[EGHL]

I have a large NCE cab-bus network and just acquired the ECOS 50210 hoping to connect the NCE track output to the Ecosniffer. At first this didn't work but occasionally a loco would move then stop and sometimes pressing Horn would give a double horn blast in rapid succession. I thought this could be an EMC problem so swapped the sniffer cable & ECOS track cable to twisted pair. To my surprise it all started to work as expected i.e. control of locos and accessories. But next time I tried to use it nothing happened again, except for some strange effects such as a loco moves slowly then stops and refuses to move.
Is the length of Sniffer cable and routing near other cables (e.g. ECOS track feed and PSUs) an issue that others have found?
Any helpful tips appreciated.

 

[Richard Johnson]

*** Yes, the ECoS sniffer port is quite sensitive to the wiring quality and wire length.

To stabilise it, either use a short cable OR add the Alpha Sniffer. https://www.dccconcepts.com/product/alpha-sniffer/

The NCE can connect to it via its RJ12 bus connection, and the sniffer connects to the ECoS via its two track output terminals

Stabilisation of sniffer ports was one of the key reasons we created this product.

regards, Richard

 

[EGHL]

Thanks Richard. The video shows a different application but I guess I can plug a short RJ12 cable from the NCE Cab-Bus to the Alpha Sniffer then connect the Alpha Sniffer output to the Ecosniffer port. As there is probably not much current drawn by the Ecosniffer, would the Alpha Sniffer need a power connection?

 

[Richard Johnson]

*** Yes, use a wall plug type regulated DC supply.

regards