Yeah. I know you guys don’t like em. But I’ve installed half a dozen, with no problems yet. But I’m having a problem with the one I installed last night. It is the same MRC #1634 decoder, for Modern, Large diesels, that I have in several other engines. But I’m having problems programming it. The only CV that I can program is the address. I had no problem changing the address from the factory set 03 to the number 11. But I can’t change any other CVs. The sound is too loud. But I can’t change the CVs that control the volume. I want to add some momentum, and acceleration, but I am unable to. The bell ring rate is too fast, and sounds more like a fire truck, than a loco. Otherwise, the loco runs fine, and has all the sounds, but I can’t program anything but the address. Also, the horn is completely different from the other MRC 1634 decoders. Also I get no readback from the decoder CVs, while the other MRC 1634s give me a readback on the CVs. Any suggestions?
Try this http://cs.trains.com/forums/744/ShowForum.aspx . Its the DCC forum.[|(]
Did you try to “program it on Mainline” mode, not on the “program track” mode?
I have a Roco Multimaus, and only way to program MRC sound decoder CV’s was changing the mode to “Program on the main”.
Now you know why they are not liked around here. They are huge quality control issues as well as programming issues.
Good luck with your decoder, but you wont get much help, because you cant really help MRC decoders.
David B
It sounds like you’ve “locked” the decoder; many decoders give you an option to lock the settings in place so they aren’t accidently changed when you’re programming another engine on the main or something. If you inadvertantly put a number in a the wrong CV you may have locked the decoder…although I’d think you could still read it back?? I’ve never used that particular decoder, but I’d hope in the instructions it would tell you about the locking (and unlocking!!) options. Otherwise maybe see if it allows you to do a “factory re-set” and start over.
BTW I’ve only used a couple of MRC decoders, including the new “Sounder” sound-only ones, but so far I’ve not had any problems.
The instructions said to program a 1 into cv125, to restore it to factory settings. That didn’t do anything. I’ll monkey around with it some more. It’s the first MRC decoder, I’ve had problems with, and the price is right. $29.95 with speaker, from Trainworld. At that price, I guess I could afford a couple throwaways. Maybe I’ll try programming it in OPS mode. I’ve avoided that so far, because I have a dozen locos sitting around the layout ideling, and sucking up amps. Which doesn’t leave much power for programming. When I use the programming track, I can cut off power to the layout, with a toggle switch.
One other reason I like the MRC decoders, is that they have three common points for light hookups. One for 12 volt, one for 1 1/2 volt bulbs, and one for LEDs, eliminating the need to screw around with resistors.
That would be assuming you can get the light cvs to respond [banghead]
David B
Dave:
WHO is making them?
I have no idea. I think MRC is as frustrated as we are with the quality control issues.
David B
David,
I sincerely doubt it. If MRC was as frustrated as we are with their QC problems, they would sink them all into the ocean and form a Great Barrier Reef protecting the lives and property of beachside house owners everywhere. [oX)]
Paul A. Cutler III
Weather Or No Go New Haven