Howdy all!!!! I am finally able to put some pieces of my old layout back up....... which now will envole a reverse loop. Is there a way to wire the reverse loop without a automatic reverser. The reason is two fold,,,,,, one,,,, no money for a reverser,,,,,,, two, I want to run trains by tomorrow.. Well lets hear all ideas, good and bad,,,,, adios wyatt
You can always use a toggle switch to do this. You need a DPDT switch to do it. You can also build more complicated circuits, like the one Rob Paisley has on his website here: http://home.cogeco.ca/~rpaisley4/LoopStall.html With the exception of the phototransistors, you should be able to find all the parts for this at Radio Shack. Paul
Can't you use a command station (Digitrax) to be a power district for a reverse loop? Can the main station be used for this?
I am not an expert (yet) but unless one is going to manually control the power (DPDT as mentioned) one needs a auto reverser. To my knowledge, Digitrax Command Station does not do this, you have to purchase a reversing module either from Digitrax or others (Loys Toys for example).
I would highly recommend the automatic reverser. I have tried both Digitrax and one from Loy's Toys. I prefer the Loy's toy's reverser. It powers off the track and did not need added programming. It works, it's easier to install and it 's cheaper.
An automatic reversing module makes wiring a reverse loop in DCC quite simple. It's your best choice. Stay cool and run steam.....
As previously stated, an auto reverser (such as the Digitrax AR1) is your best bet long term, but you can use a DPDT switch in the meantime. Just wire it as a standard reversing switch and connect it between the powered main line and the loop (which is double insulated at both ends). If the loco stops as it crosses into the loop, the polarities of the loop and the entrance track are different and you will need to flip the switch, then mark the switch as to which end of the loop it matches. Once the loco is in the loop, you can flip the switch so there won't be a mismatch when you exit. DCC allows you to do this without the engine reversing (actually, that is exactly what the AR unit does, but it senses any mismatch as the loco hits the gap and instantly corrects it before the booster shuts down).
