MTS decoder programing?

[Anonymous]

The TRV Railways has just aquired a new loco. An LGB 2-8-2 Mikado with a MTS decoder and sound.
I'm running a Digitrax DCC controller. The buttons for the whistle, and bell don't control the right functions. The bell is the whistle, the other whistle button gives the brake squeal, and the other whistle button is the bell.
Any of you programming gurus'? How do I, if possible, get the buttons to do the right thing?
I can't make head or tails from the maual. How about "step by step decoder programing for the complete idiot"?

[Anonymous]

I'm not sure if the problems can be fixed - MTS decoders aren't 100% DCC compatible and the problems you mention are the main manifestations of this. You may find that you have to replace the decoder with a DCC one - this will also get you 28/128 speed steps rather than the 17? of the MTS system which can be somewhat abrupt, can remember driving a small 4-wheel switcher under MTS which had two speeds - barely moving and flat out. Not conducive to switching! I'm hoping for more locos without MTS decoders (like the RhB railcar they offered this year) as having to pay an extra £50-£100 for decoders I don't need is annoying.

[Anonymous]

The paperwork with the loco says that the decoder will work with 14/28/128 speed steps,and a whole pile of others, but I've only gotten it to work on 14/28 step. It's not bad, even with the lower speed steps. The only thing that seems kinda flakey, is that the lights turn on and off with every other speed step, as you bring the throttle up. The whistle and bell doesn't seem to work at full throttle, although that's not really a problem, as I rarely ever run it wide open.

[cacole]

MTS is a proprietary system that is not compliant with NMRA DCC standards that are used by every other DCC system maker. The only thing I have heard that you can do is either change the decoder or change to the MTS control system.