Which Auto Reverser to Get

[Carolina Northern]

My LK100's that Powersteamguy gave me when he moved from Fl to Texas are showing their age. They just started to hesitate when the loco crosses the gap.
They are old tech, I've kept them in his memory, but I think the time has come for an update.
I don't want to get another set with relays, but don't know what are the good ones. These are the only reversers I've ever used.
I'm counting on the collective wisdom of the asshats to give me some guidance.

Thanks in advance.

Don

[mmyers]

Don,
 If you want solid state DCC Specialties PSX AR's are the reversers to use. https://tonystrains.com/product/dcc-specialties-psx-ar-power-shield-auto-reverser-circuit-breaker

Martin Myers

[Cajonpassfan]

I agree wholeheartedly. A bit pricey, but solid. I have two, one for each staging yard reversing, one older version and the current version, and have had no trouble with either. Good luck.
Otto K.

[Carolina Northern]

Thanks for the replies.

Strangely, one of them started to behave itself. The other I can't seem to adjust - always hesitates.

There's a show in Raleigh next weekend, I'll see if any of the local dealers have any of the recommended reversers. If not, an order will be going out Monday morning.

I've been messing with it long enough that I can wait a week to try and support the folks who come out to our local shows.

The recommendations kind of followed the way I was thinking after reading websites, but it seemed a shame not to take advantage of the accumulated knowledge here.

I generally railroad on the cheap, but this is not a place to cut corners. I can live with details that aren't perfect. but operation has to be right.

Thanks again, I'll let you know how it works out.

Don

[C855B]

I can heartily recommend the Tam Valley Dual Frog Juicer configured as a reverser. Mine have been bug free for years and simply "just work". Only gotcha is they don't work with low-current control stations like the Digitrax DCS50 (without a booster); they require at least 3 Amp source capability to switch.

http://www.tamvalleydepot.com/products/dccfrogjuicers.html

[bbussey]

I second the Tam Valley option.

[Carolina Northern]

So much for making a quick decision.

I'll have to read up on the frog juicer. Looks like a less expensive option. The minimum shipping on the PSX brought a pause.

TAM Valley shipping is less and the boards are less also.

Two asshats for each. Since I can wait a week, I guess we'll see who else speaks up.

Again thanks.

[MVW]

Two asshats for each. Since I can wait a week, I guess we'll see who else speaks up.

Again thanks.

Sounds like it's time for a couple of us to recommend another product. 

 

(I'm also interested in the consensus, BTW.)

Jim

[Cajonpassfan]

Lol, life gets complicated when we have choices
Don, I don't think you can go wrong with either. I have other Tam Valley products and they are first class.
Otto

[Spruslayer]

I'm use a NCE  AR10, I'm just a hack amateur but Straight out of the box, wired it in and happy rails with zero issues.

[John]

I used relay based devices for many years - they work ok, except when you run cars with lighting and multiple unit lash ups .. I converted to solid state units a while back, and they work great for my applications. Never used the frog juicer so can't chime in there

[bbussey]

The Frog Juicer detects the short when the locomotive enters the zone and instantly reverses the polarity.

[John]

The Frog Juicer detects the short when the locomotive enters the zone and instantly reverses the polarity.

Yes thank you  - I was aware of that -- but I use the the old OG-AR and PSX-AR units and have no experience with the juicers .. although I've heard good things about them ..