Hi again.
I have a reverse loop with the Prodigy Advance Squared and just installed the MRC Auto Reverse Module on it. It works, but it shorts the cab briefly and stops the loco displaying SVDA for a second or two, then you can restart the loco by adjusting it's speed.
According to an article online, this is normal for a Prodigy EXPRESS System with only 1.5 amps, and MRC even offers an upgrade to 2.5 amps supposedly to correct the problem. So my question is why is the Advance System having this issue?
Thanks!
Rob
As I recall, the MRC auto-reverser is one of the relay-based ones, rather than a solid-state reverser like one from Tony's Trains. A solid-state system will respond more quickly and quietly than a relay.
Is there a way to adjust the PA-squared's delay time before it shorts out? If so, it may need to be a bit longer to compensate for the slow auto-reverse unit. Check the manual.
It takes an iron man to play with a toy iron horse.
How many feeders do you have fromt eh output of the auto-reverser to the loop tracks? And what size wire did you use for your bus and feeders? If there is inadequate wiring the reverser may not switch soon enough. The MRC unit is not adjustable - the Digitrax AR-1 is infinitely variable over a wide range with a simple potentiometer dial on the board, and works very well on various systems with varying current draw locos. Just turn it until the reverser trips as soon as the loco hits the gaps. If it flips randomly while the train is in the loop area, turn it up a bit so it's not quite that sensitive.
--Randy
Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's
Visit my web site at www.readingeastpenn.com for construction updates, DCC Info, and more.
Thanks Randy.
Turns out that was the problem. I only had one feed wire and it was in the middle of the loop. I moved it to the end of the loop, and added another feed wire on the other end and it works perfectly!