Wiring Digitrax UP5/UR90

Model Railroader Layouts and layout building
1

Two questions. #1 - when wiring the UP5’s do they have to be in-line like a chain from the Zephyr or can the wire be “T” 'd. the Zephyr is centered in my around the wall layout. #2 - as far as wiring are the UP5 and the UR90 interchangeable? Thanks

Rick

2

I have a UP5 right over where the Zephyr is then I daisy chain off the UP5 without a problem. I dont see why you would have an issue with the UP5 and the UR90 as long as they are ran with each other in the loconet.

3
  1. They can be in line or a star pattern. The deal is that you have the Loconet plug on the BACK of the UP5 and UP90. Loconet does not care in what order they are in as long as the cable has been tested with the LT1 tester and it passes. you can purchase loconet ready 6 conducter phone lines from home depot or lowes in up to 50 ft premade lengths. Just check them with the LT1.
  2. Run the cable from the center in each direction to those units again loconet does not care in what order. DO NOT MAKE A LOOP of the Loconet. I have heard all kinds of crazy things but there is realy no need to make a loop of the looconet.
    A question you did not ask is about the power to the units. You should power them as a battery keep alive function. Also by powering them you enable the track status to work on them.
    Take Care
    George P.
4

When you power the units make sure that you follow the power instructions. Too many panels on the same powersupply can cause problems as they can become underpowered and start to behave in odd ways.

5

It’s not really the panels, it’s how many throttles, but the UR90 and UR91 DO need their power supplies, regardless - they draw too much power from the Loconet to operate without a power supply.
The neat thing about the UP5 is there are THREE power options: from the Loconet, from a connection to track power, or from an auxiliary power supply, and it will supply power from whichever one has the highest voltage.

–Randy