements will chime in. Otherwise, I guess there are some experiments you could perform but seems like that would be re-inventing the wheel.
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