More to AR units then I thought


NYC_George

NYC_George

Well-Known Member
I'm finally getting around to installing a AR unit so I can reverse my trains after coming off my signal track helix. My old helix had double tracks so there was no need for a AR unit, but because of the NY hurricane that flooded my basement about 7 years I needed to move my helix and when I did I only built a single track helix. This creates a problem of getting the trains reversed once they use the helix. So I had to add 2 reverse loops one for each lower and upper deck. I've been using a DPDT switch but I need to move on from that and buy a AR unit. I started looking at different AR units and found most are not reliable. Check out this video I found and see why. I guess the best unit is the DCC specialist PSX-AR. It passed all the tests almost perfectly. Although it's double the price. It's double not to fail. If anyone can add to this please do because I need to buy one very soon.
George

 
I did not do any testing before I bought my two auto reverse units, both PSX-AR1s for my two auto reversing sections on my HO layout so I can not compare them with any other units. I installed them out of the box and at times seemingly at random my locos would stumble through the transition point at times. So I experimented with adjusted the current trip setting and found that the lowest reliable setting for the locos to pass through the transition point was to 5.08 amps. So that is what I settled on. You can adjust the current trip setting by changing the value of CV49 or by using a jumper or set of jumpers on connector J6 on the circuit board. I chose to do it by changing the value of CV49. I run a Z21 operating system.

Since adjusting the trip current I have had absolutely no stumbling issues, no sound interruption issues, no problems of any kind. There is no discernable difference in loco behavior as they pass through the transition points on the layout.

I am very pleased with the units.

Hope this helps.
 
I've had the best luck with a Dual Frog Juicer made by Tam Valley that can be configured as a reverser. Have tried others.
 
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