I have just gotten back in to model trains since my youth. A lot has changed for the better. In my new layout I have a reverse loop. I am using a Digitrax DCC system. I installed what I think is referred to as an auto-reverser to handle the polarity issue created by the loop. I have used plastic rail joiners at the end of each switch in and out of the loop. My problem is that on one switch coming into the loop the engine stops. I have 9 engines. A few will hesitate and go through if the speed is jacked up, but most will not. On the other end of the loop trains enter and exit without missing a beat. I believe I have hooked up the auto-reverser correctly. How do I address and fix the problem. I am not an electrical type person. In fact I do not like wiring and that is why I selected DCC. Can someone give me an answer in simple and easy to explain terms? Thanks
When they heistate, is there any indication that there is a short? If not, it may be the switch that needs some tweaking and you locos are indeed just losing power. If it's actually shortign out, double check the plastic joiners and make sure both rails are truly isolated. And which autoreverser did you get? Some are adjustable and you might have to tweak it for optimum operation.
ALso check that all power to any track between the plastic joiners comes ONLY from the autoreverser device. There should be no other track power connectiosn except to the autoreverser, or there will be problems. If there is only one track connection fromt eh autoreverser - is it near the end that works? It could be that you need additional feeders to prevent power loss over the distance of the reverse loop.
Andfinally, you mention two switches - cna you post a diagram of your track plan at all, it could be that the gaps are in the wrong position for your track arrangement.
--Randy
Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's
Visit my web site at www.readingeastpenn.com for construction updates, DCC Info, and more.
For starters, it would be very helpful to see a track plan. Can you post one?
You mention more than one "switch", or turnout, affecting your reverse loop. Often it is one turnout that affects a reverse loop since the reverse loop folds back onto itself at the point of the turnout. Your track plan should include a diagram of the multiple turnouts and the position of the rail gaps (plastic insulators).
Also, what specific type of Digitrax DCC system are you using? What brand of auto reverser. The proper way to wire an auto reverse unit is to wire a pair of feeder wires from the main bus to the input side of the auto reverse unit. Any and all of the feeder wires that power the track inside the reverse loop should be wired to the output side of the auto reverse unit. No feeders from the reverse loop should reach the main bus. No feeders from the main bus should reach the reverse loop.
if there is a shorting issue on your layout due to reverse polarity, no engine should be able to proceed to enter the reverse loop without shutting down the power. A reverse polarity issue should cut power until the reverse polarity issue is resolved.
Typically, these reverse polarity issues are caused by (1) an improperly wired auto reverse unit (2) an improperly gapped track so that the reversing loop is not completely isolated or (3) a stray feeder wire that is improperly connected. Other issues include an improperly positioned or improperly adjusted auto reverse unit.
Tell us more and post a track diagram.
Rich
Alton Junction
I think Randy's suggestion that you check for "rogue" feeders is a good one. If the auto-reverser is hooked up right but there's a feeder going to the loop that doesn't belong there, that would explain the symptoms. Of course, these are the same symptoms that you might see if you had no auto-reverser at all, so double-check all of that wiring.
It takes an iron man to play with a toy iron horse.
Thanks for the replies. First, I need to find the paper work as to the brand of auto-reverser. I do recall it talking about bench work to tweek it if needed. I have no idea how to do any of what they said. I am simply not that electronically inclined. I am using a Digitrax Zephr system. As to a diagram,I can draw one but have no idea how to post or make it for the internet. I will first check the insulators, the wiring, and if all else fails ask for further assistance.I deeply appreciate all the comments, and if I could post a diagram I would as a picture is worth many more words. Thanks again.
If you cannot post a diagram, can you describe your layout, or the affected part of your layout?
Maybe we can draw the diagram if you can adequately describe it to us.
For example, is it a single track main line that branches into a loop off of a turnout and then reconnects to the single track main line via the same turnout?
If more than one turnout is involved, what function does the second turnout serve?
Take a shot at giving us a description.
Thanks to all I solved the problem.The issue was a feeder line that should not have been there. I appreciate the suggested solutions, and when applied I found the problem,
legaleaglerail Thanks to all I solved the problem.The issue was a feeder line that should not have been there. I appreciate the suggested solutions, and when applied I found the problem,
Congrats, those are the most rewarding solutions when you find the problem yourself.