I have a Kato N Scale AC4400CW locomotive that I would like to add sound to. I noticed MRC made the 1644 Sound Decoder for Kato N Scale AC4400CWs and SD70MACs. I’ve read mixed reviews on it. Some people seem to encounter many problems with the 1644, and others seem to have great success with these decoders. I’ve seen 3 or 4 videos on YouTube of locomotives with these decoders operating, and they seem to run just fine, the sound is very clear on them. My DCC system is a Digitrax Empire Builder system with the DT100IR throttle, it’s kind of an older system, built around 1999 - 2001. Are these 1644 decoders good quality, or should I consider other options? Also, has anybody used the MRC 1644 with a Digitrax system? Thanks.
No, these MRC sound decoders are of POOR quality. I would suggest you avoid them as they will give you lots of headaches…High failure rate, poor sound quality, poor motor control (tends to get a mind of it’s own), a tendency to forget it’s address…avoid.
On board sound for N scale is still a pipe dream. I suggest you go with a layout based sound system like surroundtraxx and install standard Digitrax decoders in these units.
David B
It is unfortunate these MRC decoders have such a poor reputation. N scale is so popular, yet there are very few manufacturers who seem interested in providing sound in N scale. I’ve seen where Athearn is coming out with some Sound-Equipped locomotives (F45s, I think?) in N scale. Does anyone know what decoders those would have in them? Also, I’ve seen a few sound equipped steam locomotives and E8s with sound in them. Does anyone know what decoders they use?
Even with their new contract with Soundtraxx, I believe the F45s have MRC decoders in them…
The E8s have LokSound decoders in them. They are very nice decoders.
Athearn Steam locos with sound also have MRC decoders in them…for now.
David B
There’s absolutely no technical issue preventing any manufacturer from making an N scale sound decoder. The chips are plenty small to build a board that will fit and have al the features of a larger one.
The PROBLEM is the laws of physics. No matter how good you make the decoder, an on-board speaker in N scale is just goign to be too small to reproduce proper sounds at a reasonable volume. You can make a decoder that reproduces sound so well when connected to audiophile quality speakers that people can tell not only what make of loco but exactly which one you are playing, yet when coupled to a speaker small enough to fit in N scale, it will sound tinny and generic. There’s just no way around that, and this is why I think there is little focus on N scale sound. The Surroundtraxx concept is probably the only way it’s goign to work, and is an improvement over HO onboard sound as well. With O you’re finally getting locos large enough to contain a decent size speaker and enclosure.
–Randy
The Athearn F45’s do have Soundtraxx, not MRC. The Athearn Challenger and Big Boy have MRC decoders. The Walthers 2-8-8-2’s have QSI decoders.
The only E units out there right now with factory sound are the Precision Craft Models E7’s and they have LokSound decoders. Broadway Limited Imports, which is the parent company of Precision Craft Models, apparently will not be releasing anymore N-scale products under the Precision Craft Models name; however, they are still doing N-scale. They are supposed to do a second run of the E7’s as well as E8/9’s scheduled for delivery this month. They are also have Alco PA/PB’s scheduled for June delivery and possibly a PRR M1a/M1b. The second run of E7’s and all of their newer models are supposed to have there own Paragon2 sound decoder.
Con-Cor also offered an unpowered PB with a Soundtraxx decoder installed.
I found several FP45s with DCC and Sound on eBay. Earlier today, I ordered one and saved about $50.00. I figured the best way to try sound in N scale is to buy a locomotive with it and just try it and see how well it works. I don’t expect awesome sound out of a sound equipped N scale unit as I realize there’s no way a tiny speaker can perform to the quality of a computer/stereo speaker. As long as I can hear a horn, bell, and engine noise I’ll be fine. When I get it, I’ll post a product review of it on this forum.
I received my Athearn N Scale FP45 today. I tried it out, and it sounds really good. It has a Tsunami decoder installed. However, I have been having problems with it wanting to reset all the time. I use Atlas Code 55 track, and the locomotive seems to stall out on turnouts and sometimes curves. It stalls in places where my Atlas and Kato units perform fine. When it does stall, it only does it for a brief second but it immediately resets the sound, which starts all over again but has a shrill pitch to it. I have to either turn the sound off or bring it to a stop and start the locomotive moving again. Right now, I’m breaking the locomotive in by running it at a moderate non-stop speed for 30 minutes hoping it might adjust some to my track. It seems to me that these Tsunami decoders are a little too sensitive, has anyone else had any experience with these decoders?
I’ve bought 10 or so of the MRC N scale sound decoders over the last 12 months and they’ve been great. They are from 3 different batches and all work fine. I also have a few of the Challengers and Big-Boys with the MRC sound and again no problems. Nothing like 5 SD70’s of 60’s up front of a large container train or tanker set - all sounding away.
Yes, N Scale sound is not as “Big” as in HO etc, but it does work and I reckon it’s fine.