Problem with MRC Sound decoder

[Allegheny2-6-6-6]

 I recently installed an MRC 1821 sound decoder in an Athearn Genesis F unit and have had nothing but problems with it. First let me preface with I installed a couple of Digitrax DH123P deciders in a couple of engines no problems what so ever. I installed an MRC 1820 in a brand new Athearn RS3 no problems now this decoder went in without a hitch as it's supposed to be a direct fit application but from day one  the loco will be sitting on the track idling and then just cut out, you tap on the shell and it will start again it will be running and then stop and restart sometimes it will run and the sound will drop out and then come back. If I hold the loco back and give it full throttle and let the wheels slip such as you do when cleaning the wheels which I have already done several times it will scream and go full throttle and when you let it go it will pretty much run fine until you stop it, sometimes! This is getting frustrating as it's a fairly intermittent condition

I cleaned every inch of track and every other loco that I have equipped with a decoder so far runs fine.

 So I contact Athearn and they want me to run the engine on DC and let them know how it runs. Well thats pretty much an imposability right now as I am not disconnecting my dcc system or do I feel like removing the decoder and replacing it with the factory board etc. MRC told me that way back when they had problems with the Genesis series pickups and that also could be the source of my problem.

 Oh also when I took the shell off for the first time the loc was wired backwards from the factory. R/F pickup to L/F side of the board and the same on the rear, so much for quality control.

I'm at a loss, what are your thoughts, bad decoder?,  or bad pick ups?

[Jacktal]

Welcome to the club...if you dig back some time on this forum,you'll discover that defective MRC sound decoder are a most common occurence.I personnally own two (Athearn N scale steamers),one of wich has lost it's memory twice in less than half hour operation.On the other hand,I must say that my Big Boy has been flawless for over two hours so far,so there may be a few good ones.....I won't wait to know,Tsunami's have been ordered for both.

[Allegheny2-6-6-6]

 David,

At this point that seems like sound advice........ pun intended. I guess sometimes the obvious choise is the correct choice.

[Anonymous]

 I second that!

I also have failed to "educate" my Athearn Genesis MP-15 which is equipped with an MRC sound decoder. It still has a toy-like performance in terms of speed and acceleration.

Paying a $ 100 surcharge for DCC and sound, only to find out that you have to re-equip your loco with something that works, is not really consumer-friendly.

I am not going to buy Athearn or MRC products again!

[jbinkley60]

davidmbedard

Sir Madog

I am not going to buy Athearn or MRC products again!

 

Dont be a fool.  Athearn has stopped their contract with MRC and are going to equip their locos with Tsunamis.......well worth the money.

David B

And worth the wait.  I am anxiously looking forward to the rerelease of the NS SD60s with the new decocerds.

 

[ruderunner]

You mention that tapping the shell or holding the loco (by the shell) brings it back into operation.  This points directly to a loose connection.  Suspect areas in order are; wire to board, power pickups, or motor wires.  Are these soldered connections or push on?  Run it without the shell and when it stops wiggle 1 wire at a time to find the offender or just solder em all.