I'm actually planning a layout wich will feature a couple of electrical loops wich polarity reversing modules will take care of when running with DCC.I've installed a couple on a club layout so far and it's a piece of cake,no sweat there.
My problem is that I have quite a few older DC operated locos (mostly N scale steamers) that due to both complexity and costs may take a while to be converted to DCC if ever,so I'm planning on alternatively feeding the layout with DCC or DC power so that these beloved oldies can be used normally,meaning not "singing" when stopped anywhere on the layout.
My understanding is that DCC is somewhat AC current that the reversing modules are designed to handle,but what about DC?I believe that they'd fry instantly so that I should isolate them for DC but in this case,are there any polarity reversing modules designed for DC or is the DPDT switch the only solution?I'm trying to obtain the best of both worlds but understand that it may not be possible,but still,I'm curious.Thanks.
The only way I have ever heard of doing reversing on DC is using a DPDT switch. I believe you could run both but with some additional wiring.
All the sections that are reversing would need a switch between the Auto Reversing unit and the track that would switch between DCC and DC. On the DC side you will need to put your DPDT switch to reverse the track.
The Buss could then be connected to the DC Throttle. This will run one train at a time. If you want to run more then one you will need to wire it to run additional engines the way you would normally wire a DC layout.
It seem like this could be a lot of work.
Craig
If you're wiring your layout so you can run either DC or DCC, don't use auto-reverse modules. DPDT toggle switches will be necessary for DC control, and can also be used for DCC control. A DCC auto-reverse module will not work on a DC layout.
Jacktal wrote:Thanks for your kind answers.Well...they confirmed what I suspected so I'll keep thinking...What I have in mind is trying to have some sort of automation so that I don't create shorts by forgetting to throw the DPDT switch,possibly through the use of relays connected in parallel with the turnout motors that would automatically match the diverging route polarity to the main's.I have a tendency to forget to throw my turnouts in advance as it is....so adding more switches to think of isn't my preferred option if I can avoid it.And,as stated,if it works with DC,it would also with DCC.
Contacts on turnouts are often used to do this, and it works for both. A perfectly reaonable approach.
Jeff But it's a dry heat!