I’d appreciate recommendations for auto reversers to control three areas on my HO layout: 1) a four track reversing loop staging area that runs through a wye, 2) a plain reversing loop and 3) a turntable. The staging is on a separate circuit from the other two. I’m using a NCE Power Cab which will eventually upgrade to radio.
Thanks!
Jim
Any of the available reversers should work. I like the Tam Valley "Dual Frog Juicer" /reversers. The "hex" juicer can be used as three separate auto reversers. They were recently redesigned to work well with the PowerCab. http://tamvalleydepot.com/products/dccpowerfrogjuicers.html
Rob Spangler
hardcoalcaseI’d appreciate recommendations for auto reversers to control three areas on my HO layout: 1) a four track reversing loop staging area that runs through a wye, 2) a plain reversing loop and 3) a turntable. The staging is on a separate circuit from the other two. I’m using a NCE Power Cab which will eventually upgrade to radio.
I have used almost every brand of auto-reverser out there from the MRC AD520 to the Tony's Trains/DCC Specialists PSX-AR (notable exception being the CVP ZoneMaster). All of them have performed just fine for me.
For your 4 track staging loop I think the MRC might be under powered as it can only handle 2 amps., so you might want to avoid that one for that section.
As for the other choices it depends on what is more important to you. Budget, silence, long term reliability, built in overload protection or brand name recognition. Then there are other considerations such as the Digitrax PM-42 has 4 auto-reversers on the same unit so you could get by with only 1. It might require a bit more finess to install. The CVP ZoneMaster-AR can handle continuous 7 amps., and a surge of 30. I don't know if you need that much power for that 4 track staging or not. Some units have a user adjustable trip setting to make it less sensitive to incedental shorts like passing through a turnout.
The turntable will obviously not need high speed or frequent switching so a low cost MRC might be the best way to go there.
Basically there are just too many options and considerations for forum members to make good recomendations. As long as the power consumption requirement is met so the unit doesn't fry, I think you will be OK.
What brand of turntable is it? Many of them include circuitry which handles the reversing for you, so you may not need a reverser there.
What do you mean by having the 4-track staging loop "on a separate circuit?" Is it on a booster, or is it isolated by a circuit breaker? Most auto-reversers are also circuit breakers, so you may be able to remove a component and use it elsewhere.
It takes an iron man to play with a toy iron horse.
Most auto reversers will not work with low current like the NCE power cab has. I think the PSX AR unit can because the current can be set on the board. I think you need to be really sure that whatever auto reverser you choose will be able to operate on low current, so you should download and read the instructions for the one you choose. If the instructions don't say, then email the company to make sure.
Elmer.
The above is my opinion, from an active and experienced Model Railroader in N scale and HO since 1961.
(Modeling Freelance, Eastern US, HO scale, in 1962, with NCE DCC for locomotive control and a stand alone LocoNet for block detection and signals.) http://waynes-trains.com/ at home, and N scale at the Club.
I tried two MRC reverser's with the Power Cab. They did not work. They did work with the NCE 5 amp Power Pro.
Rich
If you ever fall over in public, pick yourself up and say “sorry it’s been a while since I inhabited a body.” And just walk away.
I was new to DCC with my HO layout under construction. I found it convenient and reassuring to discuss my plans and options for DCC system choice and also particulars (subdistrict circuit breakers and auto reversers) directly with someone, so I could get my questions answered and also ensure the discussion surfaced and answered questions I didn't know I wanted to ask. In my case, I found Tony at Tony's Train Exchange very knowledgeable, patient and helpful. I had narrowed down my DCC system options to two vendors, but was quite unsure on the CB / reversers question. Someone had noted in the forum that Tony has an interest in some of the equipment companies, but he is glad to explain that, and I thought he gave me objective advice so I could choose comfortably. In my case for CBs and reversers, all I needed was the OG-CB (for the mainline) and 2 OG-ARs for the 2 reversing loops I have (the latter have some interior yards, etc.). Anyway, I found a 2-way discussion very helpful.
As an aside, the hobby is small enough that often one can talk with someone like Tony directly, or the MBKlein (modeltrainstuff.com) folks to get some really on point advice. Kinda the opposite of the hit-or-miss "tech support" helpers (too often reading from a cookbook) I get for the cellphone or TV providers.
Paul
Modeling HO with a transition era UP bent
Second Tony's as an excellent source. Bought two PSX-AR's for use my my Zephyer and they even calabrated the AR's for to lower power output of the Z. Both have run flawlessly