Reasi=on the Aristo unit may not work is the output is PWC, not linear.
I added a non-polarized capacitor to mine to get rid of the pulses and have had no issues.
And for smoothing out the start and stops, I added an additional 1 foot section of track before the diode section with a 4 ohm 3 watt or more resistor to limit the current at the ends of the run, thus giving much smoother starts and stops.
I have found that different brands of locomotives do not work with the Aristocraft Auto Reverse Unit. USA Trains and Bachmann both have not worked correctly when I have tried to run them.
The real trigger for me to ask is that I will not be able to get a replacement from Aristocraft and I will not be able to get any more of the Aristrocraft locomotives. Trying to plan ahead.
Thanks!!!
The issue Kevin is referring to is August 2012. That entire series (six parts) is also available as a PDF.
Rene Schweitzer
Classic Toy Trains/Garden Railways/Model Railroader
For ease of installation, I find either the Split-Jaw or R-R Concepts auto reverse controls to be very good. If I were to pick a "favorite" one, it'd be the R-R Concepts one because it allows for slow starts and stops (easier on gears), is inexpensive, and very easy to wire up. Their web site - www.rr-concepts.com. Look for their "StationMaster Reverser" control.
I did a "Garden Railways Basics" column that talked about the various manufacturer's back-and-forth controls about a year and a half ago. (I forget the exact issue.) There were these two, as well as controls from Dallee Electronics and LGB.
Later,
K
There are several advertisers in GR that have reversing units for sale.
And there is always e-bay for the aristo/Crest replacement.
If you can describe what went wrong, someone might be able to give a hint to fix rather than replace.
Tom Trigg
Have a point to point run of about 150 feet in our office. We are currently using an Aristocraft Auto Reversing Unit.
Anyone have a suggestion of a simple and reliable replacement for the reversing unit?
Thanks
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