First I hope everyone had a very Merry Christmas and wish all a very hsppy New Year. The question I have is that I have a dcc layout with one reversing section controlled by a AR-1. I have some DC locos that I would like to run on the layout from time to time. I know how to connect the power to the layout to run DC or DCC and I know that I have to remove the DC locos off the layout before switching to DC, not a problem. What I do not know is how running DC on the layout is going to effect the AR-1. Anyone know?
Semi4 What I do not know is how running DC on the layout is going to effect the AR-1. Anyone know?
It's not supposed to work as a reverser with DC. Whether it will be damaged by connecting it to DC is the question.
I was thinking of a dual wired system as my DCC system does not support DC operation
Henry
COB Potomac & Northern
Shenandoah Valley
Semi4 First I hope everyone had a very Merry Christmas and wish all a very hsppy New Year. The question I have is that I have a dcc layout with one reversing section controlled by a AR-1. I have some DC locos that I would like to run on the layout from time to time. I know how to connect the power to the layout to run DC or DCC and I know that I have to remove the DC locos off the layout before switching to DC, not a problem. What I do not know is how running DC on the layout is going to effect the AR-1. Anyone know?
When the non-decoder (DC) loco is within a reversing section and another train passes the gap and causes that section to reverse polarity, the DC loco will abruptly reverse direction at full speed.
I don't know exactly what will happen as a DC loco crosses a gap. Never tried. I suppose it will stall there trying to go back-and-forth or maybe the DCC system will short and shut down.
I don't know about entire layouts that carry dual wiring and can run either/or.
Robert
LINK to SNSR Blog
Like running a DC loco on a DCC layout, which can be done with some but not all DCC systems, autoreversers won't work. The engine will likely go into the reverse section just fine, but when it reaches the other end, the polarity will reverse and so will the engine. If it gets far enough out of the loop, it will end up with a dead short and shut things down.
To run DC, you need to disconnect the AR and go back to old manual toggles.
It takes an iron man to play with a toy iron horse.