Automatic Reverser (AR1)

Power:

Digitrax: Automatic Reverser (AR1)

Summary: A cost-effective way to automatically maintain the correct DCC signal relationships. This device reverses the track bus connections within the reversing district, not the locomotive, preventing short circuits when entering or exiting a reverse loop.

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General information
DCC Category Power
Manufacturer	Digitrax
MSRP	33.00 USD33.59 EUR <br />29.39 GBP <br />49.87 AUD <br />44.52 CAD <br />
Compare Prices	Latest Prices
Manufacturer Part Number
Common Name	Automatic Reverser
UPC Number	5266703006
Release information
Product URL	External Product Link
Product Manual URL	External Product Link
Year Released	2003
Has computer interface	None
Firmware Upgrade Possible
Predecessor
Successor
Misc Details
Height
Length
Width

Not to be confused with the AR-1 and AR-2 by Circuitron, which are for analog DC applications.

AR1

The Digitrax AR1 is a reversing module. It is used to automatically reverse the rail phasing on trackwork such as wyes, turntables, balloon tracks, or reverse loops. The AR1 uses a mechanical relay to accomplish this task, with the contacts wired as a DPDT (double pole, double throw) switch.

The Digital Command Control signal on the track does not have polarity. The signal has two phases: On or Off. A short circuit occurs when Rail A connects to Rail B, as the current can easily flow from the energized rail (ON, or logical one) to the grounded one (OFF, logical zero). The signal on the rails flips from on to off rapidly, with Rail A always being in the opposite state of Rail B.

Example of a Reverse Loop

When the track folds back on itself, rail A will meet rail B at the turnout. Both rails are gapped at points entering and exiting the loop. The reversing module supplies the DCC signal to the loop, taken from the track before the turnout. When the locomotives wheels bridge the gap, a short occurs when the DCC signal's phase across the gap (Rail A₁ does not match Rail A₂₎ is incorrect. The AR1 quickly inverts the phase on that section of track to match that of the track section the locomotive is entering.

See reversing sections for more info.

Set Up

The reverse section must be powered exclusively by the AR1 for proper operation. No other power sources may be connected to the section.

For proper operation the command station must be set for slower response to a short circuit, otherwise it will trip before the AR1 has a chance to act.

The DCS100 command station and DB150 booster both use OpSw18 to control this behavior. By setting it to "closed' the reaction time will be increased to a half second (500mS).

For other boosters and command stations refer to your manuals.

Trip Current Adjustment

The AR1 can be adjusted for trip currents from 8A to 250mA, allowing the sensitivity to be adjusted if needed.

The adjustment is done with a screw driver. Turning the adjusting screw clockwise increases, counterclockwise decreases trip current. The screw only has about a half turn in travel, so do not force it.

To adjust the trip current, set the adjustment screw to its mid-point. Turn on track power and drive a locomotive into the reverse loop. It should only trip once.
If it doesn't trip but the booster does, remove the locomotive and allow the booster to reset. Decrease (CCW) the trip current slightly and try again. It should only trip once. Repeat as needed.
If multiple trips happen, the setting is too low. Increase the trip current in a small increment (CW) and repeat until it works correctly.

AR1 FAQs

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Automatic Reverser (AR1)

Contents

AR1

Example of a Reverse Loop

Set Up

Trip Current Adjustment

Further Reading

Digitrax Knowledge Base

AR1 FAQs

See Also

Articles Referencing this Page

Related Digitrax Other DCC Equipment Items