Small N scale layout using Kato Unitrack, Digitrtax DCC, Zephyr Extra, AR1 reversing module. Kato F7AB consist or a Kato U23 pulling a two car train.
Can't get either loco through the loop without either unit stopping and the headlight going out although there is no apparent short and the track power light remains lit on the Zepher. When I manually move the train forward the headlight will come on and the wheels will turn but only for an instant. Move it further and it will happen again, etc.
Appreciate your input
Jerry
Sounds like either bad pickup (dirty track), or you don't have the AR1 adjusted properly.
Can you hear the relay on the AR1 click as the train enters/leaves the reverse loop? You may have to listen carefully as its hard to hear if you have the AR1 mounted under the benchwork.
Did you just construct the reverse loop and put the AR-1 in place?
Rich
Alton Junction
Do you have both ends of the reversing loop isolated from the rest of the layout with insulated rail joiners?
What make and model of turnout?
It takes an iron man to play with a toy iron horse.
Thanks Stevert. Well I had just cleaned the track (and loco) prior to assembling the loop so it should be ok. I have adjusted the AR1 the full range, a quarter of a turn at a time, as I attempted to get the loco through the loop.
Working with the U23 I actually got it through 2/3rd's of the loop. It stopped at a turnout that diverts to an outside siding, had no power to the wheels (though the track power light remained on) and started again as it crossed the insulated rail joiners near the end of the loop.
No, it's part of a complete layout.
Yes I do. I have two outside diverging turnouts, one on each side of the loop but other then that it's a simple reversing loop. I followed the Digitrax diagram when I put my insulated rail joiners in place and also wired it according to the diagram.
It is a Kato Unitrack 20-202 Electric Turnout (Left) #6.
midcon077 explained: Yes I do. I have two outside diverging turnouts...
Yes I do. I have two outside diverging turnouts...
Hmmmm. Where do they go? Do they connect back to the rest of the layout, or are they isolated sidings? Are they perhaps powered from feeders off the main layout? This could be your problem If you run sidings off a reverse loop, they must be powered from the reverser unit. If they run back to the layout, they must be isolated.
We need a track plan, otherwise we are all submitting our best guess.
It could be the wiring, it could be the gaps, it could be turnouts.
midcon077 No, it's part of a complete layout.
It's not clear if this reverse loop is new or part of an existing layout. Has the AR-1 just been added, or was it there and working in the past?
I'll figure out how to get a diagram posted here. I understand how difficult it is without one and if I was on the other end I'd be asking for the same same info. Pretty much tied up today but I'll try to get something up early this week. Thanks for all of your replies.
However MisterBeasley may have hit on something with the turnouts.
Well MisterBeasley nailed it. The problem was indeed with the power feeds to the turnouts. It is fixed now and working well. Thanks to all for your help.