Test the switch machines:
Bac -and-forth, end-to-end configurations:
Place an object like a rail car at all end point detector locations (E1, W1, E2, W2) that are being used.
The direction LEDs will flash in unison to indicate that too many trains are being detected. The track
switches will all align to track 1.
Out-and-bac reverse loop configuration:
Place an object like a rail car at detector locations W1 and W2. The direction LEDs will flash in unison and the turnout will
align toward sensor W1 (a train departing the tail track will go to the right, for a counter-clockwise trip around the loop).
Tip #4 - If a switch aligns in the wrong direction, swap the W 1/W 3 (or E 1/E 3) wires to the switch machine.
Always turn off power before making or changing connections !
When the switches are working properly, turn off power to the PFRR and remove the cars / objects from the sensors.
Step 4 - Connect the Train Power Supply to terminals T+ and T-.
Begin with the 'ACCEL' adjustment turned counter-clockwise for quick acceleration and
braking.
Place a train on the track. Set the speed knob to a slow setting, then turn on the train power. The train will not move until
the PFRR controller has been turned on (power applied to P1 & P2).
Increase the speed control until the train moves. If the train will not move, change the polarity of the power pack by
changing the direction control switch or swapping the wires at 'T+' and 'T-.'
ake sure the train moves East or West as the PFRR direction LEDs indicate. If the train is moving in the wrong direction,
swap the track power wires.
Tip #5 - Once the train is moving in the proper direction, mark the power pack's direction switch .
When the PFRR's power is first turned on, it checks the detectors to determine where trains are located. It also remembers
the switch positions from the last operating session. The PFRR uses this information to decide which train to run first.
ACCEL adjustment - Turn the 'ACCEL' adjustment clockwise for longer train acceleration and braking times. Turn it
counter-clockwise for quicker starts and stops. It is OK to let the train coast past the train detectors. The PFRR will
remember that a train passed the detector, and will assume the train remains on that end track until the train trips the detector
again when going in the opposite direction.
Memory Effect - The PFRR remembers when a train enters an end siding (see 'ACCEL adjustment' above), even if the train
passes the detector before it stops.
Why is the yellow LED blin ing? When a train enters an end track, it starts decelerating when it is detected by
that track's sensor. If the train coasts past the sensor before coming to a stop, the PFRR circuit remembers that a
train is on that track. A blinking yellow LED tells you the PFRR believes there is a train on that end track, but the
sensor is not detecting the train. This is a "hidden" train.
When the PFRR wants to bring that "hidden" train back to the main line, it applies power to the track and waits for that end
sensor to be tripped, indicating that the train is coming out of the end track.
If that end sensor is not tripped within 10 seconds, the PFRR assumes that train was manually removed. It will shut off track
power and mark that end track as empty. The LED will stop blinking. Then the PFRR will look for another train to move.
When adding a new train to the layout, make sure all trains are on end detectors before turning the PFRR on again. The
PFRR will take a few extra seconds to reconcile train locations before starting operation.
At least one turnout should be aligned with an occupied track when manually placing or removing trains from the layout.
azatrax.com © 2017 Azatrax Pickle Fork RR Installation, -wire switch machines rev. C1 pg. 6 of 7
