Yes you use Ops Mode. No, you can;t read back in Ops Mode - but there's little reason to. The value in the CV is whatever you last programmed it to. Put the program jumper on, select loco 01 ont eh Zephyr - and make sure you have no loco with 01 on the track, or it will get programmed too. Prec Program until the duispaly syas Po for Ops Mode. Press CV, enter 49, press CV, enter the value from the chart in the instructions, then press CV WR. That should be it.
The PSX-AR needs to be connected to the main track outputs, NOT the program track, to do this.
--Randy
Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's
Visit my web site at www.readingeastpenn.com for construction updates, DCC Info, and more.
In a perfect world, everyone would use the Digitrax AR-1 for their auto-reversing needs and stop messing around with the impossibly finicky PSX-AR.
Until then, our poor model railroading bretheren will need to struggle with their auto-reversing needs.
Rich
Alton Junction
richhotrain In a perfect world, everyone would use the Digitrax AR-1 for their auto-reversing needs and stop messing around with the impossibly finicky PSX-AR. Until then, our poor model railroading bretheren will need to struggle with their auto-reversing needs. Rich
The PSX-AR works fine. All the poster needed to do was follow the directions. It's not that hard.
Jeff But it's a dry heat!
JRP I still have my 2(two) AR-1's sitting in a box if anyone is interested. JRP
I still have my 2(two) AR-1's sitting in a box if anyone is interested.
JRP
Nuts, i just added to more AR-1's to my layout a month ago. Otherwise, I would take you up on your offer.
Put them on eBay.
The AR-1 is a good unit for auto reversing with a few exceptions. in a case where you would like to add circuit breakers to you layout you become limited on the auto reverser you can use. Relay based (mechanical) auto reversers and solid state circuit breakers do not play well together, especially if you are using them at a block boundary. They work fine if they are not at a block boundary.
The AR-1 works fine with a Solid state circuit breaker it is used with in the district of the circuit breaker (see my first image). Problems arise when you use the AR-1 with multiple circuit breakers (my second image. The problem arises because the AR-1 is a mechanical relay and has much slower trip time than its solid state counterpart. The solid state circuit breaker ( in this case CB-1or CB-3 depending on which way you are running) )will trip before the auto reverser and cause a temporary shutdown until the auto reverser has time to correct itself (there is still power to CB 2). This is simply because it is a mechanical device and it can't match the speed of a solid state device.
Each has their purpose. I used a PSX-AR in lew of a combination of the AR-1 an the PSX-CB because it can switch as the same speed as the breaker and doesn''t cause a temporary shut down. I have both of these examples on my layout.
if you are using a circuit breaker like a digitrax PM-42 with a AR-1 you won't see this problem as they both use relays.
Colorado Front Range Railroad: http://www.coloradofrontrangerr.com/
Renegade,
Nice job explaining the differences. I have four AR-1's on a pretty good size layout, but I don't use any circuit breakers. So, maybe that is the difference.
But, I have never had any problems with any of my AR-1's, and I rarely read about anyone else having problems with the AR-1. Yet, I constantly read about issues with the PSX-AR. Maybe, the PSX-AR is just too complicated for the average guy.
JRP All this information is very good to know. But I have asked Tony's to send me a new PSX-AR to try out. I told them if that does not work, then my track or wiring is to blame. If it works, the board I now have is most likely at fault. Changing CV49 did not work for some reason. But like I said, it may be the board anyway. Will let you all know once I swap them out. Do I dare go back to the AR-1's? Thanks. JRP
All this information is very good to know. But I have asked Tony's to send me a new PSX-AR to try out. I told them if that does not work, then my track or wiring is to blame. If it works, the board I now have is most likely at fault. Changing CV49 did not work for some reason. But like I said, it may be the board anyway. Will let you all know once I swap them out. Do I dare go back to the AR-1's? Thanks. JRP
If the AR-1 worked for you before, then by all means go back to it. Why try to fix what ain't broken?
It is my belief that the PSX-AR is a highly complicated auto-reverse unit because it is much more than a simple auto-reverse unit. The PSX-AR is both an auto-reverse unit and a circuit breaker. So, it takes more knowledge to work with it effectively, and it is overkill for simple layouts, even large layouts that do not depend upon boosters and separate power districts. It also costs twice as much as the Digutrax AR-1.
I took the liberty to cut and paste the description of the PSX-AR from the DCC Specialties web site. A review of this description clearly indicates the extensive capabilities of the unit but also its complexity.
All Solid State Operation: Fast, all solid state design with reliable quiet action…..no clicks or sparks.
Automatic Coordination of Auto Reverse and Circuit Breaker Tasks: It is both a auto reverser and a circuit breaker.
Automates Reverse Loop Turnouts: Integrated Stall Motor or Snap Coil Decoder, automatically lines up switch machines when the polarity is reversed. Switch machine can also be controlled with standard DCC Accessory Commands or push buttons.
Adaptive Load Reset: Electronically determines if the overload is a real short or due to excess capacitance in sound decoders or lighted passenger cars.
Boost for Low Power Systems: Some low power DCC Systems boosters need a boost when resetting. Adding this jumper helps reset low power output systems.
Block Detection: Either a photo cell or current can be used to detect a train in a block. The photocell can turn off the block. ADCC command can then restore the power.
Auto Stop with CV Reset: A photocell can detect a train in the reverse section and turn off power. A DCC command can then restore the power.
Over Voltage Protection: If there is over voltage on the track caused by a DCC System failure or other power inputs the PSX will shut down and protect decoders
Wide Range of Current Trip Setting: The currents can be adjusted over a range of 1.27 to 17.8 amps. Values can be set either with CV settings or Jumpers.
Very Low Voltage Drop: Breaker On resistance is less than 0.060 ohms, so the PSX has a low voltage drop even at high currents. Much better than detectors that use a diode voltage drop.
Manual or Automatic Reset: Automatic reset of the breaker or use a switch for a manual reset.
Power On/Off by DCC: Turn on/off output track power with your DCC Throttle!
Outputs for LED Indicators: LEDs can be added to monitor the input/output power and the status.
System Reset: CV63=42 sets all CVs to original factory values.
Output for Audio Alert: An audible sounder can be added to the card to alert if there is a short.
No Power Supply Needed: Board size: is 5 3/4 by 3 3/4 inches, designed to fit standard Radio Shack Enclosure.
Flash Programmable: Micro Processor can accept updated software if needed.