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Model Rectifier Corp. Tech 6 Sound Controller
My entire New Haven R R layout is on DC. This seems like a good & not expensive way to add sound to it. I have 90 engines and want to add sound to a FEW of them. Does anyone know who I can contact about putting the required devices in my engines. Most of my fleet are Atlas, with a good mixture of old & new releases.
You said that “The Tech 6 is an easy-to-use option for operators who want to run sound-equipped locomotives without converting their layouts to DCC.” But it’s not!! Since you also say that on my “fleet” of (two) Blueline sound-equipped locos “you won’t be able to trigger any of the functions” without installing a DCC decoder. So what’s the point?
Another thing you say is “Basic locomotive operation is the same as with other power packs. A knob marked “throttle” controls the speed, and a button marked with two arrows controls the direction” - well that’s not the same as any other power pack I’ve seen – usually the "throttle turns left for one direction and right for the other; why do you need arrow buttons to control the direction??
I am building my third layout and was going to convert my hold system to , but now I think I will go this rought. It surely be less expensive.
Sounds like a great product. But my concern is with operation sound equiped engines on my DC layout. In the review above, under “Running trains”, there is constant reference to “DCC”. I have many of the Proto2000 and Walthers engines (steam and diesel) I also have the older BLI steam engines. I have stayed way from non QSI equiped engines because of the lack of compatibility, such as Athearn, BLI Blueline, Bahcmann, etc. Will this unit allow me to integrate these engines on my DC analog layout without adding interface boxes? Do I need to add decoders to my engines they run as DCC? I also have a very large number of older brass that do not have decoder boards or sound, and reading the review, it appears that these can still be run separate from my sound engines.
Would appreciate clarifcation on this. Thanks.
Looks great. Can I order one direct? I live in the high mountain boonys.
Recently recieved a Prodigy Advance from MRC in exchange for my old Command 1000 unit. Found that it did not operate my older DC engines. Contacted MRC with problem. They directed me to the Tech 6 with tethered throttle. They were very helpful in getting the correct unit for my layout. Have not received the replacement unit yet, but look forward to using it. I know that if there are any more problems that the staff at MRC will be helpful in getting things correctly set up.
Hello Raymond,
The Tech 6 functions as a regular DC power pack so you can run older engines without a decoder. However you never want to run these engines in Dual or DCC mode or else you’ll damage them. I’m not sure what you mean by compatibility issues or interface boxes. As stated in the review, the Tech 6 works with just about any DCC sound decoder.
Hi Lawrence,
Regarding your question. A decoder equipped locomotive will only run in Dual mode using the Tech 6. It won’t run in the standard or analog DC mode.
After installing a DCC Sound Decoder in a given N-Scale locomotive, will the TECH 6 control that Sound Decoder when the locomotive is operated on “Analog” DC? The message I get from the ad on inside back cover of MR is that this is possible; however it is not the message I get from the comments above! I would like to operate my N-Scale locomotives in “Analog” DC, yet have the capability of controlling sound in individual locomotives in that same mode. Is this possible?
Dana and other,
Thought I would clarify my comments about compatability concerns.
I operate DC analog, I have many QSI sound equiped engines using the Quantum controller. I can program each engine, and of course, can operate many features.
Will the Tech 6 allow me to continue to operate EACH and EVERY feature that the Quantum controller allows me to do?
With the Tech 6, can I operate non-QSI engines, such as Athearn, Bachmann, Precision Scale, etc on my layout with out any additional boxes or interfaces? I understand that on BLI Blueline still needs the BLI controller.
I know that non-QSI and QSI sound equiped engines can not be operated together - such a double heading, no problem.
I know that you can not operate older brass DC only engines under dual or DCC, so is there a switch on the Tech 6 that will allow these engines to be controlled by the Tech 6, or will I still need to operate these with my current MRC DC power packs?
One last thing, wouldn’t it be nice if Model Railroader opened up a forum for DC only modelers to address these issues? And how about writting an article or 2 or 3 about DC sound systems compatibility and comparing features of each manufacturer.
I believe that DC operators out number DCC operators. Most all DCC operations are on large club sized layout, but us guys and gals with mid size layouts, 100 to 200 sq ft or smaller, need information too.
I ran across this company which will convert your engines very seasonably. Just ask or write to Brian.
http://www.mainlinehobby.com./