Layout/DCCwiring

DCC Wiring Specifications / LocoNet

Face Plates

A minimum of one DigiTrax UP-3 or UP-5 faceplate shall be placed on the front of each module below the Lexan. Additional faceplates may be added at the owner's discretion. Modules or module sets with a total length of more than eight feet shall have a faceplate placed at least every 7 feet.

The exact location of these faceplates is left to the owner's discretion, but it is recommended that modules with a single faceplate should have them centered on the module for the best appearance. Keep in mind that the skirting will have to be modified to fit around the faceplate.

Additional faceplates may also be added to the rear of the modules at the owner's discretion.

LocoNet Cabling

Each module shall have two RJ45 outlets in surface mounted boxes. These outlets shall be placed one on each end of the module or table 12" back from the center of Main 1. Each outlet shall consist of one Keystone type RJ45 female plug and matching faceplate (available from the club) and shall be connected to the box on the opposite end of the module and other devices requiring a LocoNet connection using UTP Cat-5 Data cable. This cable is connected to back of the Keystone jack using a "110" punchdown tool (If you are unfamiliar with how to use a punchdown tool or do not have access to one, ask a club member familiar with this process for help). The club has adopted the EIA/TIA 568B "straight through" color-code standard for use when connecting these wires to the jacks. The pin configuration for this is:

Pin# Wire Color (see drawing)
1. White/Orange
2. Orange
3. White/Green
4. Blue
5. White/Blue
6. Green
7. White/Brown
8. Brown

When connecting the cable to other LocoNet devices such as the UP-3 or UP5 faceplates or the PM42 power manager devices, it is necessary to convert from the 8-wire Cat-5 cable to a 6-wire RJ12 p1ug. The pin configuration for the RJ12 plugs will be:

Pin# Wire Color
1. White /Blue
2. Blue
3. White /Orange
4. Orange
5. White / Green
6. Green

The "White/Brown" and "Brown" wires are not used in the RJ12 plug.

These devices will be "daisy chained" together. That means that the cable will go from one box to the second box. This will create a complete "chain" from the back of one RJ45 jack, across the module, to the back of the second RJ45 jack. These RJ45 jacks will be used to connect the LocoNet from the command station (brain) to each module in the layout. The jacks will be connected from table to table using pre-made RJ45 cables (owned and supplied by the club).
UP3 & 5 “T” off of the CAT 5 cable by using “UG” Scotchlok connectors coming off the cablen and going to a RJ-12 to connect to the back side of the faceplates.

To insure conformity to these standards, the RJ45 Keystone jacks and matching faceplates shall be purchased from the club.

All DCC LocoNet wiring must be tested and approved by the club prior to showing a module. Any problems occurring in the LocoNet wiring can cause the entire layout to malfunction.

If you have any questions concerning the LocoNet wiring or any other wiring questions, contact a club officer or other member of the club familiar with these specifications.