I Keep getting an SVDA Code when I try swithcing my trains from Oval to Oval. I have two Ovals that are parallel to each other on a 4 x 8 layout. The two ovals are connected in one spot by two right hand turnouts. I can only get one oval to run at a time with my prodigy express. When I try to switch my loco over to the outside oval I am getting the SVDA code on my MRC express readout. I am probably wiring the switch over between tracks incorrectly, but I have tried everything (to my knowledge) and I cannot get my loco to switchover and keep running. Can somebody tell me what I am doing wrong? Where do I need insulated joiners? Do I need insulated joiners at all? It is very frusturating. Where should I connect my feeders from my base unit. Should I put the feeders on the inside track or the outside track? Should I put the feeders on both tracks? I know this is alot of questions, but I am trying to let people know I have no idea how to hook up this situation.
Thanks to everybody that has been helping me.
The Pridigy Express has four outputs - two for main and two for programming. Judging by your explanation here and your other post, you have the main terminals connected to your inner loop and the programming terminals connected to your outer loop .... won't work - you can't run a train on a track set for programming. Code SVDA indicates a short. The only way to clear it is to either unplug the controller or the wall plug to allow it to reset.
My suggestion at this point would be to first remove the insulating joiners you have between the two loops. Connect a pair of wires from the "main" terminals to both the inner and outer loop. Connect the "program" terminals to an extra piece of flextrack under your table. Program your engines on that isolated piece of track, then place them on the layout and run where-ever you want.
Mark.
¡ uʍop ǝpısdn sı ǝɹnʇɐuƃıs ʎɯ 'dlǝɥ
I already have the program track separate now, I took the advice and used a single piece of flex track. I don't have either of my ovals as the program track anymore. I tried hooking up only the outer oval to the main track and I put regular joiners between the two turnouts that connect the ovals and I get a shortcircuit readout when I try to cross ovar to the inner track. The train runs fine until I try to cross from one track to the next. I hope this helps explain it better.
Thanks, Smit
Ok - You're on the right road by eliminating the program track and plastic joiners. As mentioned before, the code you are getting is indicating a short.
Are you able to now run on either inside or outside loop ok ? The problem only arises as you attempt to cross from one loop to the other ?
What type of turnouts are you using ? I'm guessing they are either Shinohara or Peco power routed switches and they are possibly causing your short.
Watch the engine carefully at slow speed - at exactly what point are the lead wheels when the short occurs ?
There's a short happening somewhere !?!
Thanx Mark. I think were getting closer to the problem here. I am at work now and I am going to the Phillies game tonight (LETS GO PHILS), so I won't have a chance to check until tommorow. But I was thinking I may have odd style turnouts. The TOs I am using were from my old trains I got when I was a kid. The TOs are 20 yrs old. I am going to buy some new TOs this week when I get a chance. Do you suggest Insulated Frog or live Frog?
Thanks! Smit
Just to make sure, there is one oval inside the other, correct? Make sure you have wired the outer track of both ovals to the same terminal, and the inner track to the other. If not, you'll short for sure (though since it only happens when the loco crosses that should not be the problem. As was said look carefully for where the wheels are when the short occurs, from there it should be easy to fix.
Jeff But it's a dry heat!
If you feel more comfortable with a couple new turnouts - I'm not positive that's where your problem is - pick up a couple Atlas ones. If space permits, go with a couple number 6's instead of 4's - they are longer and will work smoother for a cross-over arrangement.
As well, the Atlas switches are powered through the entire assembly with an insulated frog .... they will definitely take the problem away if it is indeed the old ones causing it.
I bought a couple new turnouts the other day and I hooked them up in place of the old TOs. Everything worked like butter after the new TOs were installed. Probably the ancient dating of the old TOs caused the problem.
Thankt to everyone who helped me!