Hi guys.
Has any one tried to hook up the track terminals of the TT to DCC? I thought if I could add an auto reverser to the track terminals it would work ok. I would leave the TT control wires hooked to the AC terminals of the old power pack.
Pete
I pray every day I break even, Cause I can really use the money!
I started with nothing and still have most of it left!
It depends on which Walthers 90' TT you are talking about. The 'kit' version may need an auto reverser as designed, but that is the least of it's problems. Most that I have seen have the actual pit molded out of round, and there is a plastic center bearing that is poor. I actually used one with an Atlas TT under it to drive it. That took care of the polarity reversal. I also replace the plastic bearing with a metal bearing form the local ACE Hardware store. Total cost was:
About $70 for all the parts and two evenings to build it.
Then I bought the $300 ready to run 90' TT - simple install, and it works perfect! I got mine for about $200 through a mail order shop. Walthers is now advertising a DCC controlled version for even more money. Mine works fine with DCC right now(I really do not need to control it from my throttle).
Jim
Modeling BNSF and Milwaukee Road in SW Wisconsin
locoi1sa Hi guys. Has any one tried to hook up the track terminals of the TT to DCC? I thought if I could add an auto reverser to the track terminals it would work ok. I would leave the TT control wires hooked to the AC terminals of the old power pack. Pete
Pete,
I am not sure why I am even responding after reading Jim Bernier's response. It says it all.
So, my only question is which Walther's 90' turntable do you have, the older non-indexed version or the newer non-DCC indexed version?
As Jim pointed out, the non-DCC indexed version already works fine on a DCC-powered layout and has an auto-reverser already built in. You probably already know that, so are you trying to convert the TT to DCC so you can operate it from a hand held throttle?
Rich
P.S. You may recall long ago that you responded to my complaint about steamers constantly derailing, and your only advice was to refine my trackwork or putting it your way, "Fix the humps". I did so, and I thank you every day. LOL.
Alton Junction
richhotrain ...the non-DCC indexed version already works fine on a DCC-powered layout and has an auto-reverser already built in...
...the non-DCC indexed version already works fine on a DCC-powered layout and has an auto-reverser already built in...
Rich, it may be useful for those looking on to point out that an auto-reverser, as most would use that term in the hobby, implies an electronic monitoring device that will automatically correct polarity faults at a designated place on a layout. In the case of the indexed TT introduced four years ago, it has a passive ability to correct polarity orientation mismatches that is called a "split rail" design where the wipers cross a gap at about the same time that the bridge traverses through 90 degrees of rotation.
Crandell
selector richhotrain: ...the non-DCC indexed version already works fine on a DCC-powered layout and has an auto-reverser already built in... Rich, it may be useful for those looking on to point out that an auto-reverser, as most would use that term in the hobby, implies an electronic monitoring device that will automatically correct polarity faults at a designated place on a layout. In the case of the indexed TT introduced four years ago, it has a passive ability to correct polarity orientation mismatches that is called a "split rail" design where the wipers cross a gap at about the same time that the bridge traverses through 90 degrees of rotation. Crandell
richhotrain: ...the non-DCC indexed version already works fine on a DCC-powered layout and has an auto-reverser already built in...
Ahhh, Crandell, thanks for pointing out that distinction. In a separate thread that I authored this morning in which I stated that the TT comes with an auto-reverser, Tom Diehl remarked, "Sounds like you're confusing a DCC type auto reversing circuit with the mechanical reversing mechanism in the turntable." Apparently that is what he meant as well.
What the installation instructions that come with the TT say is, "Your new turntable automatically reverses track polarity when turned".
Sorry for any confusion that I may have caused.
Thanks guys.
This TT is on a friends layout that he is converting to DCC from DC. It is the indexed version ready to run. He asked me if it would work on DCC. I was not absolutely positive it would. The most I can picture is needing an auto reverse unit to automatically change polarity. He does not want to control it with his throttle. It has the little box with the buttons that indexes it.
I gather from the replies that it works on DCC even without an auto reverser? I feel he may need one due to several lead in tracks and 2 round houses across from each other.
Thank again.
locoi1sa Thanks guys. This TT is on a friends layout that he is converting to DCC from DC. It is the indexed version ready to run. He asked me if it would work on DCC. I was not absolutely positive it would. The most I can picture is needing an auto reverse unit to automatically change polarity. He does not want to control it with his throttle. It has the little box with the buttons that indexes it. I gather from the replies that it works on DCC even without an auto reverser? I feel he may need one due to several lead in tracks and 2 round houses across from each other. Thank again. Pete
As you describe it, that 90' turntable with the small control box with the buttons that indexes it will run just fine once your friend converts from DC to DCC. The turntable reverses polarity automatically without the need for a separate auto-reversing unit.
Thanks Rich.
I will let him know. Depending on where he put the dead spot and all the approach tracks. Even if there is a short a simple DCC specialties OG-AR is a simple install.
I tried to reply last night but the site took too long to load. It was like it was back to the old dial up.
locoi1sa I tried to reply last night but the site took too long to load. It was like it was back to the old dial up. Pete
Yeah, what was up with that?
Rich.
I don't know whats going on with the MR forums lately. I keep getting time outs and very slow loadings. Any other web site I try even Ebay is instant load up. This has just started happening starting yesterday. Is it acting up on your computer also?
I just went back and re-read this thread after posting my own thread on the Walthers 130' TT and my need to install an auto-reversing unit in spite of the built-in reversing mechanism on the TT.
What happened on your friend's layout?
Can you update us?
Thanks.