1.0 Introduction
The PM42 can control 4 independent power sub-districts that can each be set
up as either a "Short Circuit Manager" (default) or an "Auto-Reversing
Controller." Each of the 4 sub-districts can be set for slow, regular, faster or
fastest short circuit management depending on the needs of the user. A separate
booster can power each of these sub-districts or multiple boosters can power
any combination. Each PM42 requires a 12 to 18V AC or DC 125mA power
supply (sold separately such as Digitrax PS14). One power supply (125mA per
PM42) can power more than one PM42 as long as it provides 125mA per
PM42 and is not used to power any other device. DO NOT share a power sup-
ply between your PM42 and any command station or booster on the layout.
Digitrax does not recommend sharing a power supply between one or
more PM42s and any other device on the layout.
Analog operation or zero stretching will adversely affect booster or PM42
detection times for auto-reversing and short circuit detection.
2.0 Terminology
Power District or District: The power wiring, components and equip-
ment attached to that wiring that are driven from a single properly
isolated booster. In the case of the PM42 a district is a part of the
layout that is double gapped at both ends and powered by a single
booster.
Sub-district: A subdivision of a district. With one PM42, you can create
4 sub-districts. These 4 sub-districts can all be within one district
powered by one booster or they can be spread over more than one
district.
Section: One fourth of a PM42. Each PM42 is divided into 4 sections.
We call these Section 1, Section 2, Section 3, and Section 4. Each
section of a PM42 can be set up either for short circuit management
or auto-reversing.
3.0 PM42 Operation
3.1 Short Circuit Management
When the PM42 detects a short circuit, it will shut down the sub-district where
the short occurs. The "SUB-DISTRICT STATUS" LED for the sub-district with
the short circuit will light red. The other sub-districts will continue to operate.
PM42 reconnection or automatic restart attempts may cause brief power inter-
ruptions to the booster output if the short circuit is not cleared.
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