Description:
The AR10 provides automatic control of reverse loop polarity using only two wires to the
mainline track and two wires to the reverse loop. Note: The AR10 is designed to be used only
with DCC systems. It will not work with any power system other than DCC.
Mechanical Installation:
The AR10 has 4 mounting holes that can be used to mount it to a convenient place on your
layout. We recommend using #4 x 3/4” round orpan head screws. Do not over tighten the
screws. Lightly snug the screws up just enough to keep the circuit board in place without
bending it. Bending the circuit board can fracture the fragile ceramic electronic components.
Electrical Connections:
The drawing below shows the main track (DCC power) and reverse loop wiring which are the
only required connections for automatic reverse loop control. As with all 2 rail reverse loops
the loop portion must be isolated from the rest of the layout using insulated rail joiners or
‘gaps’ in the rails. The wires labeled “Main Track” should be hooked to the main bus that
feeds the track leading into the reverse loop. The two wires labeled “LOOP” are connected to
the reverse loop. The loop track should be longer than the longest train expected in the loop.
If you have a situation where the loop cannnot be made longer than your longest train you will
need a second set of gaps in both rails creating a short dead section the length of the longest
metal truck in the train. This will be required at both the entrance and exit of the loop.
The terminal strips on the AR10 accept up to #12 AWG wire. We recommend track feeder
wires every 8-10 feet when using code 83 or larger rail size. If you’re using code 70 or
smaller rail we suggest feeders every 6 feet. Insufficient feeders can cause enough voltage
drop to prevent the circuit breaker portion of the AR10 from working.
Once the power and track connections are made it is time to check the Trip Current switch
settings and the AR10 is ready to use. See the section on Trip Current on the facing page for
switch settings.
We recommend that the trip current be set to about 75% of the maximum system current.
The two most common settings are listed below:
3 or 4 Amps if you have a 5 Amp DCC system
1 or 2 Amps if you have lower power DCC system such as the NCE PowerCab or
Digitrax
tm
Zephyr.
Optional connections and features such as manual reset and remote status LED are
illustrated on Page 4 in this manual. The factory settings have been chosen to provide
suitable operation with most HO and N scale layouts. If desired you can fine tune the
operating parameters of the AR10 to more closely match your DCC system and layout using
the information presented starting on page 5. Before jumping in and changing any settings
we suggest trying the AR10 with the original factory settings.
.
**Last revised: 3 May 2020
Page 2
AR10
AR10
"LOOP"
"MAIN TRACK"
GAPS IN
BOTH RAILS
Typical hookup of AR10 to reverse loop
DCC BUS
