I have a Digitrax Super Chief and would like some info on using it to automatically control my reverse loops. I will have 2 reverse loops on my N scale layout and am wondering about what is available to control them, are they dependable? What are they called? I looked around at Tony's Trains and couldn't find any, probably because I don't know what I am looking for. I know I have seen them before, Can I use one controller for both loops or do I need to purchase 2 of them?
Any info on the subject will be useful. Thanks. Mike
You want the PSX-AR, on this page:
http://www.tonystrains.com/products/dccspecialties.htm
These are very good. I've got 2 of the earlier models from Tony's, and I've been very happy with mine. They are all solid-state, so they respond very quickly. Some of the cheaper reversers use relays, which are much slower. This speed difference could be significant if you're running sound engines that suddenly reset when they get to the end of the reversing section and the unit doesn't flip quickly enough for them.
If you can be sure that you will never, ever have more than one train in any reverse loop at the same time, you could get away with one dedicated reverser for each loop.
It takes an iron man to play with a toy iron horse.
Thanks Mr.B. Do these control the track polarity or the turnous? Mike
what about digitrax ar1
Hi Mike,
Since you have a Digitrax Super Chief, I assume that you plan on expansion of your layout, at some later date. I have a fairly large HO layout and am using the Digitrax Super Chief. I have several Digitrax AR-1s and three Digitrax PM42 The PM42 handles the short circuit management or reverse loops for each sub- district. PM42 ($79.95) is cost efficient, since $79.95/4=$20/ reverse loop. The instruction manual states, "Each PM42 requires 12 TO 18V AC or DC 125mA power supply (sold separately, eg. Digitrax PS12 DO NOT share a power supply between your PM42 and any command station or booster on the layout." Bob Hahn\
k4danwhat about digitrax ar1
AR1 won't control your switch machine. You would need an additional accessory decoder for that. AR1 is also old technology that may work for you. I have two on NTRAK modules that function quite well.
The DCC Specialty's PSXAR is all solid state and will do so much more. Just be sure to get the right one for your switch machines.
Martin Myers
bob,
so the pm42 may be used as a reverser and or power district. 4 total mix or match?
sorry for butting but i also will be needing these in the near future. thanks dan
im following this thread to and wondering ,what is getting reversed the buss or the decoder in the locco,cause if its the buss wouldnt any other train coming up that buss be reversed too? like I say just following along and trying to understand for a plan I have ...jerry
the bus gets reversed, but as the decoder determines direction of travel everything keeps moving as is. it doesn't like DC have a + & - as such as it is effectively AC current with signals .so it is not really reversing the polarity as it is doing that itself all the time, it is actually matching the phases of the adjacent sections. even AC doesn't like it when you join 2 sides together so you need to make sure when sections touch they are the same phase.
ok ,so if my plan were say a dog bone say 50 ' long with the strait sections pulled in close to form double track main (one east one west) I would or would not be able to have a cross over track ? if Im understanding ,this is where I would need one of those gizmos to reverse the signal yes no ?...jerry
Yes. The crossover is what makes it a reversing section.
Keep in mind that DCC reverse sections are handled differently than DC reverse sections.
On DC, the next block that does not match polarity is swapped so that the rails match when the engine crosses into it.
ON DCC, the train is in the section that does not match and as it crosses to an unmatched section, the autoreverser swaps rail "polarity" (phase) right under the engine. It happens so quickly that you don't notice it happening.
BIG JERR ok ,so if my plan were say a dog bone say 50 ' long with the strait sections pulled in close to form double track main (one east one west) I would or would not be able to have a cross over track ? if Im understanding ,this is where I would need one of those gizmos to reverse the signal yes no ?...jerry
check this out, just your situation i think
http://www.newrailwaymodellers.co.uk/Forums/viewtopic.php?f=27&t=19929