For those of you that have the PSX-AR auto reverser, I am having difficulty trying to program CV49 per the instructions and also getting the “status LED” to turn off. I use the Digitrax Zephyr. The PSX-AR instructions (page 7) tell me to put the J3 jumper in the “program mode” (pins 1&2), and with the power on, use a fake loco address in order to get the CV setting operation, then start entering CV numbers followed by values. Does this mean I need to be in OPS mode? If so, I did that, but you cannot get a read back on CV’s in that mode with the Zephyr. I can’t know what CV49 is or even enter a new number, it won’t let me. The signal I get on my Zephyr is “busy” The factory, in the meantime, has told me to add a jumper to pins 3&4 on J7 and before that add a jumper on pins 1&2 on J6 (which reduces the AMPS to 1.27) Neither worked in keeping the “status” LED off when I first turn the power on. It stays on most of the time when I start up the power unless I purposely “short” or trip the output, then will stay off as it should. And no, I do not have a short in the track or wiring…all has been checked numerous times with the “quarter” test and a digital meter. I use 14 AWG solid wire on the bus and 18 AWG on feeders. Your suggestions are welcome. Thank you. JRP
Yes you use Ops Mode. No, you can;t read back in Ops Mode - but there’s little reason to. The value in the CV is whatever you last programmed it to. Put the program jumper on, select loco 01 ont eh Zephyr - and make sure you have no loco with 01 on the track, or it will get programmed too. Prec Program until the duispaly syas Po for Ops Mode. Press CV, enter 49, press CV, enter the value from the chart in the instructions, then press CV WR. That should be it.
The PSX-AR needs to be connected to the main track outputs, NOT the program track, to do this.
–Randy
In a perfect world, everyone would use the Digitrax AR-1 for their auto-reversing needs and stop messing around with the impossibly finicky PSX-AR.
Until then, our poor model railroading bretheren will need to struggle with their auto-reversing needs.
Rich
The PSX-AR works fine. All the poster needed to do was follow the directions. It’s not that hard.
Rich, I had the AR-1 and that is why I went to the PSX-AR. Becuase of the higher amps associated with all the sounds and other features on locos today, the AR-1 was just not up to the job and several train clubs confirmed this. Yes, my PSX-AR may need some tweaking or I may just not be doing things correctly (probably the latter). I still have my 2(two) AR-1’s sitting in a box if anyone is interested. JRP
Nuts, i just added to more AR-1’s to my layout a month ago. Otherwise, I would take you up on your offer.
Put them on eBay.
Rich
The AR-1 is a good unit for auto reversing with a few exceptions. in a case where you would like to add circuit breakers to you layout you become limited on the auto reverser you can use. Relay based (mechanical) auto reversers and solid state circuit breakers do not play well together, especially if you are using them at a block boundary. They work fine if they are not at a block boundary.
The AR-1 works fine with a Solid state circuit breaker it is used with in the district of the circuit breaker (see my first image). Problems arise when you use the AR-1 with multiple circuit breakers (my second image. The problem arises because the AR-1 is a mechanical relay and has much slower trip time than its solid state counterpart. The solid state circuit breaker ( in this case CB-1or CB-3 depending on which way you are running) )will trip before the auto reverser and cause a temporary shutdown until the auto reverser has time to correct itself (there is still power to CB 2). This is simply because it is a mechanical device and it can’t match the speed of a solid state device.
Each has their purpose. I used a PSX-AR in lew of a combination of the AR-1 an the PSX-CB because it can switch as the same speed as the breaker and doesn’'t cause a temporary shut down. I have both of these examples on my layout.
if you are using a circuit breaker like a digitrax PM-42 with a AR-1 you won’t see this pro
Renegade,
Nice job explaining the differences. I have four AR-1’s on a pretty good size layout, but I don’t use any circuit breakers. So, maybe that is the difference.
But, I have never had any problems with any of my AR-1’s, and I rarely read about anyone else having problems with the AR-1. Yet, I constantly read about issues with the PSX-AR. Maybe, the PSX-AR is just too complicated for the average guy.
Rich
All this information is very good to know. But I have asked Tony’s to send me a new PSX-AR to try out. I told them if that does not work, then my track or wiring is to blame. If it works, the board I now have is most likely at fault. Changing CV49 did not work for some reason. But like I said, it may be the board anyway. Will let you all know once I swap them out. Do I dare go back to the AR-1’s? Thanks. JRP
If the AR-1 worked for you before, then by all means go back to it. Why try to fix what ain’t broken?
It is my belief that the PSX-AR is a highly complicated auto-reverse unit because it is much more than a simple auto-reverse unit. The PSX-AR is both an auto-reverse unit and a circuit breaker. So, it takes more knowledge to work with it effectively, and it is overkill for simple layouts, even large layouts that do not depend upon boosters and separate power districts. It also costs twice as much as the Digutrax AR-1.
I took the liberty to cut and paste the description of the PSX-AR from the DCC Specialties web site. A review of this description clearly indicates the extensive capabilities of the unit but also its complexity.
Rich
All Solid State Operation: Fast, all solid state design with reliable quiet action……no clicks or sparks.
Automatic Coordination of Auto Reverse and Circuit Breaker Tasks: It is both a auto reverser and a circuit breaker.