User Manual for Power Shield Auto Reverser PS/AR

(PowerShield products are designed and manufactured by Ray Hazen, MicroDesign)

PowerShield products have been replaced by PSX products by DCC Specialties

Tony's Intelligent Reverser unit provides auto-reversing for return loops, reversing Y’s and turntables. In addition, it provides overcurrent protection, which sectionalizes the controlled track area and prevents shutting down other parts of your layout when the track is shorted.
Note: Not for DC direct current applications.

Features:

• Automatic coordination of reverse and trip functions - it’s both a reverser and a breaker
  
• Fast, quiet reversing - no blinks or clicks
  
• Automatic reclose of the breaker after 1 second (defeatable if desired)
  
• LED indication of direction and trip conditions (plus provisions for a remote LED)
  
• All solid state design, including power switching elements, for fast, reliable operation
  
• State-of-the-art components, on a plated-through printed circuit board

Connection:

• Connect the DCC power to the DCC inputs (see drawing below). Either DCC lead may go to either input.
  
• Connect the TRK outputs to the isolated track section (see drawing below). Either TRK output may be connected to either rail in the isolated section.

Indication:

• Initial direction - LED off
  
• Reverse direction - LED flashing
  
• Breaker tripped - LED on

Customization:

To manually control reclosing of the breaker, connect a normally-closed switch between SENS2 and SENS5. When the switch is opened, the breaker will reclose.

To remote the LED indicator, connect the remote LED between the XLEDA and XLEDK outputs (observe A (anode) and K (cathode) markings), and cut the foil between the two pads (on the top of the board). Both the on-board and remote LEDs will now indicate the reverser and breaker status.

Power Shield™ Circuit Breakers

All of us who use Command Control Systems are aware of the annoyance and damage caused by track shorts. At the least, a track short interrupts operating, at the worst, it can fry expensive power supplies or related components or hardware. Of course, track shorts multiply in conjunction with the number of operators.

There have been many solutions proposed: Ballast Lamps, Relays, Kill Switches and Swearing. None of the above have been good solutions. The problem is that all good power supplies, whether conventional DC or Command Control DC or AC have built in circuit protection that senses a short and shuts down all power in about 1/4 second. While this in most cases protects the power supply, it obviously shuts down all activity until our co-operators get their Loco back on the track, etc.

Furthermore, this circuit protection can go on and off with lights, bells or whistles, while our buddy is struggling to get his 18 wheel articulated Loco back on the track. Does it not just drive you nuts?

There is now a simple inexpensive solution.

I have developed the application, optimized and thoroughly tested a specialized circuit breaker that trips instantaneously, resets immediately, and has an optional, user added on/off function. Simply install this breaker in either power bus lead or track feeder group to provide protection. For the ultimate protection and convenient operating, I suggest one Power Shield™ minimum and then one other for each regular operator, two for small layouts.

Here is the schematic for the wiring

If you are skeptical, here are the reasons you should use Power Shield™:

Booster Protection: Even though these units have built in protection, the protection circuitry after numerous shorts will eventually fail.

Locomotive or Electrical Accessory Protection: Power Shield™ eliminates the extremely violent voltage and current spikes caused by hard shorts which can melt wheels and accessories.

Fault Isolators: When Power Shield™ trips, you know where the problem is.

Track Power On/Off: Toggle switch feature.

Reverse Loop Protection: If an operator fails to choose the correct polarity for a reverse loop or track polarity change, Power Shield™ will tell him/her.

Enjoyable Uninterrupted Operating: This is the number one, in my opinion. Power Shield™ keeps the layout up and running for those operators who can stay on the track or avoid running against turnouts.

Why Power Shield PS/AR is the best DCC auto reverser?

• 5+ Amp, all scales.
  
• Automatic/manual reset.
  
• Compatible with reverse blocks.
  
• On / off status light.
  
• Easy mount design
  
• Buy what you need, one or more

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