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How to Detect Occupancy Tracks on Digitrax

If you've created a complex model railroad and want to prevent the cars from becoming damaged, you can use a Digitrax Occupancy detector to prevent them from running into each other. Some hobbyist's tracks may contain track switches that re-route trains so that they avoid hitting one another despite using the same track infrastructure and detecting occupancy is one of the ways damage and accidents can be prevented.

Things You'll Need

Occupancy detector
Transponder

Instructions

- 1
  Install a Digitrax transponder device to detect occupancy. Transponding devices emit low-current pulses of electricity that are detectable by receivers mounted on the trains. The transponder detectors will detect a signal burst and move the tracks in a certain way or stop the train, if needed. Transponders can operate on different radio frequencies, allowing you to use multiple transponder systems concurrently.
- 2
  Install an occupancy detector in your Digitrax track control system to alternatively detect occupancy. These devices connect directly to the track's main controls and detect any locomotive that's being powered. It also detects un-powered rolling wheels that are equipped with electronic resistors.
- 3
  Plug the Digitrax occupancy detector into the open serial port on your Digitrax LocoNet track control system to install the occupancy detector, which will automatically configure itself to determine how many locomotives are in operation.

Model Railroads