New to DCC and just want to make sure I understand everything. My main questions are in regard to auto reversers and my track plan: 1. I will be using NCE PowerCab with an AutoSW for programming track and I understand that concept and the wiring. 2. I am planning on using a PSX-AR for the reversing section from DCC Specialties. a. Will I need only one? b. Does it matter where along the reversing section I attach the leads for the track from the PSX-AR? Forgive the newbie questions but as I said I want to make sure I understand everything.
That's an expensive unit. The Digitrax AR1 lists for about $17 less. I use it and have no trouble with it. Unless I'm missing something, yes. One should be enough. If not, the Digitrax PM-42 has four separate reversers in one unit for about $80. No. I'd put the feeders near the middle if possible. But on a run that short it should be fine anywhere.
Lownen: Thanks for the reply. The reason I chose the PSX-AR is because of having heard reports of people using the AR 1 with the NCE PowerCab and having difficulty fine tuning the trip setting on the AR 1. How true or not I don't know, but don't want to take any chances. The PSX-AR has other features that I think will justify the cost. Besides, Uncle Sam is paying for it so price is not really an issue. The rest of your comments were what I suspected but did just want to make sure. As a side note I keep wanting to say something about your avatar. Maybe I should add the Katy to my roster. I grew up around the Katy and a close family friend worked for the Katy. One of his sons now works for the UP in Omaha, but I won't hold that against him.
[AHEM! Cough, noises] Dang. That means WE ARE paying for it. GET THE cheaper one, please! Seriously, I too have used the AR-1 (Although not w/ NCE equipment) and have never had a problem w/ the trip setting.
poppy; Over on the Atlas board (sorry guys) there's a thread started by a guy who is having trouble with the PSX-AR. Apparently the difference in cost is because it incorporates switch control with autoreverse. I won't pretend that I understand what this is all about, I've only skimmed the first page of the documentation. But it sounds quite a bit harder to set up than the AR1. And, though others have indeed posted about some difficulties, I've had no trouble with my AR1. I connected it and it works. If it hadn't, I'd have tried adjusting the setting, which you simply turn by hand. If anyone can explain the PSX-AR to us, please post!
I have a PSX-AR wired into my layout to control the center section between two loops. So there are four gapped sections of track, two at each end where the center track joins up with the outer main line. The auto-reverser works perfectly with my track so ought to work for you also. The PSX-AR has some other features as well, such as over current protection and can be programmed as an accessory on your powercab (power on/off) and be used in conjunction with block detection. There is also intergated control for stall motor switch machines for loop automation I found it easy to set up, just gap the rails, then follow the easy to read instructions that come with the PSX-AR, enjoy!
That's good to hear. So you're not using it for automatic turnout alignment? If not, I don't see it being worth the extra $17.
Lownen: You maybe right, if I could have got the Digitrax AR cheaper I would have gone with that. The price of model railway items gets distorted way over here at the ends of the earth. It depends on what local suppliers stock, at what price and is it better to order directly from the States? Whoever... Poppy: If price is not an issue, then I can see no problem in going for the PSX-AR, works great with my NCE Powercab.
The other difference between the PSX-AR and the AR-1, I believe (based on the pic or the AR-1) is that the PSX is solid state, rather than a relay. This makes it quicker, and may or may not make a difference in some systems. If you are not using the turnout control feature, the PSX is dead easy to hook up, identical to the AR-1.
Decided to pony up for the PSX-AR myself now instead of waiting since I was able to purchase it at a reduced price from a vendor having a spring sale.
