hi, ok i'm sure this has been discussed on here in length, so what reverse loop module best suits a nce dcc system. i know digitrax, mrc, lenz. psx and bachman all have them, but which one is the best in compatability and reliability.
The "best" is probably the PSX-AR by DCC Specialties. Sold by Tony's Train Exchange and others for about $45. Adjustable trip values for the circuit breaker, can automate the in/out turnout.
The PSX-AR is a highly reliable auto-reverser. It is a solid state unit that reacts quickly to an electrical short. I have four of them on my layout.
The Digitrax AR-1 relies on a mechanical relay to correct an electrical short and, as such, it reacts a bit slower. Because of this, the AR-1 can be problematic if it is placed downstream from solid state units such as a PSX circuit breaker.
The AR-1 is a lot less expensive than the PSX-AR, so it all depends upon the rest of the electronic setup on your layout. At one time, I used AR-1s for my reversing sections, but when I decided to create power districts and protect them with circuit breakers, the AR-1s became less reliable, so I replaced them with PSX-AR units.
Rich
Alton Junction
A member of my club has a reverse loop Y on his layout and uses the PSX-AR. Works like a charm. I am with Rich and Roger on this one.
Bear "It's all about having fun."
I've got a couple of PS-REV units. They're the older version of the PSX-AR. After 10 years, they're still working flawlessly.
It takes an iron man to play with a toy iron horse.
Tamvalley dual frog juicers works well, just installed a second reverse loop on my layout last night using a FJ flawless easy installation. If you want make it automatic (switching the switch) go with DCC SP PSX-AR works very well. I use a Power Pro 5 amp system no problems with either one.
One more vote for the PSX-AR from Tony's. Solid state and reliable. I have two that are about 15 years old, and they are as good as ever. They were about $25 then; about $45 now. But there are a couple of models, some with additional features, I think. Mine do reversing and power management. If there's a short in the loop, the PSX-AR does not shut down the rest of the layout.
I also have a Digitrax AR-1. It is a mechanical relay sort of thing. It makes an audible 'click' when a train passes the insulated gap whether the polarity is reversed or not. But that is not necessarily a problem because every reversing section either starts or ends at a turnout, and there is the normal 'clickity-clack' as the train crosses the turnout frog anyway.
Robert
LINK to SNSR Blog
I have a NCE 5A Powerhouse Pro system and have 2 OG-AR auto-reversers that are 6 yrs and counting, no issues. I knew I did not want one with a relay, so the discussion started there. They are now $32 and I chose them basis conversation with a Tony's fellow, which I highly recommend for peace of mind regarding what will work well with your particular system and intended use (amps per power sub-district, etc.). Note that it is NOT for use with the NCE Powercab nor Digitrax Zephyr, thus I encourage that talk with Tony's.
The PSX-AR is showing at $54 now. So if the extra $ are not a biggie, or your system might need the adjustability of the trip setting, etc., that might be your need (or preference).
https://tonystrains.com/product-category/products/auto_reverser/
Another consideration is features such as trip indicators and related connections. I did not consider that in making my choice, early in the layout process. My reversers / circuit breakers are under the table so I can not see any indicator lights. In the OG-AR case, I was lucky that there are easy connection points for external LEDs to flash when the breaker trips (short circuit) so I added LEDs to my track diagram on my control panel, a nice feature as I can tell at a glance that a short has occurred in one of my 3 sub-districts.
Paul
Modeling HO with a transition era UP bent