gtw1969or maybe just keep it simple and hook up some kind of SPDT switch if that is possible.
gtw1969 CSX Robert,I think that might be the case as well. After going over every square inch of my wiring, I can't seem to find any faults. And you mentioning my Dynamis shorting out quickly.....that is happening. I have read about those other auto-reverse devices (solid state), and decided to go with the MRC because of cost (middle of the road really). I wish I had an MRC based command console to see if it works with it, but I don't. Looks like I might have to splurge and get the solid state version or maybe just keep it simple and hook up some kind of SPDT switch if that is possible.
CSX Robert,I think that might be the case as well. After going over every square inch of my wiring, I can't seem to find any faults. And you mentioning my Dynamis shorting out quickly.....that is happening. I have read about those other auto-reverse devices (solid state), and decided to go with the MRC because of cost (middle of the road really). I wish I had an MRC based command console to see if it works with it, but I don't. Looks like I might have to splurge and get the solid state version or maybe just keep it simple and hook up some kind of SPDT switch if that is possible.
gtw1969,
Keep us posted as to how this problem gets resolved. It will be interesting if a solid state reverser solves the porblem, since it seems that your wiring is in good order.
Good luck !
Rich
Alton Junction
The issue here is in the trip time/trip current. You don;t necessarily need a solid state reverser - the MRC one has absolutely no adjustments, whereas something like the Digitrax AR1 has a knob to adjust the trip current.
--Randy
Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's
Visit my web site at www.readingeastpenn.com for construction updates, DCC Info, and more.
rrinker The issue here is in the trip time/trip current. You don;t necessarily need a solid state reverser - the MRC one has absolutely no adjustments, whereas something like the Digitrax AR1 has a knob to adjust the trip current.
I used the AR1 for a reversing loop on my power cab layout and fought it for a long time, Finely gave it away. I use a DPDT, and throw it at the same time I through the diverting turnout. My theory is the circuit that protects the Power Cab trips before the AR1. I believe you will have trouble adjusting the AR1 to work with any low power command system. My others may disagree. Oh by the way in OP I thought your reference to a cross over meant a diamond type cross over, not a double turnout. Sorry.
Good luck
Lee
yankee flyer rrinker The issue here is in the trip time/trip current. You don;t necessarily need a solid state reverser - the MRC one has absolutely no adjustments, whereas something like the Digitrax AR1 has a knob to adjust the trip current. I used the AR1 for a reversing loop on my power cab layout and fought it for a long time, Finely gave it away. I use a DPDT, and throw it at the same time I through the diverting turnout. My theory is the circuit that protects the Power Cab trips before the AR1. I believe you will have trouble adjusting the AR1 to work with any low power command system. My others may disagree. Oh by the way in OP I thought your reference to a cross over meant a diamond type cross over, not a double turnout. Sorry. Good luck Lee
I have two Digitrax AR-1 reverser units on my layout and never have had a porblem. I have an NCE PH-Pro 5 amp DCC system. Doesn't the AR-1 work equally well on all DCC systems? Maybe not.
richhotrainI have two Digitrax AR-1 reverser units on my layout and never have had a porblem. I have an NCE PH-Pro 5 amp DCC system. Doesn't the AR-1 work equally well on all DCC systems? Maybe not.
That's my point, 5 amps is'nt low power. The Zephyr, Power Cab or something like that may not play well with AR1. I bought the Zephyr and AR1 together and could not get either one to work for any length of time. (no flame please) I then bought Power Cab and plugged it into same layout. No problems except for AR1. That's just my experience on my lay out.
Well guys, I decided to go with the DPDT switch. I gave it a try to see how it would be, and it's quite easy. Yeah it's not automatic, but only requires the operator to throw one switch while in the loop. Plus, it's difficult spending another chunk of change on a solid-state unit, not knowing if its really going to work or not for me.
So on to another "idea" I'm trying to come up with. Is there a way to control the whole setup with one DPDT. In other words, I have (2) tortoise machines that will control my crossover turnouts, plus the DPDT for the polarity change. Can I some how wire all of that together so that when I set the crossover for the train to enter the loop track it also matches the polarity of the main track. Then once the final car or caboose for my freight purposes, passes through the crossover, I flick the switch, and polarity is changed, and crossovers close at the same time. Make sense? Can it be done? Should I add indicator lights somehow in all of this? If so, what do I need. Sorry for all of the questions, but I am by far no electronics expert! lol
Thanks guys!!!
gtw1969So on to another "idea" I'm trying to come up with. Is there a way to control the whole setup with one DPDT. In other words, I have (2) tortoise machines that will control my crossover turnouts, plus the DPDT for the polarity change. Can I some how wire all of that together so that when I set the crossover for the train to enter the loop track it also matches the polarity of the main track. Then once the final car or caboose for my freight purposes, passes through the crossover, I flick the switch, and polarity is changed, and crossovers close at the same time. Make sense? Can it be done? Should I add indicator lights somehow in all of this? If so, what do I need. Sorry for all of the questions, but I am by far no electronics expert! lol Thanks guys!!!
Like I said I do the same thing with Atlas turn outs and their slide switches and motors. One slide switch throws the turn out motor It is positioned on my control panel so that when the train is ready to enter the turn around loop "Y" I throw the turn out slide switch to the direction I want to go and at the same time throw the DPDT track power switch in the same direction. of course you have to rotate the tract power switch so that it delivers power in the direction you want. On my crossover track one slide switch throws both turn out motors, because my track is a folded loop I don't have the polarity problem. Someone may make a 4P4T switch that would help your problem?On the other hand isn't the tortoise switch motor power routing?Someone else will have to expand on that subject.
gtw1969 Well guys, I decided to go with the DPDT switch. I gave it a try to see how it would be, and it's quite easy. Yeah it's not automatic, but only requires the operator to throw one switch while in the loop. Plus, it's difficult spending another chunk of change on a solid-state unit, not knowing if its really going to work or not for me.
I will say this. If the DPDT switch works, a solid state reverser will work.
Whenever I need a reverser, I first attempt the operation with a DPDT to "test" the arrangement.
If the DPDT switch works, the auto reverser will work.
gtw1969Is there a way to control the whole setup with one DPDT. In other words, I have (2) tortoise machines that will control my crossover turnouts, plus the DPDT for the polarity change. Can I some how wire all of that together so that when I set the crossover for the train to enter the loop track it also matches the polarity of the main track. Then once the final car or caboose for my freight purposes, passes through the crossover, I flick the switch, and polarity is changed, and crossovers close at the same time. Make sense? Can it be done?
The Zephyr will work fine with an AR1 - because you can adjust the trip speed. Leaving it at the default will probably mean no workie with the AR1 or any other auto reverser. Changing to the next slower setting from default will give time for the AR1 or other autoreverser to function before the Zephyr itself cuts power.
The PowerCab does not have any such adjustment. Neither does the SB3 which is why the pulled them off the market for a redesign. Neither one works very well with autoreversers and circuit breakers other than the NCE one which is just lightbulbs.
Really low power systems like EZ DCC will probably have problems no matter what, they just don't put out enough power AND they lack a trip speed adjustment.
Hey guys,I just wanted to follow up on my original post. This might help out someone else with a similar situation to mine, regarding reverse loops. I ended up going the simple route, typically used by "old school" DC operators, using a DPDT switch to control polarity with three insulator blocks setup near/on the crossover. My trains run flawlessly through the crossover this way. Then once the last car passes the crossover, I hit the polarity switch, and the train is good to complete the reverse loop. With me using the Bachmann Dynamis system and not having the funds to try out different auto-reverse modules to see if they work with my system, this approach made the most sense to me.
I have to say this is my first attempt at installing/using Tortoise switches and building a control panel for my layout. I'm VERY inpressed with the Tortoise switches and look forward installing the other twenty or so I have to do! Also looking forward to the wiring mess!...haha
Check out the pic I took of my new control panel for the cross-over area:
Thanks for all of your help!!!