DecoderPro powers off when trying to read sheets

[GARY LENHOFF]

I'm using DecoderPro with a Sprog II v.3.  I'm good until i attempt to read a decoder in Sprog mode (not Sprog Command mode) -- each time i try DecoderPro shuts the power to the programming track off. I can put DecoderPro in throttle mode with power on and everything works. Anyone have any thoughts on why this is occurring? Thanks! 

[rrinker]

 The program track normally only has power in small burst when writing or querying the decoder, there is no continuous power that you can measure with a meter like you can when in throttle mode and the DCC power and signal are on the rails.

                     --Randy

[mlehman]

I assume you're getting this with a loco on the tracks?

It's likely some minor short, like a single piece of wire strand that is barely touching where it shouldn't. This works in regular power mode, but the programming mode is typically vgery sensitive to any indication of a short in order to protect the decoder.

Check all your connections closely looking for any wire strands that protrude and may be in contact against the frame, etc. This should also included the connections between the power, the Sprog and the track itself.

[GARY LENHOFF]

Thanks Randy.  I am getting the small bursts when reading the decoder, but i get an error that it "Timed out talking to command station (306)".  the odd thing is i can write a change to an existing sheet, but cannot read a new sheet.  Any thoughts?

[GARY LENHOFF]

Thanks Randy. I'm getting the programming pulses, but I also get a "timeout talking to command station (306)" error and it does not read the sheet (decoder.) The odd thing is i can write a change to an existing sheet although i get the same error. Any thoughts?

[Renegade1c]

This is normal. The track power will get turned off when using service mode programming with a sprog. Once you have completed programing you can turn power back on and run the locomotive.

The programming track sends micro pulses to the decoder to program it and the decoder acknowledges that it received the pulse by cycling the power on the motor.