I have basically a large Y that leads into a yard from two directions so one leg needs a reverser. Was thinking of an AR1. It is a fairly small layout.
I still have two old auto-reversers from DCC Specialties. They could be 15 years old now, and still working perfectly. They are solid state units. I think the AR1 is relay based.
Is your layout DC or DCC? If DC, I saw Circuitron makes the AR-1. If DCC I use DCC Specialties PSX-AR and they work like a charm.
Neal
Circuitron AR-1 should not be confused with Digitrax AR-1. The Circuitron auto-reverser is for a DC setup. The Digitrax AR-1 is for a DCC setup.
The Digitrax AR-1 is a relay based unit, and for smaller layouts without any solid state devices it works just fine.
The only time that I ever encountered a conflict was when I had a few Digitrax AR-1s in place and subsequently installed PSX circuit breakers. The PSX circuit breakers are solid state and react quicker than the Digitrax AR-1, shutting down the power district before the AR-1 can reverse the polarity.
Rich
By the way, Digitrax is aware of this naming conflict. Not sure what Circuitron was thinking when it picked the name AR-1. The name already belonged to Digitrax.
Rich
Was talking Digitrax, thought you couldn’t do a reverser electronicly in DC.
There site leaves much to be desired, but they say it can handle DC reversing loops in the instructions. They use opti-sensors
I’m using Dcc Specialties OGAR onguard, I’ve had them for probably 15 years. I just reconnected into my new layout. Super easy to connect , just have to stagger the joints a bit.
Hello All,
Has it been determined that the OP is running DC or DCC?
Hope this helps.
I’m pretty sure he is a recent convert to DCC
Yeah, I think that is right. He must be DCC if he is considering the AR1.
Rich
Hello All,
I have had good luck with the MRC AD 520 Auto Reverser for the wye on my pike.
Look around, I found several at less than the MSRP.
Hope this helps.