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Simplified Reversing Loop Wiring Using A Toggle Switch Or Relay
Older locomotives that use offset track
pickups cannot always reliably trip an
autoreversing booster. The simplest
solution is to use a manual reversing
toggle switch wired in place of the
autoreversing booster. Replacing the
toggle switch with a relay or set of spare
contacts on th switch machine will allow
the throwing of the turnout to reverse the
circuit.
The toggle switch may be replaced with a
DPDT relay driven by the loop entrance
switch machine to create an automatic
reverse loop. Some switch machines may
have sufficient spare contacts to provide a
DPDT functions. Consult the switch
machine instruction sheet for details on
the spare contacts.
Remember that the loop must be big enough to hold the entire train. Metal wheel cars, crossing
reverse polarity gaps are just as bad as locomotives – the booster will short out and shut down.
Decoder equipped locomotives will not be affected by the reversal of polarity. They only
respond to DCC direction commands, not to track polarity.
Wiring A Wye For A Toggle Switch
The ZoneMaster Booster with Autorevese can also be used. See the ZoneMaster User guide for
more details and other setup options.
Track Gaps
Booster
DPDT Toggle Switch
Using Simple Toggle Switch For Reversing Loop Control
ZoneMaster
Booster
Set toggle to
allow train to
cross gaps
without shorting
Entire train must fit inside
gapped area without any
wheels across either set
of gaps
Gaps