I want to use some MRC sound decoders that I took out of Athearn Genesis F units to use in some other Athearn Genesis F units locos that did not come with factory sound. The F units that came with the MRCs decoders were replaced with Soundtraxx Tsunami decoders. Nice improvement.
Eventually I hope to equip all of my locos with Tsunami decoders, but for now I can't afford any more, so I'll have to reuse the old MRCs as a temporary measure.
The only problem is I can't figure out how to wire them. Stupid me did not take notes where the wires went when I took them out. And there are no labels on the circuit board to help. Strangely, all of the ports are all on one side of the circuit board.
I couldn't find any info on this type of board on MRC's website.
Does anyone have a wiring diagram for the MRC decoders that come (or I guess now used to come) in Athearn Genesis F units? Or know where to put the wires? Any help is apreciated.
I could take a photo if it would help. One thing I do know, the decoders I have do not look like the one MRC shows on their website as a drop in decoder for the Athearn Genesis Fs.
Matt from Anaheim, CA and Bayfield, COClick Here for my model train photo website
Not trying to start a flame war here but it's been my experience that the best thing you can do with an MRC decoder is not use it. I've had several and they all failed within a max of a couple of months. Two didn't even survive the first day.
Dr. Frankendiesel aka Scott Running BearSpace Mouse for president!15 year veteran fire fighterCollector of Apple //e'sRunning Bear EnterprisesHistory Channel Club life member.beatus homo qui invenit sapientiam
I know all about MRC decoder issues. But I can't afford any more Tsunamis at the moment and have four spare MRC decoders. The MRC decoders lasted several years for me thus far so why not a little longer.
I think a lot of the reported MRC issues have to deal with what DCC system you use. I've heard there seem to be more issues with Bachmann or NCE systems. With my Digitrax Zephyr, I have not experienced any problems with them. Sure the sound is not as prototypical as it can be, but it's not terrible. Motor control isn't too bad either.
So my thinking is why waste money on four non sound decoders for the four non DCC equipped locos I have when I have four fully functioning sound decoders just sitting collecting dust. I don't like running the locos on address 00. Not sure, but I'm guessing it can't be good for then to hum for long periods.
Have you tried calling MRC directly? Possibly you might get to speak with someone who is familiar with the connections to that decoder. Or maybe not.
I figured someone might know of a diagram online before I tried calling them up. But if not I'll contact MRC direct.
UPDATE
I contacted MRC via email and they had exactly what I needed. Should have contacted them in the first place. Amazingly quick response too.
Which reminds me that for all the bashing MRC decoders get, I never have had any issues what so ever with them. I just converted to Tsunami because the souds are more realistic for the locos I have and are 16 bit. Even so, if you know what you are doing, you can program the MRC sounds to be fairly realistic. Adjust the sound level etc... and you've got a nice sound unit. And their speakers are better then a high bass I tried.