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psx ar good or bad

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  • Member since
    July 2006
  • 3,312 posts
Posted by locoi1sa on Wednesday, November 24, 2010 5:59 PM

You can download the installation instructions at DCC Specialties. Automatic control will be in there also.

http://www.dccspecialties.com/products/powershield_x.htm

    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!

  • Member since
    February 2010
  • 191 posts
Posted by bnsf0823 on Wednesday, November 24, 2010 5:18 PM

will the psx ar hook directly up to a tortois switch machine or will i have to get decoders to beable to have the psx ar throw the switch to make sure the turnout it lined up to exit the loop. does it come with a photocell sensor?  I have one on order, how easy are they to install?  Thanks ,

  • Member since
    February 2010
  • 191 posts
Posted by bnsf0823 on Wednesday, November 24, 2010 5:13 PM

Thanks

 

gpa
  • Member since
    October 2008
  • From: Seattle
  • 82 posts
Posted by gpa on Tuesday, November 23, 2010 6:42 PM

I have four. All are excellent.

I use the turnout decoder on three of them.

I use one to automate a reverse loop balloon track. The stall motor version is just too slow for me, so I sold it and got a snap coil version for the auto throw.

I use the slow motion turnout decoder on two of them to drive relays that alternate between two different photocells, which are used to activate the automatic shut-off of the two PSX-ARs at both ends of a two reversing staging tracks.

The turnout decoder only throws the turnout when the polarity is flipped.

As for reversing, I haven't had a single problem.

  • Member since
    December 2004
  • From: Pa.
  • 3,361 posts
Posted by DigitalGriffin on Sunday, November 21, 2010 8:12 AM

It's as cheap as purchasing a good circuit breaker + seperate auto reverser.  The PSX-AR is a circuit breaker and auto reverser in one unit.  And it comes with pin out sockets for status information (block occupied, short, auto reverse current).  It's quick, it's silent, and accurate.  It breaks both lines of power when there is a short.

I found myself fiddling with the trim on the Digitrax auto reverser.  Too much one way would trip the breaker, too much the other way would cause it to trip repeatidly till it stablized, causing a momentary "stop". 

Don - Specializing in layout DC->DCC conversions

Modeling C&O transition era and steel industries There's Nothing Like Big Steam!

  • Member since
    February 2007
  • From: Shenandoah Valley The Home Of Patsy Cline
  • 1,842 posts
Posted by superbe on Saturday, November 20, 2010 4:36 PM

There are two reverse loops on my layout with two PS ARs. Like others have said , they work flawlessly.

I also have a PSX 1 cuircuit breaker installed between the power supply and the main buss. I'm sure that it has been worth the money.

Happy Railroading

Bob

  • Member since
    February 2005
  • From: Vancouver Island, BC
  • 23,330 posts
Posted by selector on Saturday, November 20, 2010 3:55 PM

No, I use manual turnout control ahead of the engine.  I just prefer it that way.  So, mine is merely an auto-reverser.  A very slick and reliable reverser it is, too.  You won't hear a thing.  No relays clicking.

Crandell

  • Member since
    February 2010
  • 191 posts
Posted by bnsf0823 on Saturday, November 20, 2010 1:45 PM

Have you used one that autoreverses and throws the switch.  Thanks for your input

  • Member since
    July 2008
  • 1,206 posts
Posted by mfm37 on Saturday, November 20, 2010 11:44 AM

PSX AR = Great

  • Member since
    February 2005
  • From: Vancouver Island, BC
  • 23,330 posts
Posted by selector on Saturday, November 20, 2010 10:59 AM

I installed a new one under my yard complex and tested it with an actual train.  Then I forgot about it.

I think it's still there....?  Smile, Wink & Grin

Crandell

  • Member since
    February 2010
  • 191 posts
psx ar good or bad
Posted by bnsf0823 on Saturday, November 20, 2010 10:47 AM

Im trying to decide whether or not i want to purchase the psx ar unit for my layout.  I have two reverse loops on my layout one on the top and one on the bottom level.  I was just wanting peoples opinion or experiences on this unit or any better ideas. thanks

 

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