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I'm thinking about purchasing a PM42 Digitrax because I have 4 sections
that need auto-reverse (or loops). I noticed that the PM42 can power
manage for 4 independent auto-reversing sections. I have an NCE DCC
system. I happened to look through the manual and I think I understand
how to wire it. Is there anything else I need to be aware of? I'm
thinking that the factory default settings will work with my system. I
sure hope so.

This is all new to me and at times very confusing. Do you have any
suggestions about how a beginner can learn all about this stuff?

Thanks
Paul Weaver
sawlumber@...

--- In WiringForDCC@..., "sawlumber2004"
<sawlumber@a...> wrote:

I'm thinking about purchasing a PM42 Digitrax because I have 4

sections

that need auto-reverse (or loops). I noticed that the PM42 can

power

manage for 4 independent auto-reversing sections. I have an NCE

DCC

system. I happened to look through the manual and I think I

understand

how to wire it. Is there anything else I need to be aware of?

I'm

thinking that the factory default settings will work with my

system. I

sure hope so.

The PM42 will certainly do the job, as it can be run independently
from the loconet, but you will need a digitrax throttle to change
any of the settings.

Keep in mind that when a PM42 section is configured as an auto-
reverser, it does not provide short circuit protection (it reverses
the voltage polarity, rather than disconnecting it). Your booster
or other power manager must provide that function.

You might want to consider a PM42 used as a power manager/breaker
followed by AR1 revering modules for your reversing sections.
Another approach would be the Power Shiels and PSRev products from
Tony's Trains. See

This is all new to me and at times very confusing. Do you have

any

suggestions about how a beginner can learn all about this stuff?

Read, read, read...If you can get hold of "The Big Book of DCC" from
Digitrax (now out of print, but an updated version is due "soon").

Also, the following dealers have good intro material:

Tony's Trains:


Loy's Toys:


and Litchfield Station:


After that, Google can help you get as deep into it as you want.

Doug Stuard
NVNTRAK

Thanks
Paul Weaver
sawlumber@a...

Thanks for your replies. Yes, I actually have 3 auto-reverse areas and 1
turntable, this is why I was going to use the PM42. I'm using a NorthCoast Pro
DCC unit. Reading the forum I think I would need a DigiTrax throttle to
change any settings to make the PM42 an autoreverse module. Is there any way
around this using the Northcoast since I've already purchased it?

I still have the option to return the PM42 and go a different route.

Is it better with DCC to stay with the products that are the same brand as
your control unit?

Marcus, I will be using the autoreverse module as a return loop. Do you
have any suggestions?

Paul

Hi Paul

It depends on whether your sections of track that need voltage polarity
reversing, enter and exit by the same turnout or different turnouts.

For a section that enters and exits the same turnout, I call this a reverse
loop. For a section that enters and exits by DIFFERENT turnouts, I call this
a return loop.

Auto reversers are expensive, so for the "reverse loop" I use a DPST (double
pole single through) switch or a relay that is connected to the operating
throw bar of a turnout. The train enters the reverse loop and to exit the
reverse loop you will have to operate the turnout. This is normal. Operating
the turnout will also operate the switch/relay that will change the polarity
of the track voltage. The train will continue as if nothing happened.

So for a loop that is used for changing the direction of the train a switch
will achieve the same as an auto reverser.

The "return loop" is a different proposition due to the layout construction.
The return loop may be at the end of a yard where either the yard or the
return loop voltage polarity has to be reversed. This can only be done
automatically and easily by using an Auto reverser.

Turntables are another example where an auto reverser and not a switch must
be used.

More information can be obtained by reading Allan's "Wiring for DCC" at:



Marcus

Hi Paul

As you have an NCE system, like me, for an auto reverse unit you must use a
DCC manufacturer not the same as your system. NCE does not make any auto
reversers and have them marketed under the NCE brand. There is no
alternative.

The Digitrax PM42 will most probably work on NCE, but if it required
"adjustment", then this could only be done with a Digitrax throttle.

For users of any DCC system, other than Digitrax, I would only buy units
manufactured by anyone other than Digitrax. These include Tony's Train
Exchange - PS Rev Power Shields. MRC's - AD520 and Lenz's - LK100.

See Tony's site for details for auto reversers at:



For using the auto reversers on return loops see the above site and Allan's
site at:



There are no cheap and simple solutions for "return loops" that operate
automatically and "transparent".

My recommendation for an auto reverser would be Tony's PS Rev. These are
solid state electronic units. I have seen and others have reported problems
with using mechanical relay types of auto reversers. They may cost a little
more but they offer trouble free operation to everyone that uses them.

Marcus.



Original message
Paul said on 23 December 2005 Subject: Re: [WiringForDCC] AutoReverse
Modules

Thanks for your replies. Yes, I actually have 3 auto-reverse areas and 1
turntable, this is why I was going to use the PM42. I'm using a NorthCoast
Pro
DCC unit. Reading the forum I think I would need a DigiTrax throttle to
change any settings to make the PM42 an autoreverse module. Is there any
way
around this using the Northcoast since I've already purchased it?

I still have the option to return the PM42 and go a different route.

Is it better with DCC to stay with the products that are the same brand as
your control unit?

Marcus, I will be using the autoreverse module as a return loop. Do you
have any suggestions?

Paul



--
No virus found in this outgoing message.
Checked by AVG Free Edition.
Version: 7.1.371 / Virus Database: 267.14.5/212 - Release Date: 12/23/2005

Yes, you do need a Digitrax throttle to configure the PM42. You
might be ablke to find an old DT100 or similar for a song, so it
might not be that bad.

If, however, you still can return the PM42, PowerShield and PSRev
units from Tony's might be a better choice in your application.

Doug Stuard

--- In WiringForDCC@..., "Marcus Ammann" <mammann@o...>
wrote:

Hi Paul

As you have an NCE system, like me, for an auto reverse unit you

must use a

DCC manufacturer not the same as your system. NCE does not make any

auto

reversers and have them marketed under the NCE brand. There is no
alternative.

The Digitrax PM42 will most probably work on NCE, but if it required
"adjustment", then this could only be done with a Digitrax

throttle.

For users of any DCC system, other than Digitrax, I would only buy

units

manufactured by anyone other than Digitrax. These include Tony's

Train

Exchange - PS Rev Power Shields. MRC's - AD520 and Lenz's - LK100.

See Tony's site for details for auto reversers at:



For using the auto reversers on return loops see the above site and

Allan's

site at:



There are no cheap and simple solutions for "return loops" that

operate

automatically and "transparent".

My recommendation for an auto reverser would be Tony's PS Rev.

These are

solid state electronic units. I have seen and others have reported

problems

with using mechanical relay types of auto reversers. They may cost

a little

more but they offer trouble free operation to everyone that uses

them.

Marcus.



Original message
Paul said on 23 December 2005 Subject: Re: [WiringForDCC]

AutoReverse

Modules

Thanks for your replies. Yes, I actually have 3 auto-reverse

areas and 1

turntable, this is why I was going to use the PM42. I'm using a

NorthCoast

Pro
DCC unit. Reading the forum I think I would need a DigiTrax

throttle to

change any settings to make the PM42 an autoreverse module. Is

there any

way
around this using the Northcoast since I've already purchased it?

I still have the option to return the PM42 and go a different

route.

Is it better with DCC to stay with the products that are the same

brand as

your control unit?

Marcus, I will be using the autoreverse module as a return loop.

Do you

have any suggestions?

Paul



--
No virus found in this outgoing message.
Checked by AVG Free Edition.
Version: 7.1.371 / Virus Database: 267.14.5/212 - Release Date:

12/23/2005

Hi Paul

While researching circuit breakers and auto reversers, I came across this at
Tony’s. An article about auto reverser comparisons. In case you have not
seen it, see it at:



Marcus

Try the On-Guard OG-AR unit from Tony's & others. All solid state. No adjustments required. It simply works! Also works as an electronic circuit breaker.
[However, it DOES require a conventional booster to provide enough peak current to trigger. It may not work on low power starter systems.]
DonV