How can you tell whether a given decoder will be able to use DC? In question: MRC 1650 four function decoder. I tried programming CV29 to “6” without success. I use Prodigy Express system. Do some decoders just not work on DC? I was under the impression that all would if “told” to do so. Thanks!
A lot of older decoders won’t work on DC. Newer ones and the new generation of sound decoders from BLI and soundtraxx Tsunami etc will work on both but the original soundtraxx ones won’t.The best thing is to check a manufacturers website for specifications on each decoder, if it doesn’t say dual mode or that it works on DC assume it doesn’t.
Just to add to the confusion some dual mode sound decoders work on DC but the sound doesn’t!
The majority of new decoders released in the last year will work on both anyway but they may include manufacturer specific DC enabling somewhere in the CV list so check that there isn’t something extra on the full list you need to change apart from the basic NMRA template CV’s.
I also have the Prodigy Express but no dc loco’s so no problem for me. Check the owners manual. The prodigy does not accept analog.
Larry