Ok here is he deal. I have the MRC Prodigy system, great system, but it is very limited.
. The problem I have though is I get a wicked motor buzz from some of the decoders I use, or other problems that pop up.
I had been useing Digittraxx decoders an they worked great. They fully programmed, and were very queit. Recently, I bought another Digitrax decoder and thing now makes a bunch of motor growl. I took it back and the new one did the same thing. My guess? Digitraxx must have changed something in the decoders and thye are out as an option. (thing is loud)
I used a NCE, but it would program for adress but it would not for anything els,e not start/stop voltage, no momentum (which is big for me) So NCE is out.
I tried a Lenz once, grwoled like crazy, but, it was a cheaper one… what about the newer "queit"decoders?
Also, I have thought about gettng actual MRC decoders, hopeing that maybe they will be quiet too…
Also, I wouldnt mind getting a sound decoder ot two if someone has input on that. Any input, info, facts or opinons are great. I hate haveing to keep my stero up to drwonout the growl of the motor buzz.
Thanks all [8D]
There are other factors, such as the changing engineering in the drives of various manufacturers. Did the Digitrax grow in a loco that was decodered and did NOT growl previously?
My P2K Heritage 0-6-0 was super smooth and very quiet until I put a DSD 100LC Sountraxx decoder in it, and now no amount of PWM fiddling gets it quiet. My IHC gifted Mikado was quiet when I got it, has a new Tsunami in it, and is still dead quiet.
So, I guess it all depends on the decoder, how the factory set the PWM CV, and what the drive is like in the particular loco.
Try fiddling with the values on the CV dealing with Pulse Width Modulation to the motor.
All of my decoders are Pre-silent running decoders (more than 4 years old), including digitrax, NCE, Lenz, and one other that escapes me at the second… I’m running a digitrax chief system but that shouldn’t have anything to do with what you are describing. With a digitrax system, I never had anything but trouble with MRC decoders so they are all gone now but they may work better on the MRC system. Anyway, I can’t say I’ve ever heard any motor buzz except on Non DCC locos, and that was at a stand still… I’m assuming your locos actually run… Does the buzzing change with loco speed?? DId you try putting the buzz causing decoder in a loco that Doesn’t buzz? You might try contacting Digitrax and MRC… Maybe someone else has had the problem…
Don’t buy MRC decoders. Bottom line, theyre junk! Anway, digitrax decoders are good quality and should have the quiet drive feature if they are new like you say. I think it is up to you to configure CVs and make it quiet. Your problem is that you cant do that with the old prodigy. Does your LHS have a programming track connected to a more advanced system?
Yup, it does. I have 3 indentical GP-60M from the Athearn RTR line. 2 have had th eolder Digitraxx deocders in them and been perfect. the 3rd one has the newer decoder in it. Doesnt matter what engine I put into, it growls like a mad dag. JPM got it right with the Prodigy, one seriuos draw back, you have no way of altering CV values with it. [:(] Evenutlly, I will get a new DCC system, but mos tlikely be awhile. One cost, also see what will be the best route to go. There are alot of option on the market right now, and I woudl like to see which ones will stick around.
No, but I do have a some friends who have the complete NCE set up. That is something I handt even thought about. Maybe they can quiet the sucker down for me. I will look into that. Thank you.[:D]
Now I’m certain you have to adjust the SuperSonic drive. The earlier Digitrax decoders didn’t have it, and I believe with the newer ones the default is 100% on.
Huh. Well that is the most logical thing I have heard yet. I knew there had to be a difference some how. All the guys at the hobby shop didnt have a clue. I will work on trying to get that CV value altered, see if makes a difference. Thanks for the tip Steve.