And I’m pretty certain you’re a ringer.
Here’s a link that shows one of the recommended fixes for MRC decoders:
http://smithpointfishandhunt.com/images/NoTargetShooting.jpg
I have several of the MRC sound decoders installed in loco, both steam and diesel. I’d never had a problem with any of them until we acquired an Athearn Challenger with an MRC sound decoder in it.
The loco worked perfectly for nearly two years and then it just quit! I tried everything I could think of to restore it. Manually reset the CVs to factory default, reset it using the MRC codes, used JMRI to restore it to its previous settings, you name it.
In frustration, I removed it from the loco and replaced it with a Soundtraxx LC decoder. Loco is back to normal and the sound is nearly as good. Just not as many functions.
I have maybe a dozen MRC decoders. I’ve had a few problems, but have always managed to get them working again. I’ve never fried one,although one made a single horn blast and died right out of the package. I sent it back and they sent me another one. The motor control isn’t very good, but a lot of sounds for the buck.
I also have a number of Soundtraxx decoders, which have their own set of problems. The Soundtraxx decoders don’t have enough volume, although some seem louder than others. Also the Soundtraxx decoders seem to stumble more, and restart from zero on the slightest power interuption.
I also have several QSI decoders which were factory installed in locos I bought. The QSI decoders have computer generated sounds and horns, which sound phony.
I have yet to find the perfect sound decoder.
MRC does make good DC power packs but the quality did not carry over to the DCC decoders.
It would seem that MRC is happy selling what they have and they must realize their product is at the bottom of the barrel in quality, since every company does testing comparing the competion’s product. Athearn started with the MRC in their Genesis line and and finally got rid of the MRC decoders after the time expired for their contract. MRC should have improved their product over that five year period with Athearn since many of the decoders failed but the MRC decoders are still unreliable.
CZ
I’m not so sure this is as true as many think. Yes, MRC DC power packs generally looked good in comparison to their competitors. Competitors continually have had problems with inadequate components, DC pulse waveforms that overheated sensitive motors, and similar. MRC used smoother pusles in their designs that sacrificed ultimate low speed crawling for less motor heat. But since MRC went to security screws or sealed power packs (at least since Tech 2), it’s pretty hard to discern whether the internal workmanship or component quality is all that MRC gets credit for. Also, the difficult to access innards have effectively made their electronic designs proprietary for a couple of decades now - it’s not just their DCC products. That said, used MRC DC products are the backbone of my DC power.
I would venture that is far from a given in the model railroad industry that any testing of competitors’ products is done. Any knowledge of the competition and their products likely comes from personal hobby experience or reading forums and hobby media, not from a company R&D program. Anybody on payroll with the requisite technical knowledge is fully occuppied planning and designing new products or supporting existing products. Separately funded and populated R&D and market research programs are beyond the financial capability of companies supporting the hobby.
I do agree that MRC must know their decoders are shoddily designed and/or made, just because of the return/repair ra