DCC wiring problem (reverse loop)

Ravindra Apr 16, 2020

  1. Ravindra

    Ravindra TrainBoard Member

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    Hi

    I am attaching here the schematic of my model railway (2 X 4 feet). it was working fine until I have installed 2 turnouts (T8 and T9) as shown in diagram in green color. after installing them I now have got a reverse loop scenario (which is why I installed them for reversing train). I know that I can use digitrax AR1 for auto reverse loop DCC connections but I am confused of where I can cut the tracks and how to wire the loop as I have other turnouts in between the loop (T1,T2,T3 and T4).

    any help is appreciated.

    Thanks! 2 curves.jpg 2 curves3d.jpg
     
  2. acptulsa

    acptulsa TrainBoard Member

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    If I understand how they work correctly, you could wire the entire figure 8 through the reverser and insulate all the crossovers (curved leg of 1, between 2 and 3, between 8 and 9).
     
  3. Sumner

    Sumner TrainBoard Member

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    I would suggest your reversing section is between T4 to T8. Maybe it could be made to include a longer section but I think between those two points would be more normal. Only problem I see with using that section is will it be long enough to accommodate your longest train that runs through the reversing loop?

    Sumner
     
  4. Ravindra

    Ravindra TrainBoard Member

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    Thanks a lot for suggestions, so it turns out to be isolating the other track and is not necessary to isolate the balloon shape only.

    I will give it a try and will post the results.
     
  5. Sumner

    Sumner TrainBoard Member

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    I spent some more time looking at the trackplan and think I was wrong yesterday. I believe that your reversing section is between the two new trunouts, T8 and T9. That is why you now had problems. That is the section that you run the train through one way or the other to reverse it if I'm understanding the trackplan. One way your have to back the train through there to change directions and the other way you run through the section going forward.

    If that is right then that could present a problem as it is very short. Too short to get a train to fit in the length of it.

    I'll be interest in what others have to say and what you find out,

    Sumner
     
  6. Pieter

    Pieter TrainBoard Member

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    I agree with Sumner and for the conventional way of setting up a reverse section, the space is short between T8 & T9. Both isolation spots will be between T8 & T9 (if required a third somewhere between T9 & T1). You can then use T9 to set the polarity. Half way down the post - "https://www.trainboard.com/highball/index.php?threads/dcc-and-auto-reverse-question.105322/page-2" there is a diagram showing how use a switch fir it. Also have a look at the post of Erik just below it. Sensor 1 & 3 (somewhere before T8 and near T1) will pick up that a loco is coming and then in combination with sensor 2 and, when T9 is thrown straight, it will change the polarity accordingly.

    BTW for those who are interested, Erik's post (he has 2 post here about the topic) include a diagram showing where a reverse loops can be found on layouts. RMWeb also has similar titled posts and discussions there also include preferences or not, of purchased modules.
     

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