going to have to do some reverse loop wiring, how tough is it?
Iam running DCC too…
thanks
Mike
No experience per se, but it should be quite simple. I believe the only difference is that you place the auto-reverse device in between the main feed and the track segment, with the segment electrically isolated (gapped or with in-place plastic insulators, at both ends) from the rest of the energized tracks.
Others, I hope, will offer more details, or direct you to well-used sites.
It’s pretty easy in DCC. You need to isolate the section that is going to cause the problem. If it is part of a separate power district, set the booster it is attached to as an Autoreversing booster.
If not, in Digitrax terminology, you would need either an AR1 or PM42. The AR1 is a single circuit autoreversing module, the PM42 allows a single booser to be divided into 4 power subdistricts, each with autoreversing capability. Wire one of these between the autoreversing section and the power feeds. The AR1 also works with non-Digitrax systems.
In a nutshell, when the locomotive hits the gap that creates the short, one of these gadgets detects it and reverses the polarity before it can cause a problem. That’s why it needs to be isolated, since it wouldn’t do much good for the booster to reverse power on both ends of the short (still be a short).
My only experience is Digitrax, but I suspect the other major manufacturers have similar items available.
thinking of going with Lenz…
you may be right about the manufacturers…
I’m using Lenz set 100 and a compact, I have a Digitrax AR1 for reversing loops (it actually runs two loops and a wye but you can only use one loop/wye at a time 'till I can afford more!!).
Since the AR1 has no communication with the Lenz it doesn’t need to be the same manufacturer.
Ken
Or just use a DPDT switch on the loop bit and do it manually!!
Ken.
Ken thanks… how do you like yoru Lenz… not get off topic!!!
the units sounds expensive? may I ask? LOL
The Lenz is great had no trouble so far.
The Digitrax AR1, from Tony’s Train Ex $24.95 I found him the cheapest.
Ken.
The AR1 can be had for $25 at Tony’s Train Exchange.
GranFunkRailroad,
Did you say you were running DCC or are you just looking at systems? It doesn’t really matter on the auto-reversing. I have a Digitrax system, but I just use a DPDT switch on my single reverse loop.
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Iam going to run DCC. Now I thought I didn’t matter with reverse loops with DCC. Maybe I was mistaken by thinking I didn;t have to do any special wiring…
so CONFUSED!!!
It’s not really all that hard to wire one DPDT switch will do the trick.
Isolate the section of reverse loop both tracks both ends.
Solder on wire from DCC to bottom left terminal on DPDT loop same wire to top right terminal.
Solder other wire from DCC to bottom right terminal on DPDT loop same wire to top left terninal.
Solder two wires to middle terminals on DPDT and to isolated section of track.
If train enters loop and system shorts, flick DPDT switch and restart train, flick switch when train in the loop and train will exit without stopping, hopefully.
Ken.
[:p][8]HOPEFULLY???[:)][:D]
Check out the site below. It has instructions on wiring reverse loops and Wyes.
http://www.wiringfordcc.com/track_2.htm#c4
I have two AR1s installed on my layout and they work great. No remembering to flip the toggle switch, no shorts, no problem. I highly recomend using an auto reversing unit, then you can can run the trains and forget about polarity and toggle switches! It just works and is not all that expensive.
It’s easy…see Model Railroader August 2003 page 106 - “DCC Corner” article on Reverse Loops.
Makes the old way (conventional wiring) of handling Reverse Loops archaic!
Hope this helps!
…John
very easy, take a turnout, gap both exits, connect the loop to them, add an autoreversing module to the loop, plug the system power into the module and your set.
hi!!! um i was looking in a magazine and i found a layout i want to build. it called for reverse loop wiring. i am in the same boat as you…ive heard drom my lhs dealer that it is very easy but im not to sure…good luck wiht it and let me know how it came out… Good Luck!!!