Arc Pro C8435 Powerbase upgrade_Analogue-Cars running in opposite directions

[KAt1707821752]

I have just purchased C8435 Powerbase. Aiming to use this in Analogue mode currently. Powers up and cars run but in opposite directions. Checked voltage on the tracks, output from the transformer is the problem. How can the polarity be changed for each track?

K

[Andy P.]

Hi There and welcome,

Just to be 100% sure I understand you: When you put a car, any car in each lane they go in opposite directions i.e. like regular traffic ?

You are 100% sure it isn't the cars that have their wires crossed?

If you have digital cars can you test them?

You don't have any analog curved cross over tracks in your layout do you?

How did you check the output from the transformer?

The plug has an inside and an outside. One is usually positive and the other negative so it can't really be switched there.

What is possible is that there is a swap under the track.

Very rarely a sensor or a plug might get put in 180° to what it should be.

You should be able to open the bottom up without voiding a warranty and see if there is something obviously wrong...

[KAt1707821752]

Hi

I have sorted this now.

I came to the conclusion that there are no adjustments or settings to change the direction of the cars in analogue mode. In my case one car was running clockwise, the other anti-clockwise.

I tested the new Powerbase (ArcPro C8435) and the single piece of track that is attached, without connecting any other track, with a test meter. One set of rails had a positive reading the other a negative reading.

I removed the bottom cover of the track and could see immediately a 'school boy' error in the wiring. One set of rails Black wire connected to the positive rail and Red wire connected to the negative rail, the other set of rails wired Red to positive, Black to negative. I snipped one set of black and red wires and resoldered them to match the other set of rails. Checked again with the test meter, both sets of rails have a positive voltage. Assembled the track and cars run as expected.

To help those not sure of the difference between Digital and Analogue modes. In Digital the Powerbase supplies a constant voltage of 15 volts of AC. It doesn't really make any difference how the Red and Black wires are connected. In Analogue a variable DC voltage of 0 - 12 volts (DC is like voltage from a battery + and - connections) is supplied. So it is important that both sets of rails are wired the same.

Hopefully mine is a one off, and slipped by quality control. If you have a similar problem then you probably need to contact Hornby.

K

[Andy P.]

Thanks!

I had a hunch it was something like that...