{"id":1219,"date":"2021-03-05T18:56:54","date_gmt":"2021-03-06T02:56:54","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/beaglebay.com\/duinogear\/?page_id=1219"},"modified":"2022-01-12T21:59:57","modified_gmt":"2022-01-13T05:59:57","slug":"block-occupancy-hardware-installation","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/beaglebay.com\/duinogear\/block-occupancy-hardware-installation\/","title":{"rendered":"Block Occupancy Hardware"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Block Occupancy Detection logic is built into LCOS. A Client Node can monitor up to 8 local blocks, and up to 8 additional blocks located on anywhere in the network.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What Is it Used For?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

In LCOS, BOD is a foundation of system automation and control. The most obvious use is to allow a control panel to show train locations. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

LCOS block objects announce their state changes; any other object configured to listen for block occupancy messages<\/em> can act on those announcements. This means, for example, that signals can respond to event originating across the layout.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

By linking a block to Control Objects<\/a>, a block becomes a virtual switch, able to operate other layout objects, such as scene objects or animations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To activate this capability in your installation, you need the BOD Hardware on each Client Node that will use it. BOD Hardware is included in the LCOS Layout Starter Kit<\/a> and the LC2 Layout Foundation Kit<\/a>. You can add BOD to any Client node with the LCBDK Block Occupancy Detection Add-On Kit<\/a> plus up to 2 additional DNCT2B <\/a>Feeder\/Sensor Modules. Or you can buy the parts separately.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Installation is straight forward: subject to the cable length limitations shown below, place the DNCTA Interface near the Client Node, then place DNCT2B Sensor\/Feeder boards near track feeders. You’ll plug the feeders into the DNCT2B boards, and connect the boards directly to your track bus.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Boards to Node Connection<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The DNCT2B sensors and the DNCTA interface module connect to each other and to the Client node via conventional Cat 5e Ethernet cables. Cables should be no longer than 7 ft for connecting the DNCT2B Sensors; the cable from the DNCTA to the Client Node should be no more than 1 ft.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Sensor Connections<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The DNCT2B board is a dual feeder\/sensor board. Attach the RAIL-IN terminals to your main track bus — we recommend 14 gauge wire for the track bus connection. Then attach block feeders to the block 1 and block 2 terminals. Automatic reversers, reversing relays and\/or rail circuit breakers can be placed on either side (input or output) of the board.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/a>
DNCT2B Connections. The Rail Terminals are sized for 14 – 26 gauge wire.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Place DNCT2B boards as close as possible to the point where the feeders are attached to the track.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

DNCTA Port to Block Mapping<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

LCOS supports local blocks with IDs from 0 to 7. DNCT2B sensors are mapped to block ids depending on which DNCTA port they are plugged into. If a DNCT2B is plugged into the first port (“DNCT2B#1”), block 1 on that board maps to local block 0, and block 2 maps to local block 1. If a DNCT2B is plugged into the second port (“DNCT2B#2), block 1 on that board maps to local block 2, and block 2 maps to local block 3. The third port maps to local blocks 4 and 5, and the fourth port maps to local blocks 6 and 7.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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DNCTA Ports map to specific local block IDs.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

In the Configurator, blocks are referenced by their local block ID (0 through 7). Globally, blocks are referred to by their UID (also 0 through 7).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sensitivity<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The Atmel 328P microprocessor limits detection resolution to approx 1 mA. While that should be sufficient to detect a single 10k wheelset at 15 volts, as a practical matter a single wheelset is insufficient for detection purposes. This is because track and wheel condition conspire to raise that actual resistance to a higher level, especially at smaller scales.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Two 10k resistor wheelsets are required for reliable detection. Bearing mind that locos on the track are always detected:<\/p>\n\n\n\n