What is an Automatic Reverse Circuit..

[SpaceMouse]

...and what does it do?

I was given a box of stuff and in it was a Circutron AR-1 Automatic Reverse circuit. Included were to photo cells that activate the circuit when the train passes is. It seems to reverse the polarity of the track ( and thereby reverse the train.

What are some practical applications of this circuit? Am I right in assuming this doesn't make sense for DCC?

[bpickering]

QUOTE: Originally posted by SpaceMouse

...and what does it do?

Circutron AR-1

Chip,

To answer the second first, a quick Google search on "Circutron AR-1" shows multiple references to the AR-1 from big-name, one of the references brings up the Circuitron part number 800-5400. This, in turn, leads me to Internet Trains, with the following link: http://www.internettrains.com/800-5400.html, including several possible uses.

In general, DCC Automatic Reversing circuits detect a brief current surge that signifies to the control station that the loco has "come full circle" (or in some other way, shape, or form reversed itself- this works for wyes and turntables, too). The isolated section (I'll lay odds that Allan Gartner's Wiring for DCC http://www.wiringfordcc.com/ has good diagrams, but I'm too lazy to look for 'em right now...) gets its' track polarity reversed, and the loco can then continue uninterrupted (this all takes place in a short period of time, fractions of a second.)

So, is it useful? That's up to you. :-) I could probably find a home for it on my test track.... [:D]

Brian "Should be working" Pickering

[Anonymous]

A simpler explanation would be using the circuit in a display layout - when the train reaches the end of the track, it reverses and goes the other way. Same at the other end. Great for unattended displays, expecially trolley cars. I think I read somewhere that some such circuits will actually slow down the train before doing the reversing. Much easier on the motors I imagine!

Bob Boudreau

[Jetrock]

QUOTE: Great for unattended displays, expecially trolley cars.

Grrr...one of these days I'm going to build a trolley layout that features an unattended diesel or steam locomotive that just shuttles back and forth via a reversing circuit...

[SpaceMouse]

QUOTE: Originally posted by Jetrock

QUOTE: Great for unattended displays, expecially trolley cars.

Grrr...one of these days I'm going to build a trolley layout that features an unattended diesel or steam locomotive that just shuttles back and forth via a reversing circuit...

LOL!

[BR60103]

Chip: the circuit will not work with DCC if it switches the track polarity as the DCC chip in the loco ignores the track "polarity".
You could use it in your running in track for DC locos, but if it switches direction at full throttle it could be hard on the loco.
Yes, the best use might be a separate trolley track or a handcar that just runs back and forth.