Wiring Peco Electrofrog Crossing

[Anonymous]

I am having difficulty wiring a Peco Code 55 N Scale Crossover Electrofrog. I am planning on running DCC and I am not planning to run it as a return loop; just tracks crossing each other. The crossover has 4 wires on the backside and all combinations I try do not work. I've put feeder lines on all ends with no luck. I prefer not to use the double throw switch if possible. As you can tell I am new at wiring and the diagram that comes with the crossing does not make sense to me. I've managed to wire my double crossover with feeder lines on all ends and it works OK. Can anyone help me or recommend a book that can answer these questions. I appreciate any help, thanks, Bill

[cuyama]

Since it's an ElectroFrog crossing, you probably need an autoreverser or a DPDT switch because of the way the crossing is manufactured (that is, because of the way the rails come together). It makes the crossing more reliable, but creates shorts even when it's not part of a classic reversing track.

Of the two, of course the autoreverser will be much more convenient.

Wiring diagram here:
http://wiringfordcc.com/switches_peco.htm#a7

[Anonymous]

Thanks Cuyama, Your info is very helpful. I think I have a better understanding now but I am not familiar with autoreversers. Will it automatically change the current so the engine can continue through the crossover? Also, if I have multiple engines on the same track, will it affect the operations of the other trains on the same track? Thanks

[cuyama]

QUOTE: Originally posted by BillMar

Thanks Cuyama, Your info is very helpful. I think I have a better understanding now but I am not familiar with autoreversers. Will it automatically change the current so the engine can continue through the crossover? Also, if I have multiple engines on the same track, will it affect the operations of the other trains on the same track? Thanks

Assuming DCC, the action of the autoreverser is indeed automatic. No need to flip a switch or do anything else. That flip in polarity will have no effect on the engine going through the crossing nor on DCC engines elsewhere on the layout -- the decoders handle it transparently.

You will need to gap the crossing's rails as the PECO instructions and the site I referenced indicate.

Autoreversers run about $25-45. One source:
http://www.tonystrains.com/products/type_powerprotect.htm

Note that you need a unit that functions as an autoreverser, not just a circuit-breaker.