I certainly wasn't casting aspersions towards you. And, I will be the first one to line up with you on questioning Bachmann. Since I do not have a Dynamis here I am not sure on those resistors. I just went through all 28 pages of the manual, cannot find (easily) a reference for those resistors. Upgraded systems are something one doesn't usually hold their breath for too long with Bachmann. However, I have seen (in hardware) running changes, unannounced. Suddenly we find them. Really, I'm just asking on those resistors.
Sorry, being a little shell shot, I completely misread your reply, totally my fault! This is a side issue to what I believe is a usable way to use Dynamis with Bachmann’s 5 A booster and have two usable districts. The 1 K-Ohm resistors were only present because I was “on-my-own” trying to find a solution. I had them there to facilitate voltage and current measurements across the “open-gap” in my solution. I was being very careful trying not to harm what is now my “birthday” present or my booster. If Dynamis users are going to be help, it is best that we stay away from anything that would even appear to be manufacturer bashing. Bob
Are you saying Service District on the right, Layout District on the left, with something called a "transition" district in the middle, with 1 ohm on the right, 1Kohm on the left? NEVER connect Service with layout, not even an accidental crossing. Right? Booster (Pro) drives the layout district? The reviews I posted talk about a toggle switch to permanently switch between the two. No place in the Dynamis manual does the word "Transition" appear......where did this come from? Just asking...not poking. Dave
Wait until Greg weighs in on districts and resistors. He'll know. As far as bashing, no. But, what I gave was "facts of life". When a company goes to another and contracts out OEM stuff, it is done to a specific price point, and that generally means a feature deletion point. I know someone who uses ESU, let me find out what the differences are. Bachmann did a quasi-Tsunami in a Large Scale locomotive...same thing, limited functionality, so I am quite aware how it works generally, and in this case, specifically. But, it may not be any issue at all with the Dynamis, rather, you can't tie into Service (or program) track, which is less current, bi=directional, and usually not for main line running as a district. Dave
OK, I think I understand the problem. Without reading the manuals I'm pretty sure I got this. First, some explanation: "Power Districts" in DCC normally describe ISOLATED sections of track, independently fed. Each district usually has a circuit breaker or an autoreverser. ALL these "districts" are fed from a DCC booster. A DCC booster has gotten it's name in that it boosts a low voltage/current DCC signal to higher voltage and current. There is really no such thing as a "service" district. There is an output on most DCC systems for a "programming track" to use "service mode" to program a decoder. Most DCC systems will use 2 DIFFERENT outputs, but some systems allow the SAME output to be the MAIN track output OR the "programming track" output, which uses "service mode". The "programming track" output / service mode is a special interface/protocol, a low level signal and the ability to read back information from a loco. Power districts ONLY come from the main or normal mode... So, it appears that you have a Dynamis AND a booster... and are trying to use them separately and or (even more dangerous) running "normal mode" and "service mode" at the same time and bridging between what should be isolated sections of track with resistors. You NEVER allow any programming track in "service mode" to EVER be connected to "normal" DCC track power... never... most systems melt down when you do this. If you are trying to use 2 districts, one from the booster, and one from the Dynamis itself, that would probably work, but don't leave resistors connected permanently, they most likely would be detected as a short... and really this is a bad way to go in my experience, but maybe Bachmann says it's ok. If you need more power, then I'd run the Dynamis to a 5 amp booster, and then feed ALL power districts from that booster, each having it's own circuit breaker / autoreverser as appropriate. Hope this is a good explanation.... Greg
Greg Elmassian & ScaleCraft Please read the thread titled “DCC District Power from Dynamis?”. Here is the link http://www.trainboard.com/grapevine/...28125-RT_Coker. Please take these kinds of questions to this thread, where they can be better understood by me and probably others in the correct context. This thread is really a side issue to the kinds of questions you are raising here and now. That is why it is in a separate thread. Answering these questions here would only tend to add further confusion. Thank You! Bob
I just clicked on the link and it does not work. Sorry... you can copy my post over there and see if it helps you. Or you can fix the link... I'm new to this forum and don't have my "navigating feet" under me... you could tell me the forum and the topic title... Again, being new, it might be some time for me to get over there, was asked by a friend to try to come help. Greg Greg
Sorry, I should have tested the link after I copied it. Go to www.trainboard.com. Click on the “Forum” button in the red line near the top center. Scroll down the page until you see the section “Model Railroading Forums”. Click on the red lettered “DCC & Electronics”. Scroll down until you see the “Normal Threads” section. Near the middle of this section you will see the red letters “DCC District Power from Dynamis?”. Click on this and you will be in the right thread. I would not try to move someone’s reply even if I had the ability to do so. Thanks for being patient with me. Bob This link should work: http://www.trainboard.com/grapevine/showthread.php?147460-DCC-District-Power-from-Dynamis
Quite frankly, I'm confused by all the threads on this. I gave up trying to keep track. The runaway issue could be solved by simply using the method that decoder manufacturers have designed into their products to avoid runaways. Turn off analog conversion in CV29. Change it back to run analog. As far as not bridging the gap between a program track (broadcast or low current separate) that's been common advice since day one of DCC no matter the manufacturer. Nothing new here. there, I've said my piece without ever bashing a DCC manufacturer. I'm still not sure that there is DC on the track. DCC systems should not do that, period. If it is putting actual DC on the track then the unit is defective. DCC zero stretching only looks like DC to a DC motor. It ain't DC. You would need an Oscilloscope to be sure though. It can't be proved with a simple meter. Martin Myers
I just what to make a few things clear. I recommend that user’s turn the analog mode off in their dual-mode DCC/DC locomotives. I am not doing so because it does not fit my intended use for my layout, which is to use it for both DC and DCC operation, and easily switch between the two by just using a DC controller or the DC output of the EZ-controller. (I have a properly wired turntable and other power-dead sidings that provide safe places to park my extra locomotives during DC operation without physically taking them off the layout.) “As far as not bridging the gap between a program track...” I fully agree! It was only done to facilitate voltage/current measurements across the gap while Dynamis was tested in command mode on my test-setup. The Dynamis was never put into programming mode, until after I completed investigating and recording the problem. The problem occurs with the unit being used as a controller. I have seen other information on the web about these units being confused, most of which I discrete. It was recorded in the hope that it would be of help to the manufacturer and/or users. I best I can tell, the unit was confused because of the design/implementation of the fault-detection/recovery. It appeared to be switching the full power on and off at about 1Hz without any DCC signal present. If I had access to a scope, I would have certainly used it. I have done my best to fully explain what I have done and answer all questions. I am now out-of-this-tread do not expect further replies from me. I am now burnt-out on this subject. If anybody comes up with something new and/or significant I will respond, if alerted. If anybody has an issue or issues with me, please handle them through the “Send Private Message” or start a thread on the subject. I will do my best to fully address them there. I don’t think most users want to wade through what might appear to be personal (or ax-grinding side issues) in a technical thread. Other people might use such techniques to bury the original issue in side issues, or by getting it locked. Much thanks to all you forum users for helping me clarify this thread! Bob
Three full pages? Really? The basics of any electrical propulsion system - including DCC - is: use it as the manufacturer intended. You want to experiment with XYZ? By all means, but be prepared to get non-conforming results. BTW sorting out the cause and the appropriate remedy is left to you, don't expect others to come up with a solution to a problem that you created.
I have found another way to protect myself from DC-Signal-Runaways. I have purchased a RF Remote-Controlled-AC-Switch for the booster power. Now if I just remember to wear it, the battery doesn’t go dead, or ... LOL Should also be a good emergency-stop for when some else (a kid) has the Dynamis control. Bob
