I have a DCC Specialities PSX-AR, it is described as an auto reverser, and several Circuitron AR-2 that are called Automatic Reverse Circuit. These systems are installed on my layout. They are all performing as expected.
I am having some trouble with the nomenclature of "Auto Reversing". Does my PSX-AR have the ability to function in the same manner of the Circuitron AR-2 and stop, pause and reverse a train movement on a set of tracks.
I note the PSX-AR has inputs to wire opto-sensors but no information on how they work.
No, they are completely different things. Modelras are lazy so instead of calling a device like the PSX-AR an automatic reverse loop controller, which is REALLY what it is, we just say "auto reverser" The Circuitron AR-2 is more of a shuttle controller - it simply stops then reverses the track polarity to send a DC loco back and forth along a track section.
Based ont he instructions, it is probably possible to use the AR-2 ad a DCC auto reverser, except the AR-2 is triggerd by the photocell. A DCC reverser like the PSX-AR works by detecting the short caused when bridging the gaps in a reverse loop and instantly flipping the track polarity.
--Randy
Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's
Visit my web site at www.readingeastpenn.com for construction updates, DCC Info, and more.
Fudge_Brownie I have a DCC Specialities PSX-AR, it is described as an auto reverser...
I have a DCC Specialities PSX-AR, it is described as an auto reverser...
It does reverse, but not the train's movement.
The PSX-AR reverses the phase of the power to the two rails in the section it is meant to control. This section would be a reversing loop or a turning wye, possibly a turntable that has no reversing mechanism inside it for when the bridge rails reverse themselves as the bridge spins over 90 deg in any one direction.
As Randy has described, the PSX-AR quickly detects a fault when two incompatible power phases meet, say across a gap of one side of a turning wye, or at the meeting turnout at the entrance/exit to a loop-back. Nothing happens until the first metal wheel crosses the required gaps, which create the isolated section the PSX-AR is designed to control and to monitor. When the metal tire bridges the two rail ends, there's a destructive short that commences, but the circuitry in the PSX quickly reverses the phase between the rails, thus aligning them across the gaps. It's too quick for the decoder to detect, and too quick for the DCC control unit's short detection circuits, so it's silent and seamless. Your locomotive will show no sign of having its phase reversed by the PSX-AR right under its wheels.
rrinker No, they are completely different things. Modelras are lazy so instead of calling a device like the PSX-AR an automatic reverse loop controller, which is REALLY what it is, we just say "auto reverser"
No, they are completely different things. Modelras are lazy so instead of calling a device like the PSX-AR an automatic reverse loop controller, which is REALLY what it is, we just say "auto reverser"
I have four PSX-AR units on my layout, but I have no reverse loops. I do have four reversing sections of track, each controlled by a separate PSX-AR.
Rich
Alton Junction