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Reverse Loop problem
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Tom Anderson
Good Morning,
I have a reverse loop (picture uploaded) that is not working correctly.
I am using a Digitrax PM42 with district 2 setup as a reversing loop.
The train is traveling right to left on the diagram. If it attempts to enter the loop at Switch #2, the layout shorts out. If I attempt to enter the loop from Switch #1, the train proceeds normally and exits back out through Switch #2 normally.
Not sure what I have wrong. Any help would be appreciated.
Tom Anderson
Tom Anderson Business Information Systems P.O. Box 160396 Boiling Springs, SC 29316
(864) 621-8607
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Tom,
Your layout wiring is fine - assuming no closed gaps for the reversing loop. I'm sorry to say that the most likely source of the problem is the use of the PM42. The PM42s were designed a -long- time ago and do not do well with 'modern' DCC locos ... especially any with sound. Or with a lighted passenger train. So even if the reverse loop was working correctly I'd be recommending you use a PSX-AR to power that loop. The power to the PSX-AR should be fed directly from the track bus (i.e. "booster power") and not from the output of the PM42. If it were me I'd also replace the PM42 entirely and replace it with a standard PSX (or more if there are other power districts). - Jim in the PNW
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I would use a DPDT relay with a 12V coil powered by the switch machine contacts for this. Assuming that the two turnouts are pretty close together, I'd connect it to turnout 1 so that it energized when turnout 1 is thrown (lined for the loop). I don't recommend using the contacts directly because they are often very slow acting and of limited current capacity. You can get a relay rated for 10 A for less than $10.
Tim Rumph Lancaster, SC
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Tom Anderson
Thanks Jim.
On Mar 15, 2022, at 10:15 AM, Jim Betz <jimbetz@...> wrote:
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