DCC Specialties Frog-AR Quad Output Frog Auto-Reverser 5
Above DCC Specialties Frog-AR Quad

Hi Guy's---

I have about 100 DCC Specialties PSX breakers on my layout that I use for circuit breakers and block detection.  I am having problems with some of my turnout Tortoises malfunctioning with frog power routing --- this is a known problem with the power switch wipers in the Tortoises.  I am thinking about using the DCC Specialties Frog-AR to replace the Tortoise frog power switching.  Since I am using PSX Breakers, I am concerned that the Frog AR may be slower than the PSX in detecting a short and as a result shut down the block power before the Frog AR can do its job.  I am also concerned about block detection, but I am hoping that if I place the Frog AR power input before the PSX breaker that I will be OK.

Please advise me on these issues --- as I will be buying about 20 of the quad Frog AR boards for my main yard that does not have powered frogs yet and also to fix a few mainline malfunctioning Tortoises.

Thank you in advance for your help................Dick P. in California

Hi Dick:

The Frog AR actually limits the current to the value to which you set it. If you set it to 2 amperes, it will not only flip the frog polarity when it sees 2 amperes, it will not allow any more than 2 amperes into the frog. Hence, the PSX should not see a short (assuming it is set to the default of about 4 amperes) and will not trip. In general, we recommend setting the Frog AR to 1 ampere. Remember that only one engine at a time can actually touch the frog, so 1 ampere should be enough for most engines. The current limiting by the Frog AR will not only prevent the PSX from tripping, it treats your engine wheels with a bit lighter current touch.

I would not recommend placing the Frog-AR before the PSX due to the current limiting nature of the Frog-AR. It will start limiting current such that the PSX may not be able to detect the fault. If you are worried about block detection on the PSX, you can adjust the Block Occupied sensitivity by changing the value in CV54 to compensate for the added current of the Frog-AR.

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