Dennis, the best of luck. Keep us posted.
Rich
Alton Junction
richhotrain Denver Next question: I want to use the PSX-AR [SC version] on the permanent reverse loop to not only change the polarity but also to automatically switch the Peco point motor. The documentation explains the electrical connections to make this work but not the logic of how it works. Has anyone done that or can comment on how and why and with what success? When the PSX-ARSC is wired to the Peco switch motor, the points are thrown on the Peco turnout when the polarity is reversed. To avoid a derailment on the turnout as the train exits the reverse loop, the train must be completely inside the reverse loop when the point rails are thrown. So, the reverse loop must be longer than the longest train using the loop, and there must be enough distance between the gaps and the turnout to permit the points to complete their move before the locomotive reaches the turnout. Since the Peco switch motor is a dual coil actuator, the PSX-ARSC will move the points more quickly than a stall motor such as a Tortoise. So, the distance between the gaps and the turnout need not be that great. Rich
Denver Next question: I want to use the PSX-AR [SC version] on the permanent reverse loop to not only change the polarity but also to automatically switch the Peco point motor. The documentation explains the electrical connections to make this work but not the logic of how it works. Has anyone done that or can comment on how and why and with what success?
Next question: I want to use the PSX-AR [SC version] on the permanent reverse loop to not only change the polarity but also to automatically switch the Peco point motor. The documentation explains the electrical connections to make this work but not the logic of how it works. Has anyone done that or can comment on how and why and with what success?
When the PSX-ARSC is wired to the Peco switch motor, the points are thrown on the Peco turnout when the polarity is reversed. To avoid a derailment on the turnout as the train exits the reverse loop, the train must be completely inside the reverse loop when the point rails are thrown.
So, the reverse loop must be longer than the longest train using the loop, and there must be enough distance between the gaps and the turnout to permit the points to complete their move before the locomotive reaches the turnout.
Since the Peco switch motor is a dual coil actuator, the PSX-ARSC will move the points more quickly than a stall motor such as a Tortoise. So, the distance between the gaps and the turnout need not be that great.
Thanks Rich, that fills in the bit i was was missing - 'when' the switch motor is changed. Will wire up and test shortly.
Dennis
peahrens I have two of the OG-ARs on my layout (used with NCE PowerPro 5A system). That have worked great for me. They are currently $32 plus shipping. I'm not aware of how to automate turnout control.
I have two of the OG-ARs on my layout (used with NCE PowerPro 5A system). That have worked great for me. They are currently $32 plus shipping.
I'm not aware of how to automate turnout control.
Thanks for that. I too have a NCE PowerPro 5A Radio sysytem which works great. I am sure that the OG-ARs will work fine and as you point bout they are a lot cheaper at $32.
However the PSX-AR also has contacts to switch point motors, which i guess is one of the reasons it is more expensive at $69.95.
Paul
Modeling HO with a transition era UP bent
richhotrain There must be a way to automate such an arrangement so you wouldn't need to manually throw a DPDT switch. Maybe an occupancy detector to stop a train from entering one reverse loop if there is a train in the other reverse loop. Where is Randy when we need him? Rich
There must be a way to automate such an arrangement so you wouldn't need to manually throw a DPDT switch. Maybe an occupancy detector to stop a train from entering one reverse loop if there is a train in the other reverse loop. Where is Randy when we need him?
At work
It wouldn;t be super easy to implement that, unless you didn't care that the train would screech to an instant halt (it, loop 1 occupied, loop 2 has power disconnected, so if a loco tried to go into loop 2 while loop 1 was occupied, it would come to a sudden stop. Would not be good if the power were multiple powered diesels, as the lead unit would stop but the trailing ones would keep trying to push it. You'd end up with one just grinding away pushing against the dead ones until loop 1 cleared and the power was restored.
Probbaly not worth the trouble, til you get block detectors for both loops and wire up some relays to kill the loops, you could just buy a second PSX-AR. If the upstream track is controlled by somethign other than a PSX breaker or the On-Guard one, you can use a cheaper AR like the DIgitrax AR-1, too.
--Randy
Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's
Visit my web site at www.readingeastpenn.com for construction updates, DCC Info, and more.
mlehman Yes, done that. It works so long as you never cross the gaps on one at the same time a train is passing over the gaps on the other, which will confuse the board's logic. I eventually upgraded to a PSX-AR for each reversing section, so it was a temp solution that worked until my budget covered the expense.
Yes, done that. It works so long as you never cross the gaps on one at the same time a train is passing over the gaps on the other, which will confuse the board's logic. I eventually upgraded to a PSX-AR for each reversing section, so it was a temp solution that worked until my budget covered the expense.
Thank you all for replying to my original post and especially Rich.
mlehman's post above sums up my situation. I have two reverse loops, one permanent and the other a temporary one which is in a "holding" position pending the expansion of my track. I have a DCC Specialties OnGuard! OG-AR Auto Reverser & Circuit Breaker on order (which will not arrive [in Australia] for a few weeks). When received I will use that for the temporary reverse loop as the PSX-AR is an overkill.
Next question: I want to use the PSX-AR [SC version] on the permanent reverse loop to not only change the polarity but also to automatically switch the Peco point motor. The documentation explains the electrical connections to make this work but not the logic of how it works. Has anyone done that or can comment on how and why and with what success? Thanks.
Do both reversing switches operate even if only one loop is being used?
Buying a second autoreverser would be simpler, possibly cheaper than home brewing an automated occupancy detector solution.
But the OP said said the one loop will be used only on rare occasions, hence the manual switch simply to ease concerns if two trains tried to use both loops at the same time.
Edit:
If using the second loop involves a turnout contol with spare contacts, those could be used to control a relay in lieu of the switch, or just directly depending on the rating of the contacts.
CG
Thnx CG, good suggestion. Because this would be so infrequently used, in my case it wouldn't really be defeating the purpose. If it was used regularly I'd just spend the $55 And do things properly. I'll consider your Idea. Or maybe just spend the $$
CentralGulf If the need for the one loop is all that infrequent, just run the output of the reverser through a double pole loop selection switch so that only one loop can be powered at a time. Problem (and worries) solved.
If the need for the one loop is all that infrequent, just run the output of the reverser through a double pole loop selection switch so that only one loop can be powered at a time. Problem (and worries) solved.
Tophias So, what would happen if it did happen? Both trains jerking back and forth? PSX-AR just shut down? Something else? Any permanent damage to the PSX-AR or loco decoders? Thnx.
So, what would happen if it did happen? Both trains jerking back and forth? PSX-AR just shut down? Something else? Any permanent damage to the PSX-AR or loco decoders? Thnx.
Thnx Rich. Given there's only myself and my brother-in-law who operate, and usually just me, and the fact that the second loop will hardly ever be used (just to turn a couple of passenger train now and then), I can't image there would ever be an issue of two trains entering both loops at the same time. But you never say never! So, what would happen if it did happen? Both trains jerking back and forth? PSX-AR just shut down? Something else? Any permanent damage to the PSX-AR or loco decoders? Thnx.
Tophias Great timing for this post; we will be adding a short, seldom to be used reverse loop shortly. We already have a reverse loop servicing our staging yard controlled by a PSX-AR. My question - how do you wire the second loop? I assume just connect rail A and rail B feeds to the output of the PSX-AR? Any concerns regarding matching the second loops A and B feeds to the feeds to existing loop? I assume not. Thnx.
Great timing for this post; we will be adding a short, seldom to be used reverse loop shortly. We already have a reverse loop servicing our staging yard controlled by a PSX-AR. My question - how do you wire the second loop? I assume just connect rail A and rail B feeds to the output of the PSX-AR? Any concerns regarding matching the second loops A and B feeds to the feeds to existing loop? I assume not. Thnx.
The input side of the PSX-AR is wired to the main bus for the layout. The output side of the PSX-AR sends feeders to both reverse loops.
Denver Can you use a DCC Spec Auto Reverser PSX-AR to control TWO return loops. It seems to me that it might work ok provided two trains are not running on the two loops at the same time! Dennis
Can you use a DCC Spec Auto Reverser PSX-AR to control TWO return loops. It seems to me that it might work ok provided two trains are not running on the two loops at the same time!
Mike Lehman
Urbana, IL