Tam Valley Depot Frog Juicers

[Dave V]

Just throwing this out there...  If you run DCC and aren't using these...you should!  Holy cow.  I'm using them on all my turnouts with electrically isolated frogs and BOOM!  My Blackstone HOn3 engines have a heavy current draw and to creep them tie by tie through a turnout without a single hiccup is something I thought was previously unobtainable for a guy like me.  I've done the thing where you wire the DPST switch to control the power in N scale and while it works, it's a hassle.  With the Frog Juicer, it's drop one wire from the frog to the panel (up to 6 different turnouts for the Hex version) and then two leads from the panel to the power buses.  The panel determines the proper polarity without you ever having to give it a second thought.  And no, I'm not a paid shill...just a very satisfied customer.

[C855B]

^^^^^ - What he said.

I use Dual Frog Juicers in auto-reverser mode. No fuss, no muss, no bother - they just work.

[davefoxx]

I’m pro-Frog Juicers, too.  Have used them on the last two layouts.

DFF

[bbussey]

Yup, they are great. I specifically needed them for my gaggle of double crossovers at the east end of New Haven Station, and for a crossing at the west end. I use their Singlet decoders for standard turnouts.

[narrowminded]

I’m pro-Frog Juicers, too.  Have used them on the last two layouts.

DFF

I have one of those layouts and yes, they work like a charm.   I probably would have done something different if I had been the original track layer but now that I've experienced them in use I think they'll be a standard for any future projects.  Thanks, Dave.

[seusscaboose]

I also have them

Agree they are worth it!

[Lemosteam]

Pardon my ignorance about this product.  Could someone provide a brief explanation of how they change the frog polarity an what triggers the change of polarity? Is this similar to a instantaneous reverser or is there a mechanical interface?

[nickelplate759]

They are electronic.  Info here: http://www.tamvalleydepot.com/products/dccfrogjuicers.html

I considered these for my layout, but since I was using Tortoises I decided to use their DPDT contacts instead.

[bbussey]

When the engine first enters the frog and completes the circuit, the Juicer senses the polarity and flips it if necessary, before the engine’s controller or the DCC system can detect the short. Juicers can be used for any frog scenario — turnouts, crossings, crossovers, gauntlets.

[Cajonpassfan]

They are electronic.  Info here: http://www.tamvalleydepot.com/products/dccfrogjuicers.html

I considered these for my layout, but since I was using Tortoises I decided to use their DPDT contacts instead.

Same here, but I do have a handful of turnouts on a shallow upper deck where I'm using servos; no room for Tortoises. The juicers look like just the ticket... but ouch, not inexpensive.
Otto K.

[bbussey]

It’s more economical to get the Hex Juicers if you can justify it. Crossovers, crossings and yard ladders contain multiple frogs, so it’s the best option in that regard.

[davefoxx]

It’s more economical to get the Hex Juicers if you can justify it. Crossovers, crossings and yard ladders contain multiple frogs, so it’s the best option in that regard.

Plus, they’ve been known to give discounts for bulk orders.  Combine an order with friends.   

DFF

[seusscaboose]

Copy that ghost rider

[CodyO]

I'd also highly recommend the Coblat switch machines since they have 2 built-in frog juicers.

[Dave V]

I'd also highly recommend the Coblat switch machines since they have 2 built-in frog juicers.

Were I doing PRR still those would be a good option for me (I'd want to actually interlock my switches at the interlockings).  I'm insisting on hand-throwing all my turnouts on the RGS though.  It "feels" more prototypical that way (to say nothing of it being both cheaper and easier to do!).