Auto-Reversing Unit: AR1 vs. PSX-AR

[richhotrain]

There seems to be a fair amount of debate on this forum about the best auto-reversing unit.

While others, such as DCC Specialities and NCE, produce their own auto-reversing unit, the two most popular seem to be the Digitrax AR1 and the PSX-AR from Tony's Trains Exchange.

The AR1 costs around $30 and it is currently on sale at Walthers for $27.  The PSX-AR retails at $50.

I sometimes hear negative things about the AR1 but never about the PSX-AR. 

However, I currently have two AR1 units on my layout, and they operate flawlessly while producing a nearly inaudible click as they reverse polarity.  Given some recent modifications to my layout, I am about to purchase two more AR1 units.

I have no problem with the PSX-AR, just never bought any. 

But, my question is:  Is the PSX-AR really worth $20 to $23 more than the AR1?

Rich

[retsignalmtr]

I put an AR 1 on a wye on my clubs layout several years ago. It's been working fine.

If you have been happy with the AR 1 why change? Everyone has a preference for one or the other. You like the AR 1. stick with them and save some money.

[Vail and Southwestern RR]

It's not a big deal, but the PSX-AR is DCC Specialties' autoreverser.  It's the updated version of what used to be Tony's Trains version.  

I like the idea of the solid state reverser, rather than the relay reverser, mainly because it switches more quickly, less because of the lack of relay click.  That being said, I wouldn't want to claim that was actually worth $20.  Though it's the choice I made.  They should both work, and do the job fine, and they both do on many layouts every day.

[Mike-Ike Man]

The PSX-AR is also a solid state circuit breaker as well as a reverser.  It has worked flawlessly for me in both reverse loops and wyes for several years.  I'm an EasyDCC user, so have no experence with Digitrax other than trying to operate on other folks layout with DIgitrax systems.

Gene S.

[Motley]

I had the AR1 and I couldn't stand the clicking noises from it. Also I couldn't really get it tuned right, sometimes it shorted out the system when my passenger cars would cross the gaps.

So I returned it and got the PSX-AR and it's been working perfectly, and it's completely silent. There's a reason why it costs more than the AR1.

[locoi1sa]

  Rich

 Your comparing apples to oranges. The PSX AR is also a decoder and breaker. I believe it can handle more reverse loops then one. The PSX OG is just an breaker and reverser. It retails around $30. They are both solid state and have no mechanical relays as in the AR. Tonys web site has a comparison on auto reversers but it is a few years old.

      Pete

[steamfreightboy]

locoi1sa

  Rich

 Your comparing apples to oranges. The PSX AR is also a decoder and breaker. I believe it can handle more reverse loops then one. The PSX OG is just an breaker and reverser. It retails around $30. They are both solid state and have no mechanical relays as in the AR. Tonys web site has a comparison on auto reversers but it is a few years old.

      Pete

Can you get a link?

[Vail and Southwestern RR]

The standard PSX-AR has only one reverser.  It does also function as a breaker.

Any reverser can control multiple sections, provided only one boundary at a time is crossed.

http://www.dccspecialties.com/products/powershield_x.htm

[locoi1sa]

  Here is the link to DCC specialties for the double reverse of the PSX-AR.

http://www.dccspecialties.com/products/psxar_double_reverse.htm

This is a 2005 tony's article about auto reversers. The AR1 is not listed.

http://www.tonystrains.com/technews/dcc_autoreversers.htm

   Pete

[Vail and Southwestern RR]

The double reverse is a software mode that allows two PSX-AR's to be used back-to-back.  In general, I would think the layout design would make that unnecessary, but I guess there could be situations where it is handy.

[MisterBeasley]

I have 2 PS-REV units, the predecessors to the PSX-AR.  They've been in service for 5 or 6 years now.  They work perfectly.

One of these controls a reversing track that goes diagonally across an oval.  So, it's a shorter-than-desired reversing section, and it's not unusual for the engine to reach the end of the reversing section before the caboose or observation car has entered.  This is supposed to cause a problem, as both ends of the reversing section are trying to flip almost simultaneously.  What I've found, though, is that most of the time there is no problem.  The "flip time" for the solid-state revereser is so fast that it can accomplish this tricky task and not stop the train.

I don't advise designing short reversing sections "just because you can," but this is one case where the higher speed of a solid-state circuit can pay dividends.