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An MR quick look: N scale DCC sound decoder
I purchased two 0001658 decoders, the version for Kato F units. I believe that the base product is the same, differing only in the select of sounds and board layout. I’ll agree that the sound quality is very good for N scale and the installation is relatively painless. The board is slightly thicker than the original and takes a little work to get a good connection. Also, one of the speaker wires was loose on one decoder, but it was easy to repair. Regarding programming the board…I use an NCE PowerCab and it was NOT simple to program, either on the main or using a programming track. Contrary to MRC’s ad on the back page of the August 2008 issue you cannot read back any of the CVs. I’d tell you the version of the decoders that I purchased, but of course I can’t. I can’t read the appropriate CV on either decoder. Consisting (advanced) the MRC decoder with Digitrax decoders required manually changing CV 19 on the MRC decoder. Further, the speed curve on the MRC decoder doesn’t match, so it is necessary to spend some time tuning the Digitrax decoders. The sound decoder may match the non-sound MRC decoder in speed ranges, but in all honesty I’m not about to spend the money to find out. Using sound decoders in all units generates some strange “beats”, and turning off the sound in the second unit makes no sense. Why spend $90 to get a silent decoder? The documentation from MRC is far below what I’ve come to expect from DCC decoder manufacturers, both what is supplied with the decoder and what is available on their web site. Installation is covered adequately…after all it is a “drop-in” decoder…but the various CVs and the meaning of their values is not well documented. It wasn’t until I saw the ad that I finally found out what the “diesel rumble type, total 4 types” really meant. I am still puzzled by the range value for the “brake release volume.” It says: “see chart.” Now if only I could find the chart. Finally,
I have two 0001645 decoders to suit the N scale Kato P42 and I am using a Digitrax Super Chief. As with Tom’s comments, it would be nice to be able to switch off the sound when consisting, which brings me to another problem. Even with both decoders programed the same,of course this can’t be verified with no readback capability, the loco’s move at different rates. The built in speed tables are rubbish. Also, you would expect with the momentum values set to zero that there would be no momentum. Instead, zero is really just what some software engineer has decided HE would like as a minimum for momentum. With both decoders set to the same start voltage, one begins to move at step 5 while the other sits still until step 13. Not very consist friendly. Here is a direct quote from the manual “Whenever the decoder doesn’t work please use program track to re-program the loco address or program CV# 125 with value 1 to restore the decoder to factory setting. This should bring the decoder to life.” This happens far too often, the decoders just lockup. I think they don’t like being removed from the track with power on. I will not be purchasing any more MRC decoders and I wish Athearn would offer DC versions of their Big Boy and Challenger, so I don’t have to spend more money switching out the built in MRC sound decoders
I have just purchased my 6th (not including the MRC decoders in my Athearn Challenger(s) and Big Boy locomotives) MRC sound decoder for the Kato SD70MAC. I take issue with the comments of both Mr. Frerich and Mr. Hays above. I am very pleased, overall, with all of my MRC sound decoders. Especially this latest one for the SD70. It was extremely easy to install, and program. Even easier than my E8 and F7. Maybe because I’m getting better at it. I followed the simple instructions (consisting of approximately 10" X 18" single sheet of paper folded twice) which gives you all the information you need. It provided excellant instructions with photos (equal to or better than other manufactures) on how to install the board in the locomotive, as well as how to test and operate it. It also provided a Function chart showing which function button turned on which sound. As well as a programming chart which showed which CV was used to change which sound, acceleration, deceleration etc. Mr. Frerichs says,“The documentation is far below what I’ve come to expect from DCC decoder manufactures.” I liked the MRC instruction sheet. They are straightforward simple and easy, especially for me, to understand. Some of these features that some of these DCC manufactures talk about I have no idea what they are and I have no idea what they are talking about. Mr. Frerich goes on to say that programming the board was NOT easy using his NCEPower Cab…you can not read back any of the CVs." I’m not real proficient with DCC but I think some of these DCC boosters don’t have enough power for reading back CV values. The instruction sheet clearly states,“Due to the nature of all sound decoders, the CV read back is not 100% correct. So this feature is not supported in the decoder. This is not a defect of the decoder or your DCC system.” In my experience, programming my 4 digit engine number was easy. And if I wanted to change the volume or select a different horn it, too was easy. Regarding warranty