new MRC sound decoder

Model Railroader General Discussion (Model Railroader)
1

HO scale sound decoders. Brilliance line. Available for steam and diesel locomotives. Four-digit addressing; 14, 28, and 128 speed steps; synchronized steam chuffs and diesel rumble; more than 10 steam-whistle styles and air horn blasts; four different bells; and control of up to 19 other functions. $119.98 each. Model Rectifier Corp.

this announcement was copied from the MR email newsletter . had a look at MRC’s website but couldn’t find anything on these new sound decoders . nice specs , but i’d love to see some details

2

Based on my experience with previous versions, I’d want to hear it before ever purchasing one. From this description, it sounds like MRC is still pulling the “Press F1 for a short whistle blast of set duration over which you have absolutely no control; F2 for a long blast…” etc., when other brands let the horn or whistle blast as long as you hold down only one function key. Still a lame-brained way to make a sound decoder, in my opinion.

3

$119

Comparable to some of Soundtraxx’s decoders. I’d definetly would have to hear one first.

4

I have one each of their steam and diesel sound decoders. For the money, they are hard to beat. If you press and hold F2 on the 1626 decoder the whistle/horn stays on for as long as you hold it. On the 1627 steam decoder, if you push F2 repeatedly, the whistle sound is continuous. Of the two, I like the steam decoder better. I’m still tweaking the diesel sound decoder. Its mounted under the table with a 4" speaker. Getting the volume right has been a chore. Now I’m working on the synchronization.
If their new decoders improve on their current performance they will be worth a look. They will probably sell for under $90.00 from the INTERNET dealers, maybe less.
I’m looking forward to the rumored Digitrax sound decoders and the QSI after market decoders.

5

I went onto the MRC site but was unable to find the info on the decoders, anyone have the direct link?

Please and Thanks.

If MRC can produce an after market system for under $90 this will be very good for those of us trying to get into sound!

6

They have one that you can get for under $50 through MicroMark. I think it is $75 MSRP. I have one in my LL 2-8-8-2 and I like it. I know it is not prototypical for this engine (or any engine in particular) but it adds an extra dimension. I have the volume set on low (there are only two settings which is a drawback) and to me it is just as functional as my BLI Class A.

I have not noticed the problem with the long and short whistle that other people have mentioned. If I hold down the f2 or f3 button on my prodigy advance it seems to go for as long as I want it to. The one thing that this new decoder could have that would make me interested is the ability to accurately mimic the chuff sounds of an articulated locomotive.