All the Digitrax boosters and command stations have the option to be configured for auto reversing. But it's either/or, it can be an ordinary booster or a reversing booster. So as martin said, if you set the DCS210 for autoreversing, its entire output would be dedicated to that one reverse section - almost certainly a waste of money when a much less expensive autoreverse unit could do the job.
Exception could be my planned staging ayrd, unless I cut power to all unused tracks. The staging will be one big multi-track reverse section. Depending on how I finalize it, the ladder may all come together before reconnecting back to the entrance/exit track, which means it's just ONE reversing loop, not one loop per staging track. If I don't rig it up to cut power to all but the track currently taking or releasing a train, that's a lot of powered units plus a need to autoreverse - so dedicating a booster to staging, configured to autoreverse, may not be a bad idea. Since it's in a seperate room, I'd otherwise have to install come cameras and monitors to allow crews to stop their train and turn off power to the track they occupied when done - if only one train at a time gets power, than using a whole booster is a waste. Haven't totally decided but more than likely I will have some sort of automation to stop trains and cut power. Initially I may keep it simple and use a spare booster,
--Randy
Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's
Visit my web site at www.readingeastpenn.com for construction updates, DCC Info, and more.
A reverse loop needs a non reversing section adjacent to its end(s). While a DCS210 or any other Digitrax booster could handle the reversing loop. a booster that is not reversing would still be needed to run the rest of the layout. Best practice is to let the booster DCS210 run the whole layout and let a much more economical auto-reverser like an AR1 handle the loop. The AR1 would still get its power from the DCS210.
Martin Myers
I just went the instructions for the Evo starter set, and like Robert said in his post, you'll need the AR1. Digitax MSRP is $29.99
Go through the manuals that come with the set, and use the Digitrax website. All kinds of info.
Mike.
My You Tube
What Rich said
Boglwe Also, is the DCS 210 capable of running my entire layout INCLUDING the reverse loop; as in, do I NOT need to buy any additional equipment to have a standard simple layout with one wired reverse loop?
Also, is the DCS 210 capable of running my entire layout INCLUDING the reverse loop; as in, do I NOT need to buy any additional equipment to have a standard simple layout with one wired reverse loop?
Someone more knowlegable of the DCS 210 can correct me if I am wrong, but it seems to me that you will need to purchase an auto-reverser unless it is included in the kit.
Rich
Alton Junction
To add to what has already been posted... The program terminals will normally be "dead" unless they are actively programming a decoder. You will not detect voltage on those terminal except when the command station is actually broadcasting a packet to a decoder. Even then it will just be a pulse.
Care should be taken to keep the programming track isolated from track power. If track power is inadvertently connected to the program terminals, damage to the programming part of your command station can result.
Hey Boglwe,
Welcome to the forums
Mike is correct about the separate program track. Not part of the layout. Two terminals on the DCS 210 for Rail A and Rail B of the layout, and two terminals for Program Rail A and Program Rail B.
Yes, the DCS 210 can power the entire layout including the reverse section, but you will need an AR-1 (or similar) to reverse the polarity when necessary. AR-1s are about $20 and are very easy to install.
Good luck.
Robert
LINK to SNSR Blog
Programming tracks, or those intended solely for programming by being powered by programming terminals on the booster/base unit, are not intended to also be part of your powered layout for operational purposes. The voltage is strictly limited so that mistakes in wiring or inadvertent bridges of metal that can cause shorts, such as solder bridges, won't cause the entire decoder to short and be destroyed when you attempt to test your work upon power-up.
The Super Empire Builder series of control units do not have dedicated programming terminals for programming tracks as far as I know...maybe one of them does, but not the DB150-served varieties of SEB. Instead, the SEB is meant to programme your decoders right out on the main, or on a switched-out, but fully powered, short length of track somewhere handy on your layout...as I have. I use my turntable lead, always close to the front edge of my switching yard bench. I wire its feeders so that when I flip a DPST, the rest of the layout goes dead but for this one programming track. I do my programming, flip the switch, the rest of the layout comes alive, and away I go.
The reason this is the case with the DB150 is that it provides full power to the rails all the time, even when in any of the four programming modes it offers. There are no dedicated low-voltage outputs for the operator to use for decoder programming, it's all out there on the main tracks where the DB150 does all of its powering and signal output.
I have not used the Evo sets, as I still use an old SEB set with the DB150, and DT400, but just a little looking around on the Digitrax website, says that they are all ready to go, auto reversing and all.
http://www.digitrax.com/products/starter-sets/
Maybe take a good read through the manuals, and see what you find.
EDIT: By the way, welcome to the forums!
The evolution comes with the DCS 210. I am wondering if the programming track is supposed to be "dead" all the time. I was able to program a loco via a test programming track however I was under the impression that it was always active and part of the layout. If this is not the case then I understand how to wire I just need to know what the typical status of the programming track is.
Thanks in advance.