Reversing units. I am looking for a reversing unit (not reverse loop). A unit that automatically causes an engine to go forwards and backwards. I have found a couple in Walthers and Circuitron has one as well, but I cannot ascertain if they are compatible w/ DCC systems. One I found is speed adjustable from 2 to 12 volts and the Circuitron says it runs @ 12 V. I'd like one that is DCC compatible. I am planning my coal branch and have come up w/ a siding that will disappear into or around a mountain. I'd like to put a reversing unit there w/ an adjustable time- delay, just to for interest.... to have an engine backing in and out w/ a car every couple of minutes or so. Anybody out there w/ an auto' reverse on DCC??
The problem here is that locomotive direction is control internally by the locomotive's decoder. You could use a computer with a program like RR & Co to automatically reverse direction but I am unaware of any piece of hardware that would do it. David
This is one area where DC control may be easier. A simple sensor (track current, infrared, whatever), coupled to a DC polarity reverse relay will do what you want. As David said, DCC is a bit more complicated, as commands need to be sent based on loco location. This requires some additional DCC stuff as well as a computer and interface. If you already have the stuff for other purposes, fine, but otherwise it may be more than you want to take on.
Yeah... I was afraid of that. Your answers make sense. I think what I may plan is to run a DC engine for this effect, and isolate the track. Also, when I want to run this siding on DCC and NOT have the reversing effect, I could put in a two pole switch and switch that section of track back and forth from DC to DCC depending on how I am operating. Oh well.. had to ask Thanks!
This may not help you if you already have a DCC system but it is one of the features included in a ZIMO command station. It controls shuttle train operations without any add-ons for four trains independently. Trains coming along on the same track that have a different address are excluded. Regards, Art Zimo Agency of North America http://www.mrsonline.net/
