Typically optical sensors are used to give train position reports, but can be used for other purposes.

Connecting the IRDOT

The IRDOT "LED" output is used. it connects to one of the DAC20 inputs of SK3 (pins 2-11). The IRDOT ground should go to board ground (SK3 pin 1).

The IRDOT can be powered as follows:

  • By a +12-18v DC "Aux" supply wired to the DAC20 SK1 pin 3, as shown.
  • For one or two IRDOTS only, connect to SK3 pin 12.
  • Otherwise you will need to use a separate power supply for them. Connect its 0v to IRDOT pin 6, and +12v to IRDOT pin 1.

 

Programming the DAC20

The DAC20 inputs need to be selected to generate sensor messages. This is done using a programming track. Follow the instructions in your DAC10 manual for programming operations. There are two sets of CVs that need to be programmed to make the DAC10 inputs act as sensor inputs: the “Input Control” CVs and the “LocoNet Message” CVs. These are as follows:

Input Input control CV LocoNet message CV
1 CV41 CV51
2 CV42 CV52
3 CV43 CV53
4 CV44 CV54
5 CV45 CV55
6 CV46 CV56
7 CV47 CV57
8 CV48 CV58
A CV49 CV59
B CV50 CV60
Required value for sensor message generation set to 2 set to 1
 
You can of course use "Locoanalyse" to program these!
 

Programming the DAC10

The same arrangement will work with a DAC10. The DAC10 inputs need to be selected to generate sensor messages. This is done using a programming track. Follow the instructions in your DAC10 manual for programming operations. There are two sets of CVs that need to be programmed to make the DAC10 inputs act as sensor inputs: the “Input Trigger” CVs and the “LocoNet Message” CVs. These are as follows:

Input Input trigger CV LocoNet message CV
1 CV15 CV30
2 CV16 CV31
3 CV17 CV32
4 CV18 CV33
5 CV19 CV34
6 CV20 CV35
7 CV21 CV36
8 CV22 CV37
A CV23 CV38
B CV24 CV39
Required value for sensor message generation set to 48 set to 1