Darlofan59

I found these - a link to first4mangnets - these ones look like they'll fit in between the sleepers. I'll give them a go . They also stock the round ones as well. Interesting also is the self adhesive magnet steel tape. To make it easy to place and re-set the positions as it should fit under the track.  Anyone used these parts?

https://www.first4magnets.com/rectangular-c35/5-x-2-5-x-1-5mm-thick-45h-neodymium-magnet-0-4kg-pull-p3553#ps_1-2220

That sounds interesting Chris -  Could point me in the right direction to look for those magnets?

Steve

Thanks Paul - that explains it all and I'll stick with Dapol.

Cheers

Steve

Thanks Harold.  These look a bit short - I have different locos using the same markers and have a bit more variation than these would give. I find I f I put 2 Dapol parts in line as it were it covers all the tolerances I need. I looked at magnets4U - I don't know if their ferrite magnets would work. Do you know if there anything special in the Dapol configuration of their magnet?

I'm using Dapol magnets 2A-000-006 for decoupling and they work no problems on my n-gauge layout. I was just wondering if anyone has found an alternative as the Dapol ones are expensive at £6 or so a pair.  I tried using neodymium but these wont work if in the track as they're too strong. I didi get hem to work if they are at the side of the track. I'm looking for an alternative that can be used inset into the track.  Any ideas?

thanks

Steve 

I see. In that case, you should be able to program the 63320 module to dispatch an LN message to switch a point, which then should be picked up by the Z21 and translated into a command to the respective points decoder instead. If that works, you know 2 things at once: the module works, and the Z21 processes that info. But if it doesn't, you're still none the wiser

 

Fortunately, you can build your own LN receptacle, using an Arduino and some additional electronics. For more info on that, read up on:

http://mrrwa.org/loconet-interface/

https://sourceforge.net/projects/mrrwa/

 

The Arduino platform is explained here:

https://www.arduino.cc

 

It helps if you have at least some understanding of electronics and/or programming, but if you haven't, you should be able to follow instructions to get a working example.

 

HTH!

Well thanks again for all that info and advice  - I'll check it out. I connected up the laptop using TC and all works ok! So it must have been the iPad app.  Cant get over that really - working fine then go away for a week and switch back on and it doesn't work.  These gremlins sent to test us !  Cheers

The Uhlenbrock module works via LocoNet. That has the advantage you can set up an alternative "feedback control system" with it: the LocoNet protocol allows a device to respond directly to any/all LN message(s) directed to it w/o interference of the command station. So, grab an LN-equipped accessory-decoder and program it to respond to the message the feedback module uses for that section by switching a point on entry (by the train) and switching it back when the section is empty. If this works, the module is fine.

 

Next item: is the Z21 passing this info on towards whatever is attached to it? To check that, set up a PC with RocRail to see if the info of the occupation of the track sections is passed on to the PC. If that works, the issue is the apple. See if you can get an Android device, these are better supported by Roco, or more correctly said: apple puts up too many restrictions to get the app to work properly as Roco would want it to be

Thanks for the quick reply !!  I only have LN occupancy detectors - the points are controlled using Switch pilots modules. I don't think I can set it up to do that check can I?

I will check using TC to see if the detection is working - I just thought that as nothing is showing on the iPad , TC wouldn't get a signal either. I'll update tomorrow - thanks again,

Steve

This is a long shot - maybe someone has had the same problem.  I had Z21 with a couple of Uhlenbrock occupancy detectors and also Digikeijs versions all working fine via loconet for the sections connected. All points etc working no problem and all elements working ok on iPad app and through Train Controller app on laptop.  This has been on a layout and working fine for a few weeks now. All fine then having been away for a week I have switched it all on and the re is no indication of occupancy showing on the iPad app.  The trains drive round no issue and the points switch etc (I didn't try TC again yet).  To make the check as simple as possible, I  disconnected all and set up a simple 3 section piece with 1 of the 63320 units. No change - you can see the 63320 is sensing because as you move from one section to the other the module indicator light flashes but nothing shows up or changes state on the iPad.  So here's the problem : is the Z21 faulty and how can I check? I cant tell if the signal is going into the Z21 or if it's not coming out to update the iPad. )  Or is it the occupancy module? ANy help on diagnosing any of the units would be much appreciated. (The Z21 maintenance app and firmware etc are all up-to-date). Help anyone ??

meant to say LNCV = 20. 

grr LNCV 0 =20

get a grip LNCV 20=0

Just in case anyone is interested.  I set the whole thing up using my iPad and everything worked first time, no issues with multiple sections.  I was using an iPod initially and having tried again setting up the same way ,the iPod just won't work.   I suspect it's because on the iPod, to move from the train control to view the track, the screen switches and maybe this causes the Uhlenbrock to think it's disconnected.  On the iPad of course it's all one screen. Can't think of any other difference.

Thanks Dutch_Master correct on the model typo!

 

I've just set up a single track with one isolated section to try to get this to work.

 

LNCV is set to 0.

 

As it's a single short section altogether, I'm just powering from the Z21. That should be enough?

 

I have only plastic rail joiners in the detection section on the same side as the feedback to the 63320.  (The feedback to the Z21 is as per the diagram - back to the 'red' terminal.  When you say swap do you mean I should have the feedback and connection and the isolated part all changed over or just one part of the wiring? 

 

Any idea how do I reset the 63320 back to factory setting?

thanks for you help

meant to say LNCV = 20. 

meant to say LNCV = 20. 

grr LNCV 0 =20

meant to say LNCV = 20. 

grr LNCV 0 =20

get a grip LNCV 20=0

Thanks Dutch_Master correct on the model typo!

I've just set up a single track with one isolated section to try to get this to work.

LNCV is set to 0.

As it's a single short section altogether, I'm just powering from the Z21. That should be enough?

I have only plastic rail joiners in the detection section on the same side as the feedback to the 63320.  (The feedback to the Z21 is as per the diagram - back to the 'red' terminal.  When you say swap do you mean I should have the feedback and connection and the isolated part all changed over or just one part of the wiring? 

Any idea how do I reset the 63320 back to factory setting?

thanks for you help

Hi there - can anyone help with what 'should' be simple but apparently not for a beginner....

I'm trying  to set up a UHLENBROCK 83320 occupancy detector with my Z21.  I have isolated only one of the rails in a section and connected that to track 1, as shown in their 'manual'. Then I connected the track power from the 83320 back to the same side track connection in the Z21. The other rail is just connected to the powerbus.  I set up using the add occupancy sequence etc and set the detector number . I then added a turnout and set it to the same number.  Back into control and I pressed the programming button on the 83320 which flashes, then pressed the turnout and the light goes off as it should.  However I just can't get the detection to work when the train goes into the section. I don't know if there's a polarity requirement or if both sides of the track have to be isolated or if I've set up the switch correctly.  In fact I've no idea what to do next so any advice would be appreciated!