Digitrax AR1 vs Tony's power shield

Model Railroader Layouts and layout building
1

is the power shield worth the $15 more? is the AR1 adequate?

2

Well, I have not used the AR1.

But I can certainly vouch for the PS being a bulletproof product that I think well worth its price. I have been 110% happy with them and they’ve been utterly reliable. Two minutes after hooking it up I never, ever, ever had to think for even a moment about reverse loops, wyes, etc. You just drive on through as you would in the “real world”… If you were an engineer, of course.

3

The extra $15 buys you 2 things: all solid-state operation (no relays) AND short protection. The AR-1 is JUST an auto-reverse, it will not completely cut out in the event of a continuous short. The PS-Rev is both an auto-reverse AND breaker.

-Randy

4

The all-solid-state alone is worth it in my book.

5

The AR1 looks to be solidstate on Digitrax site.

6

Nope. Look a the picture. That big black box on the left of the circuit board is a relay.

–Randy

7

PowerShield all the way. I have one, Love it. We will never use anything but Powershield.

8

Randy

I thought it might be but I didn’t think they came that small.
Well I ordered the PS-Rev, along with a Zephyr and some decoders. I’ll be joining the DCC ranks by the end of the month.

Thanks for all your help.
Pat

9

I’m happy with my Tony’s products. I’ve got 2 Power Shields. I bought them for auto-reverse, but I appreciate the circuit breaker protection, and so do my mainline engines.