first of all i will say that i dont want any grief for buying an mrc decoder
anyway i purchased an mrc1812 dcc decoder for my atlas n scale dash 8-40b iv installed the dcoder it was a simple drop in .... thought i did have to loosen the frame halves every thing was in good working condition before the install and now the motor wont resond..although sound and lights do ....ive checked and rechecked the motor brush tabs and every thing i could think of including various cvs.. any ideas ?
Can you program the decoder on the programming track? The programming track will check for a "functioning" decoder, and will report an error if it doesn't find one. The primary check is to see that there is a motor connected, which basically tells you that the decoder and motor are connected properly. So, if you can't program the decoder (or read back CVs) then you may have it wired incorrectly.
I have no MRC decoders of my own, so I won't comment on problems specific to these models. I've done a few Soundtraxx installations myself, and I've been very happy with the results.
It takes an iron man to play with a toy iron horse.
hi , no ihave havent had any errors and i am able to use the programming track
When you read back the address on the programming track, does the engine "hop" just a bit as the system applies power?
Is there a start up Function in the list that came with the decoder? Also if you have a meter try checking the output of the decoder for the motor connections for voltage when you increase the throttle. Maybe a wire just came loose.
I'm surprised you're having problems with that decoder. I've never seen anyone have issues with that brand.
Springfield PA
1812 is for an Atlas N scale diesel. If you have programmed a new address and the lights and sound are responding correctly you have one of three problems. Mechanism binding after installation, bad decoder, or (and most likely with any Atlas N) motor tabs are not contacting the pads properly.
To check for binding you could just open the shell and rotate the drive shaft by hand. It should move freely. If you had a binding problem you'd probably hear a hum from the motor trying to move though.
If you have a meter you can still check for voltage. Also nothing stops you from checking things out with the shell removed.
If you're not making good electrical contact - track to decoder to motor, you will not be able to program the unit. At this point I'd suggest that you contact MRC and describe the problem to them.