Hi, I also used to use the Hornby auto reverser with a Hornby Elite, which worked fine. When I changed to an Ecos controller I found that the Hornby auto reverser would not operate quickly enough and the Ecos would detect a short and shut down. I changed to a Lens auto reverser and that cured the problem
Hey, Peter. Thanks for your comment! I must say that I took a considerable amount of research and shopping around for me find the right hardware. But in any case like all things you get what you pay for! I think the moral of this story is simply don't skimp on the DCC hardware. If you have anything bigger than your average train set pay the money for good stuff! Hope you enjoyed the vid! Cheers.... Ben.
Hi Ben, As always, a great informative video. Like you say, there isn't enough information out there about RLMs. Yet, it is one of the most confusing topics in railroad modelling. I understand the concept of reversing modules and polarity changes briefly. However, the confusion comes in choosing the most appropriate product for my setup. Like you, I too have an ESU ECoS command station and am thoroughly happy with the purchase. I read in a MRF thread that ESU does not work well with relay based (mechanical) modules. I am convinced, after seeing your video, to go for the LK200. I'd like to pick your brain on something.... How long can the isolated section be for the RLM to remain effective? Imagine a scenario where the isolated section is quite long. What happens if I have additional dropper wires (at regular intervals) within the isolated section? I am still in the design phase of a new layout and would like to take that information into consideration. What are your thoughts?. Thank you.
The Lenz being a European product is almost always available with instructions in at least 3 Euro languages and I know the LK200 instruction sheet is downloadable online in German ,English and French . There is also Lenz USA where all products are explained in English .
As with most European manufacturers navigating the websites and sorting through the information for a lot of novice modelers new to DCC is confusing and frustrating at best. Highlights the importance of peer reviews on hardware.
Good video. Kieskemper are one of the better suppliers in Germany. I got the LK200 for my Fleischmann TurnTable but now it will also be used for a massive reverse loop on my Continental extension. I do have one thought, can the LK200 be used to feed both the TT and the reverse loop (assume the trains will not be passing / turning at the same time)
Hi mate, Thanks for the comment! Your assumption in theory is correct not sure how it would go down in practice as you would need to ensure that the input feed is in phase with one-another. My suggestion would be use a seperate reverser for the TT. Have a look at the Guagemaster DCC40 reverse module might be ideal for your TT. Cheers, Ben.
Hi Ben. Thanks so much for your reversing loop video, I have had the same problem with my Hornby reversing loop. It has worked fine for five or six years but now when a train / loco crosses the isolating fish-plate the controller would trip out (no damage fortunately as I have a surge protection circuit fitted to the track supply). Having seen your helpful video I have ordered a Lenz unit and hope this cures the problem. I did contact Hornby about the problem and eventually they advised that the units deteriorate with age and they have discontinued selling them. Have you any experience of having a siding off the reversing loop? Theoretically I cannot see a problem but i need to introduce one so I guess I will soon find out!! Currently I am using a Hornby DCC Elite controller but am considering changing. I have a permanent 5 meter by 2.2 meter table layout with a branch five track terminal off it and also a single branch line to a high level country station is planned. It is in a dedicated building. I see you are using an Ecos controller. Can you control more than one locomotive concurrently? An any advice please on controller selection? Many thanks. David (Norfolk, UK)
Hi David! thanks for the kind words I really do appreciate it! I can tell you know that my experience with auto reverses has been one of great financial expense to me and not in a good way. SO with that being said my advice is to keep it as simple as possible, the inclusion of a siding in a reverse loop should be irrelevant to its operation. Now in regards to you command station question, I can honestly say after years of using the Ecos I have had no issue with the command station but even I haven't yet exploited its full potential. Id recommends visiting Jims channel Hovermotion to see how powerful it really is. As a general rule, my advice on command stations is to go for what you want. but you get what you pay for in many respects. The Ecos is well supported but expensive, so be sure to do the research beforehand. All the best with the reversing loops and keep me updated of your progress! Cheers... Ben.
Question. Lenz LK200 or Digitrax AR1? The Lenz is $100 while the Digitrax is $25. Is it really worth paying $100 for the Lenz? Does the Lenz switch faster than the Digitrax?
Hi, thanks for the question. As a general rule, I recommend that you don't make a habit of buying the cheaper DCC hardware. The AR1 is a mechanical switch so it is prone to fail if used excessively for the same reasons I made in the video. My recommendation would be to spend the money on the LK200 being a solid-state piece of hardware makes it far more reliable. However, if you are on a budget and your reverse loop is only moderately used, like a reverse siding etc. Then yes the AR1 is completely suitable. Hope this helps! Cheers.......Ben!
There are many situations not dictating to use a reverse loop module (RLM). E.g. the layout in your sketch at 3:02 just needs a relay depending on the turnout. The considerations are similar to those when powering a frog, and some switching motors already come with contacts intended to this purpose which could power as well the reverse loop. If standard double solenoid motors are used a relay with two solenoids can be used in parallel. But you have to make shure that the turnout points always in the right direction which can be done by contacts applied to the rails in the loop.
Perhaps that solution would be fine for some. But what you describe introduces greater dependance on mechanical switching and therefore greater probability of potential failure. Considering the product is a solid state solution it provides more reliable operation and integration to an existing DCC layout. The video after all is a product review, not an exploration into electrical engineering.
@@theengineshed359 I have got a LK200 for myself and it works fine. But there are situations it will not help at all. I missed a mention of a very important limitation valid for each reverse loop module: A train must not be longer than the track between the two electrical separation points. And if the reverse loop has got turnouts in between a RLM will not help at all. RLMs switch allways under load, that is why the relais in the Hornby solution fail after a while. Solutions controlled by the turnout position(s) switch without load before the train reaches and we have no significant wear on the employed contacts. Depending on the type of switching motors it saves money, not so unimportant in these days, I think. "[...], not an exploration into electrical engineering." - is a bit narrow in thinking. I think model railroading sometimes contains a bit electrical engineering.
@@LarsPW it is far from narrow thinking. It is an honest statement, this video was made about the LK200. Its has served its purpose, in proving insight into a product that at the time had limited exposure in the English speaking markets. While I absolutely appreciate your insight on an alternative solution. I have to consider the simple fact that these videos need to be as simple and clear and concise as possible. Majority of the audience only want know if the product will work for them. But by all means as you clearly are passionate on the subject matter, I would encourage you to produce a video explaining your concepts. We are all hear to learn from each other after all. Regards, BC.
![เจ้าผู้เดียว - ดิด คิตตี้ [OFFICIAL MV]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/q0NLCYKBOTo/mqdefault.jpg)
I love my psx but valled point about no case even in my house old house here in Aussie it gets very humid in train room .. I love your videos btw
Hi, I also used to use the Hornby auto reverser with a Hornby Elite, which worked fine. When I changed to an Ecos controller I found that the Hornby auto reverser would not operate quickly enough and the Ecos would detect a short and shut down. I changed to a Lens auto reverser and that cured the problem
Hey, Peter. Thanks for your comment! I must say that I took a considerable amount of research and shopping around for me find the right hardware. But in any case like all things you get what you pay for! I think the moral of this story is simply don't skimp on the DCC hardware. If you have anything bigger than your average train set pay the money for good stuff! Hope you enjoyed the vid! Cheers.... Ben.
Hi Ben, As always, a great informative video. Like you say, there isn't enough information out there about RLMs. Yet, it is one of the most confusing topics in railroad modelling. I understand the concept of reversing modules and polarity changes briefly. However, the confusion comes in choosing the most appropriate product for my setup. Like you, I too have an ESU ECoS command station and am thoroughly happy with the purchase. I read in a MRF thread that ESU does not work well with relay based (mechanical) modules. I am convinced, after seeing your video, to go for the LK200. I'd like to pick your brain on something.... How long can the isolated section be for the RLM to remain effective? Imagine a scenario where the isolated section is quite long. What happens if I have additional dropper wires (at regular intervals) within the isolated section? I am still in the design phase of a new layout and would like to take that information into consideration. What are your thoughts?. Thank you.
The Lenz being a European product is almost always available with instructions in at least 3 Euro languages and I know the LK200 instruction sheet is downloadable online in German ,English and French . There is also Lenz USA where all products are explained in English .
As with most European manufacturers navigating the websites and sorting through the information for a lot of novice modelers new to DCC is confusing and frustrating at best. Highlights the importance of peer reviews on hardware.
10 years guarantee with lenz
A great help, thanks. I suppose you get what you pay for... 🙂
Good video. Kieskemper are one of the better suppliers in Germany. I got the LK200 for my Fleischmann TurnTable but now it will also be used for a massive reverse loop on my Continental extension. I do have one thought, can the LK200 be used to feed both the TT and the reverse loop (assume the trains will not be passing / turning at the same time)
Hi mate, Thanks for the comment! Your assumption in theory is correct not sure how it would go down in practice as you would need to ensure that the input feed is in phase with one-another. My suggestion would be use a seperate reverser for the TT. Have a look at the Guagemaster DCC40 reverse module might be ideal for your TT. Cheers, Ben.
Hi Ben. Thanks so much for your reversing loop video, I have had the same problem with my Hornby reversing loop. It has worked fine for five or six years but now when a train / loco crosses the isolating fish-plate the controller would trip out (no damage fortunately as I have a surge protection circuit fitted to the track supply). Having seen your helpful video I have ordered a Lenz unit and hope this cures the problem. I did contact Hornby about the problem and eventually they advised that the units deteriorate with age and they have discontinued selling them.
Have you any experience of having a siding off the reversing loop? Theoretically I cannot see a problem but i need to introduce one so I guess I will soon find out!!
Currently I am using a Hornby DCC Elite controller but am considering changing. I have a permanent 5 meter by 2.2 meter table layout with a branch five track terminal off it and also a single branch line to a high level country station is planned. It is in a dedicated building. I see you are using an Ecos controller. Can you control more than one locomotive concurrently? An any advice please on controller selection?
Many thanks.
David (Norfolk, UK)
Hi David! thanks for the kind words I really do appreciate it! I can tell you know that my experience with auto reverses has been one of great financial expense to me and not in a good way. SO with that being said my advice is to keep it as simple as possible, the inclusion of a siding in a reverse loop should be irrelevant to its operation. Now in regards to you command station question, I can honestly say after years of using the Ecos I have had no issue with the command station but even I haven't yet exploited its full potential. Id recommends visiting Jims channel Hovermotion to see how powerful it really is. As a general rule, my advice on command stations is to go for what you want. but you get what you pay for in many respects. The Ecos is well supported but expensive, so be sure to do the research beforehand. All the best with the reversing loops and keep me updated of your progress! Cheers... Ben.
hi Ben good video reverse loop explain well could you please tell me where you got your lenz lk 200 from thank you steve
Gday Steve! I got mine on eBay. Check out the seller keiskemper, Reasonable prices, and shipping. Cheers, Ben.
Question. Lenz LK200 or Digitrax AR1? The Lenz is $100 while the Digitrax is $25. Is it really worth paying $100 for the Lenz? Does the Lenz switch faster than the Digitrax?
Hi, thanks for the question. As a general rule, I recommend that you don't make a habit of buying the cheaper DCC hardware. The AR1 is a mechanical switch so it is prone to fail if used excessively for the same reasons I made in the video. My recommendation would be to spend the money on the LK200 being a solid-state piece of hardware makes it far more reliable. However, if you are on a budget and your reverse loop is only moderately used, like a reverse siding etc. Then yes the AR1 is completely suitable. Hope this helps! Cheers.......Ben!
There are many situations not dictating to use a reverse loop module (RLM). E.g. the layout in your sketch at 3:02 just needs a relay depending on the turnout. The considerations are similar to those when powering a frog, and some switching motors already come with contacts intended to this purpose which could power as well the reverse loop. If standard double solenoid motors are used a relay with two solenoids can be used in parallel. But you have to make shure that the turnout points always in the right direction which can be done by contacts applied to the rails in the loop.
Perhaps that solution would be fine for some. But what you describe introduces greater dependance on mechanical switching and therefore greater probability of potential failure. Considering the product is a solid state solution it provides more reliable operation and integration to an existing DCC layout. The video after all is a product review, not an exploration into electrical engineering.
@@theengineshed359 I have got a LK200 for myself and it works fine. But there are situations it will not help at all. I missed a mention of a very important limitation valid for each reverse loop module: A train must not be longer than the track between the two electrical separation points. And if the reverse loop has got turnouts in between a RLM will not help at all.
RLMs switch allways under load, that is why the relais in the Hornby solution fail after a while. Solutions controlled by the turnout position(s) switch without load before the train reaches and we have no significant wear on the employed contacts. Depending on the type of switching motors it saves money, not so unimportant in these days, I think.
"[...], not an exploration into electrical engineering." - is a bit narrow in thinking. I think model railroading sometimes contains a bit electrical engineering.
@@LarsPW it is far from narrow thinking. It is an honest statement, this video was made about the LK200. Its has served its purpose, in proving insight into a product that at the time had limited exposure in the English speaking markets.
While I absolutely appreciate your insight on an alternative solution. I have to consider the simple fact that these videos need to be as simple and clear and concise as possible. Majority of the audience only want know if the product will work for them. But by all means as you clearly are passionate on the subject matter, I would encourage you to produce a video explaining your concepts. We are all hear to learn from each other after all.
Regards, BC.