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MTH DCS system, Reverse loop wiring?

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  • Member since
    March 2007
  • From: South Carolina
  • 1,719 posts
Posted by Train Modeler on Monday, July 28, 2014 2:26 PM

SouthProT

I have just coverted to DCC after using DC cab control for many, many years.  Does anyone have any info on the recommend reverse loop wiring procedure for DCC or MTH's DCS control system?  Any info will be most appreciated.

 

 

MTH locos with DCS work just fine on my DCC layout with reverse loops wired for DCC, just fyi.

Richard

  • Member since
    December 2004
  • From: Bedford, MA, USA
  • 21,483 posts
Posted by MisterBeasley on Monday, July 28, 2014 10:23 AM

DCC has a device called an autoreverser.  Several companies make them.  This is the best solution.

In DCC, the polarity of the track signal doesn't matter, as the engine knows which way to go from the command signals.  So, the autoreverser will flip the polarity of the loop while the train is in it, so that the polarity is aligned again with the main when the train comes out.

And if you're in DCC, you want nothing to do with DCS.  The systems are not compatable.

It takes an iron man to play with a toy iron horse. 

  • Member since
    February 2002
  • From: Reading, PA
  • 30,002 posts
Posted by rrinker on Monday, July 28, 2014 10:02 AM

 With DCC, you can do exactly as you did with DC, except that you can flip the switch without stopping the train. It is more typical with DCC to reverse the polarity of the loop track, rather than the main, because this allows you to sue one of the manu autoreversing devices. For a simple balloon loop, use DPDT contacts on the switch machine to reverse the polarity of the loop trackage when the switch is thrown.

 For DCS, no idea if a DCC autoreverser would work. I doubt it. MTH should have something, or some recommendation. It's a non-issue with 3-rail.

             --Randy


Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's

 

Visit my web site at www.readingeastpenn.com for construction updates, DCC Info, and more.

  • Member since
    December 2001
  • 1,932 posts
Posted by Stevert on Monday, July 28, 2014 9:44 AM

First, DCS is most assuredly NOT the same as DCC. 

Having said that, you're probably better off asking this question in the Classic Toy Train forum.  DCS is more widely used for tinplate, so you're more likely to get an answer there. 

  • Member since
    July 2014
  • 2 posts
MTH DCS system, Reverse loop wiring?
Posted by SouthProT on Sunday, July 27, 2014 8:17 AM

I have just coverted to DCC after using DC cab control for many, many years.  Does anyone have any info on the recommend reverse loop wiring procedure for DCC or MTH's DCS control system?  Any info will be most appreciated.

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