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Polarity reverser compatability

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  • Member since
    September 2002
  • 7,477 posts
Polarity reverser compatability
Posted by ndbprr on Sunday, September 5, 2010 3:01 PM

Wil a Digitrax reverser work with an NCE DCC system?

  • Member since
    December 2004
  • From: Bedford, MA, USA
  • 21,408 posts
Posted by MisterBeasley on Sunday, September 5, 2010 6:31 PM

Having not personally tried that configuration, I can't say absolutely for sure.

However, auto-reverse units are "trackside" devices.  They attach directly to the rails, on the DCC track bus.  Therefore, they are subject to the NMRA standards, and they all must conform to this.  It should give you no trouble at all.

I use a Tony's Trains auto-reverse unit on my Lenz system.  For the same reason, it works fine.

It takes an iron man to play with a toy iron horse. 

  • Member since
    July 2003
  • From: Sierra Vista, Arizona
  • 13,757 posts
Posted by cacole on Sunday, September 5, 2010 7:40 PM

Yes, an auto-reverse module has no bearing on which DCC system you are using because they are not connected to the command station.

  • Member since
    November 2002
  • From: Colorado
  • 4,075 posts
Posted by fwright on Sunday, September 5, 2010 8:49 PM

ndbprr

Wil a Digitrax reverser work with an NCE DCC system?

Actually, I believe there was an issue with the original NCE Super Booster.  The current limiter in the Super Booster was faster then any of the auto-reversers, preventing them from working correctly.

IIRC, the revised (current production) Super Booster has had this issue fixed, and now works correctly with auto-reversers of most makes and models.

Other NCE boosters never had the problem to begin with.

Fred W

  • Member since
    July 2006
  • 3,312 posts
Posted by locoi1sa on Sunday, September 5, 2010 9:13 PM

  You may have an issue if you are using a Power Cab. The NCE Power Cab has a low tolerance on shorts and will trip faster then the auto reverser will act. The only auto reverser I have found to work with the Power Cab is a PSX-AR. They are made by DCC specialties and cost around $40. The latest version is set up right out of the package to work with all DCC systems. I just installed some on our club layout and work better than expected.

     Pete

 I pray every day I break even, Cause I can really use the money!

 I started with nothing and still have most of it left!

  • Member since
    February 2002
  • From: Reading, PA
  • 30,002 posts
Posted by rrinker on Monday, September 6, 2010 12:26 PM

AR1's should work on any system. They are infinitely adjustable (there's a potentiometer to adjust sensitivity). The non-adjustable types may have problems with systems that trip too fast or are too touchy and can't be adjusted.

                     --Randy

 


Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's

 

Visit my web site at www.readingeastpenn.com for construction updates, DCC Info, and more.

  • Member since
    July 2006
  • From: Sebring FL
  • 841 posts
Posted by floridaflyer on Monday, September 6, 2010 3:05 PM

I believe the PSX-AR needs to be adjusted for the lower power sets like Zephyr and Powercab, or else the unit will shut down before the reverser trips.

  • Member since
    July 2006
  • From: Sun City, AZ
  • 30 posts
Posted by jackwade on Tuesday, September 7, 2010 3:49 AM

I am using 4 Ar-1 on mine and I have the SB3A booster.

Steam Rules! Jack

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