LocoNet
DCCWiki, a community DCC encyclopedia.
LocoNet was designed by Digitrax and portions of LocoNet are covered by US Patent Number 6,275,739. LocoNet can be connected to a computer via either a LocoBuffer, Digitrax' own Product:PR3 or Product:MS100 interfaces.
Contents |
[edit] LocoNet Basics - An Introduction
Loconet is part of a DCC train control system designed by Digitrax to control a model train layout. LocoNet is a Peer to Peer Local Area Network (LAN) designed for very high traffic capacity and free-form wiring as well as future system expandability and ease of upgrade. It is a separate circuit from the track power used to run model trains.
Digitrax developed LocoNet to handle the communications between throttles, stationary decoders, and other devices that need to communicate with the command station. The command station processes, assembles and routes this and other information to either the train tracks or to the LocoNet only. This network allows fast communication between devices not related to running the model trains.
[edit] Phone lines?
A new Digitrax DCC set contains several flat black telephone cables with plastic telephone plugs on the end. The booster/command station (either Product:DCS100, Template:ProductDB150, or Zephyr command station/booster) has 2 telephone jacks on the front. The throttle also has a cable terminating in a telephone plug. The Template:ProductUP3/Product:UP5 panel has two telephone jacks in the front. There may be a short piece of cable with a plastic plug on one end and colored wires on the other end (LT-1). What's all this telephone stuff about?
[edit] Welcome to Digitrax Networking
Welcome to the world of Digitrax DCC - where trains are controlled by computer(s). The DCS100/ DB150/Zephyr command station is a computer. That Product:DT100/Product:DT300/{{Product::DT400}}/{{Product::UT1}} throttle is a computer. The decoder you just installed in your loco is really a computer. DCC is all about computers. If you're familiar with computers, especially networked computers at your school or office, you're well on your way to understanding DCC. (If you're not familiar with these terms, please see our layman's explanation of DCC).
Computers talk to each other through data communication lines. Typically these lines are similar to a telephone line - either a flat-ribbon cable like the line to your telephone set, or a thick cable like the one behind the wall into your telephone jack. In computer language, this type of wiring and the signals that travel through the wires are a Local Area Network or LAN. You may not realize this, but there are industry standards which specify the details about what these signals do, which wires in the cable they travel through, what the colour of the wires should be, the type of connector plugs to use, and a whole bunch of other things. These standards are part of the LAN.
Digitrax DCC is a Local Area Network that is not very different from a computer LAN. In fact, the standards are very similar. Except that, instead of calling their Local Area Network a "LAN", Digitrax calls it a "LocoNet" That's all the LocoNet is - a Local Area Network. And that's why you've got a whole bunch of stuff that looks like telephone cables, plugs, and jacks. We won't get into the mysteries of what types of signals go down these wires - because we don't have to. All we have to know is how to connect these components together. We're more interested in installing those telephone cables/jacks so that we can get to running the trains. What we'll do over the next few pages is to introduce you to some of these wiring standards, show you how to wire in the LocoNet, and, in the process, try to take some of the mystery out of this wiring.
[edit] The Digitrax RJ12 LocoNet Wiring Standard
Somewhere in the instruction manual, it says that "The RJ12 is the 6-pin version of the RJ11 connector with all pins loaded with conductors. This is the connector that Digitrax uses for LocoNet." At which point, your eyes start to glaze over and you go off into a trance. Now before you go into a coma, let's back up a bit. You're familiar with your telephone set and the cables and plugs that go into the telephone set.
On the previous page, we've shown you some of the Digitrax components that use these components. The LocoNet consists of the same type of wires and connectors - used in your telephone system - with one very important difference. Your telephone cables may have 2 or 4 small wires covered by that grey, black or white plastic insulation. The Digitrax LocoNet uses components that use 6 wires. Here's what this type of cable looks like. It's really not much different from the cable that goes into your telephone set.
The telephone/data communications industry calls this an "RJ12 6-wire standard". RJ12 components consist of 6-wire telephone cable, 6-wire male plugs and 6-wire female jacks. You can have many different combinations of these components.
- Male plug to flat cable to male plug.
- Male plug to flat cable to female jack.
- Male plug to two female jacks - all in one plastic assembly.
- Female jack to female jack - all in one plastic assembly (sometimes colloquially called a gender-bender).
- Female jack in a wallplate or two female jacks in a wallplate
- Male plug to flat cable to two female jacks (I call this a double-female extension cord)
This is what some of these components look like.
(Insert photos of Product:UP3/Product:UP5 panels, telephone jack and cable components for example: Two RJ12 Female Jacks in a Wallplate RJ12 Male Plug to Flat Cable RJ12 Double-Female Extension Cord RJ12 Female-Female Gender Bender)
If you have a Digitrax system, 6 wires are very important. Anything less and it won't work. Here are the wiring standards, wire colours, functions, and pin-outs for the Digitrax RJ12 6-wire LocoNet. (If you're using Lenz, Atlas, NCE, or any other system, check your user manual.) Note the relationship between the Pin Number, the colour of the wire inside the cable, the function, and the voltage.
If you look at the front of the male plug, you'll see that the White wire (Pin 1) is on the left, and the Blue wire (Pin 6) is on the right. If you look at the front of the female jack, you'll see that the White wire (Pin 1) is on the right and the Blue wire (Pin 6)is on the left.
If you visually connect the male plug to the female jack, you'll see that the white wire of the male plug connects to the white wire of the female jack, the black wire connects to the black wire, the red to the red, the green to the green, the yellow to the yellow, the blue to the blue. This is sometimes referred to "Pin 1 to Pin 1, Pin 2 to Pin 2, Pin 3 to Pin 3, Pin 4 to Pin 4, Pin 5 to Pin 5, Pin 6 to Pin 6" wiring - or "Pin 1 to Pin 1" wiring to keep it short. It will help in troubleshooting if you always make sure that each coloured wire connects to its own colour. Also note that
- The white wire (Pin 1)has the same function as the blue wire (Pin 6) - Rail Sync
- The black wire (Pin 2) has the same function as the yellow wire (Pin 5) - Ground
- The red wire (Pin 3) has the same function as the green wire (Pin 4) - LocoNet
So, if you happen to crimp a male plug onto the end of a cable the wrong way, it won't affect the operation of the LocoNet because the corresponding wire at the other end (blue - white, yellow - black, green - red) both have the same function. (It's not necessary to understand what Rail Sync, Ground, or LocoNet functions are.) However, we highly recommend that you make sure that Pin 1 is connected to Pin 1..... Pin 6 is connected to Pin 6.
Here's that cable we showed you at the top of the page. You'll note that, in order to keep the Pin 1 to Pin 1 orientation, we have to put a twist in the cable.
Actually what we do is crimp one of the male plugs with the tab on top of the cable and crimp the other male plug with the tab on the bottom of the cable. The Digitrax manual shows it something like this.
We'll show you a little trick to help you keep that orientation when it comes to crimping on those male plugs.
[edit] RJ Information for Those "Pickers of Nits"
(Skip this part if you aren't one of these people) RJ stands for Registered Jack - as in telephone jack - as in registered with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) by the telephone industry when plastic modular components were developed in the 1950s/60s. Later on, as data communications technology developed, the telecommunications industry added to these standards. The RJ standards don't refer to the physical size of the male plugs or the female jack. They refer to the way the jack is to be wired and what all of this wiring is to be used for.
To confuse things even more, the RJ standards specify the number of cables (wires) going into the plug or jack and the number of positions available in the plug or jack to anchor these wires to. For example, the RJ12 LocoNet plugs and jacks we use are specified as RJ12 6p6c. That is, 6 positions are available to anchor the wires (the 6p). And 6 cables (wires) can be wired into the plug or jack (the 6c). And all of this wiring is to be used for a Local Area Network (LAN) - which we call the LocoNet.
| Standard | Use | Positions VS Conductors | Authority | Plug Width | Jack Width |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| RJH | Telephone Phone Head Set | 4p4c | FCC | 0.299" | 0.355" |
| RJ11 | Telephone Phone Single Line | 6p2c | FCC | 0.375" | 0.383" |
| RJ14 | Telephone Phone Single Line | 6p4c | FCC | 0.375" | 0.383" |
| RJ12 | LAN/Printer network | 6p6c | Industry | 0.375" | 0.383" |
| RJ25 | Same as RJ12 but for stranded cable | 6p6c | Industry | 0.375" | 0.383" |
| RJ45 | LAN/Data network | 8p8c | Industry | 0.492" | 0.459" |
The columns for "Plug Width" and "Jack Width" aren't part of the standards. To remove some confusion, I took my digital caliper and measured these plugs. RJ11 RJ14, RJ12, and RJ25 have the same Plug and Jack Widths. But only RJ12 and RJ25 have the number of cables/positions we need for our LocoNet.
[edit] The Bottom Line
So what does all of this mean to you and me and our Digitrax Loconet system? We have to make sure that we use a plug/jack that is about 0.375"/0.383" wide and has a 6p6c configuration - ie it takes 6-wires. The only jacks/ plugs/ components that fit the bill are the RJ12 and RJ25.
[edit] Limitations
The limitation to LocoNet are:
- Distance - May have a total parallel cable length of up to 2,000', with no point-to-point length exceeding 1000'.
- Max number of devices? - That depends on the current draw in the LocoNet but that can be quite a technical subject. For modellers who use Digitrax at home, they will never reach that limit. However, if you belong to a MR Club with a large layout and lots of throttles being used, you can experience some problems. We've got some tips (insert link (content to be developed later) on how you can overcome these limitations).
[edit] Parts Suppliers
Here is a listing of websites where you can order pre-made cables. The downside is that you're stuck with whatever lengths you find. There is also a list suppliers for bulk cable, connectors, crimpers, and end pieces. This will allow you to make cables of any length.
Premade Only:
Premade/Bulk:
| Supplier Name | Shiping Locations | Types of Products | |
|---|---|---|---|
| -- C C C-- | |||
| Cable Wholesale | US Based, International Shipping | Bulk cable, premade cable | |
| -- D D D-- | |||
| DigiKey | US Based, International Shipping | Bulk cable, premade cable | |
Bulk:
| Supplier Name | Shiping Locations | Types of Products | |
|---|---|---|---|
| -- A A A-- | |||
| Action-Electronics | ? | Cable Connectors | |
| -- M M M-- | |||
| My Cable Shop | US Based, International Shipping | Cable Connectors | |
LocoNet® is a trademark of Digitrax Inc.
[edit] Interface Devices
To comunicate between a computer and the Loconet, you need a translator that will understand both of them. There are two options available: the Digitrax MS100 and the third party Locobuffer.
- MS100 - Digitrax' own computer/Loconet interface device.
- Has been significantly outdated by the LocoBuffer II
- Connects via RS-232. Some users report rs-232 <-> USB adapter work.
- It has now been discontinued. Its replacement is the PR3.
- PR3
- Replacement for MS100
- Uses USB-2.0 for connection to computer.
- Locobuffer - Third party hardware interface device
- History
- Developed by John Jabour in response to speed and platform restrictions of the MS100.
- Were available in complete or kit form from the designer until he decided not to make them available any more.
- Manufacturing of the unit to was transferred to RRCircuits.
- Original Locobuffer is no longer available.
- History
- LocoBuffer II - Developed by RR-CirKits as a replacement to the original LocoBuffer.
- Faster, smaller, and more up to date.
- Certified by Digitax
- Connects VIA RS-232. Many users report rs-232 <-> USB adapter work well.
- Faster serial connection, less/none dropped packets.
- LocoBuffer-USB - Developed by RR-CirKits as a replacement to the LocoBuffer II
- Replaces LocoBuffer II
- Connects directly to USB port
- Powered from USB connection and Rail Sync lines, no external power supply needed.
[edit] MS100
- DB-25 serial RS-232 input
(need more here)
[edit] PR3
- USB-2.0 input
- May be used with Digitrax' "Soundloader" program (currently Windows only).
- Compatible with Windows 2000, XP, and Vista (Windows 7 status currently unknown)
- Compatible with JMRI on Mac OS 10.4/10.5
- Only requires a power supply for use with "Soundloader" program.
- LocoNet® terminator included.
- Software configured
[edit] LocoBuffer II
LocoBuffer-II specs:
- DB-9 serial RS-232 input
- Opto isolation (if not using LocoNet® powered mode)
- Buffered input and output allows use with all operating systems. (Linux, Mac, MS Windows)
- Hardware handshaking using RTS/CTS (also includes DTR/DSR turnback required for MS Windows XP)
- Packaged unit size 1-1/2" x 3-3/4" x 3/4"
- Ready To Run
- Optional Package available with cables, (DB-9 or Mac DIN-8, and 14' LocoNet®) plus 9V power supply
- LocoNet® terminator included. Rev-f terminator is built in. (Allows you to use your LocoBuffer-II to add LocoNet® device compatibility to other systems)
- DIP switch settings for all options
- MS-100 compatible plus 19,200 and 57,600 standard Baud rates
- Serial Boot Loader programmable for upgrades (Does not require special hardware)
- Power from 9V-12V AC-DC
- Optionally LocoNet® powered from rail sync lines
- Digitrax LocoNet® certified.
- Suggested Retail Price: $69.95.
[edit] LocoBuffer-USB
LocoBuffer-USB Features:
- USB 2.0 to LocoNet® interface
- Optical isolation between USB and LocoNet® prevents potential grounding problems
- Buffered inputs and outputs allows use with all USB supported operating systems
- CD with drivers for Linux 2.4, Mac OS-9, OS X, MS Windows 98SE, ME, 2K, XP
- Packaged unit size just 1-1/2" x 3" x 3/4"
- Ready to run unit
- Internal LocoNet® terminator.
- Allows a LocoBuffer-USB to add LocoNet® device compatibility to other systems
- 57,600 Baud interface speed
- No jumpers or switches to set
- Compatible with existing software
- Installs as a serial port
- Hardware handshaking using RTS/CTS
- Includes DTR/DSR turn back required by MS Windows XP
- Boot Loader for firmware upgrades
- Does not require special hardware to install upgrades
- Powered directly from USB and LocoNet® Rail Sync lines
- No external power adapter needed
- Internal option connector allows for future features
- Planned optional programming track output
- Includes 3' USB A-B and 14' LocoNet® cables
- Suggested Retail Price: $ 74.95
[edit] See Also
- Digitrax Portal
- Digitrax - General information article on Digitrax.
[edit] See Also - LocoBuffer
- rr-cirkits.com - the home of LocoBuffer
- JMRI USB Serial information for LocoBuffers
- DCC Software - Software to interactive with the layout
[edit] See Also - LocoNet
- Digitrax LocoNet Information - Some technical details on LocoNet.
