Need Help: Automated Reverse Loops!

[Anonymous]

I am putting a "dog bone" layout together with reverse loops at each end. I want these automated for regular analog DC power. I haven't shopped around, but could someone point the way to firms that offer good reliable units to switch polarity at the proper times?

I think I saw in MR magazine Dallee and some other firms that offer IR controlled block detection units--which I assume allow you to switch a relay when the train is in the block (correct?). Like I said, I have had no previous experience with such units, it would be nice to listen to those who already have purchased one!

Thanks!

[Seamonster]

If you're comfortable "rolling your own", that is building an electronic circuit, then check out this site: http.home.cogeco.ca/~paisley4/basics/basicindex.html , click on "return to top of main circuit page", click on "switch machine control circuits" and click on either #4 or #8, depending on whether you're using twin coil or stall motor switch machines. This guy's got lots of neat stuff for those who can build their own.

[ecdowney]

Seamonster: what's that URL again please? Even after correcting the obvious typos around http it still doesn't work. Thanks.

[dehusman]

Piper:
Check it out carefully, many DCC reversing units will not work with conventional DC.

Dave H.

[Seamonster]

I thought I had it right. Anyway, I copied this from my brower's address line after accessing the site, so it's gotta work.
http://home.cogeco.ca/~rpaisley4/Basics/BasicIndex.html

And I accessed it after posting this message, so it does work. Sorry 'bout that, Chief!

[Anonymous]

Try Train Tronics. They make a automatic revesing unit and a automatic turnout control. I don't know anything about them like what it doesn't include or how to hook it up, but it comes with instructions. About $80 for both.
(click on highlited word for link)

[Anonymous]

Originally posted by gsetter

Try Train Tronics. They make a automatic revesing unit and a automatic turnout control. I don't know anything about them like what it doesn't include or how to hook it up, but it comes with instructions. About $80 for both.
(click on highlited word for link)


[/quote

Thank you for the link, but of course like you said the page leaves much info left out! Altho, in theory, a reverse unit should work for trolley lines as well as reverse loop automation, at least all it does is switch polarity, which is what you need to happen with a reverse loop. however, it probably is reed-magnet technology which means its old and not very reliable. I saw some optical system on Dallee.com that looks to be what i need, has 5 amp capacity. I havent looked at the price yet, but i do have to purchase the accessorie sensors separate, plus the expansion relay switch to do the switching. I am going to look at the prices right now and see what it will cost. I dont expect it to be cheap, because I am using regular DC analog power for my trains---the cheap stuff is for DCC systems.


Anyone else who has automated DC reverse loops chime in on what you bought!

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