Automatic switch control with reversing loop and RailCrew switch machine

[rrinker]

 DCC Specialities is still in business, the PSX-AR is still made and sold. All the documentation can be found on Tony's Trains site.

 Note that for this to work, the reverse loop gaps can't be right at the turnout, there probably isn't enough time for the system to react unless the train is moving fairly slowly - the PSX-AR signals the solenoid or slow motioon machine when it has to change the track phase to match the main. Fastest acting will be a solenoid type machine, either the bipolar DC of the RailCrew or a standard twin coil.

 This though is where the engineer in me says, as I did previously, just use a supported switch machine in this case, there really aren't any downsides. It's a matter of picking my battles - this 'problem' has a simple solution and I can spend my time working on something more interesting. Heck, you don't even really need a switch machine, a spring switch will accomplish the same thing with no electronics beyond the AR itself.

                                    --Randy

 

[gregc]

chenxue

"bit of circuitry" like, (example)...

depends on the skill level of the modeler

an arduino could be used to sense the change in state from the PSX-AR and generate a pulse to drive the switch machine using a mosfet.

but i think there were some assumptions and restrictions using the PSR-AR for this purpose.   Since the gaps are on the diverging rails of a turnout creating the reversing loop, the assumption is the train enters the loop which ever way the turnout is set to last and when exiting the reversing section, the gaps are placed sufficiently far from the turnout to give the machine time to switch the turnout before the train reaches it.

but if you're willing to go the arduino route, photo detectors could be used to determine direction as well as position of a train to switch a turnout so that a train always enters the reversing section in the same way and can switch the turnout before reaching the gaps.    The arduino could also drive signals.   i assume there are other possibilities

something like below with mosfets and connector

[chenxue]

"bit of circuitry" like, (example)...

I was really hoping someone had a solution to this problem; it really interests me from a technical spandpoint.  

IF the J1 and J3 commons are switched (transistors) in the controller, then connecting all four wires to the single solenoid might be possible. (I think.) DCC Specialties does not appear to be available for questioning.  Still in business? I don't know. 

[rrinker]

 The RailCrew motors work like Kato turnouts, so you will need to work up a bit of circuitry to trigger it based on the output of the PSX-AR. Or for just this one turnout, use a Tortoise or a regular twin coil machine and be done with it.

                                  --Randy

[Rock Island Jim]

I’m considering automating the switch that enters and exits my reversing loop. The switch currently is driven by a RailCrew switch machine. The reversing loop is currently managed by a Digitrax AR1. I assume I’ll need to replace the AR1 with something else, but what autoreverser works with the RailCrew switch machine?  The PSX-AR from DCC Specialties has configurations for stall motors or dual coil machines, but neither of these seems appropriate for the two-wire, bi-polar, momentary power requirements of the RailCrew switch machine. Any ideas?

Thank you in advance!