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DCC and reversing loops
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You add 1 module to each reversing area. DPDT switchs can be used, but if they are in the wrong position as a locomotive enters or leaves the locomotive becomes a short circuit and everything instantly stops. See, the thing is the loco is set with the module to supply + power to the top brush and - to the bottom (as an example). The track is basically AC and the decoder is a rectifier. When it enters another area the ac is still ac on the track and the decoder just keeps putting power to the motor as it was. But as the wheels cross the insulated area they can short the track as the inside track is now the outside. So the trucks and train frame become a dead short between the lead wheel(s) and the rest. The reverse module detects this short and almost instantly reverses the two track in the reverse area to match what the train's other wheels are still in. So the train keeps moving. Then as it leave the reverse track is again flipped when the lead wheels cause another short. If you run two trains in at the reverse area at the same time from different ends you could have a problem as the module would jump from train to train trying to flip off the short. But if it didn't they would head-on anyway. I have never tested this crash scenario as reverse modules are $50 and I don't do destuctive tests on high priced parts unless somone else pays. It's possibe though no harm would come because dcc uses overload protectors and shuts down if you short the track with tools, derailments, or even dragging kadee couplers. And don't ever try running non dcc locos through dcc reverse loops. One last thing is lighted cars can cause problems if the train length was just right as to cause trucks on 2 different units to bridge both ends of the reverse area at once which would be like the two trains and cause short circuit city.
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