I run DCC and have a HO DC steam engine that has a DCC 9 pin plug in the tender, this MRC decoder is not only sound and 9 pin ( with harness pulled off ) socket but is also the running DCC part.
I know MRC has had a bad rep for its decoders but since this is one of the newest versions I was just wondering how good it really is.
Here are the specs.
• 24 types of synchronized chuff sounds • Double chuff enabling • 1.5 amp capacity • 34 different types of whistles and 7 types of bells • Programmable individual sound volumes • Programmable either 2-digit or 4-digit addresses • Programmable start voltage and top voltage • Programmable acceleration and decelaration rates • Programmable 14, 28, 128 speed steps • Supports full read back of address and CV values • Selectable factory default speed curve • Advanced speed table control CV67-CV94 • Kick start voltage control CV65 • Directional Head lights • Mars light and firebox flicker • 28 accessory functions (F1-F28) • Supports full read back of CV’s • Supports advanced consisting (CV19) • Supports programming on the main (OPS mode) • Compatible with NMRA DCC standards • Complies with Part 15 of FCC Rules • 28 mm speaker included • Dimensions: 40.0mm x 17.0mm x 6.5mm BTW the decoder is still in the package just in case. Also I will be using the new Zephyr Xtra if that makes any diff.
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24 types of synchronized chuff sounds
Double chuff enabling
1.5 amp capacity
34 different types of whistles and 7 types of bells
Programmable individual sound volumes
Programmable either 2-digit or 4-digit addresses
Programmable start voltage and top voltage
Programmable acceleration and decelaration rates
Programmable 14, 28, 128 speed steps
Supports full read back of address and CV values
Selectable factory default speed curve
Advanced speed table control CV67-CV94
Kick start voltage control CV65
Directional Head lights
Mars light and firebox flicker
28 accessory functions (F1-F28)
Supports full read back of CV’s
Supports advanced consisting (CV19)
Supports programming on the main (OPS mode)
Compatible with NMRA DCC standards
Complies with Part 15 of FCC Rules
28 mm speaker included
Dimensions: 40.0mm x 17.0mm x 6.5mm
BTW the decoder is still in the package just in case.
Also I will be using the new Zephyr Xtra if that makes any diff.
Wadda ya mean I'm old ? Just because I remember gasoline at 9 cents a gallon and those big coal burning steamers.
The general complaint about MRC decoders really isn;t with the quality of the sound, it the durability of the decoder. That one does look like it's put together a lot better than someof the old ones, like the ones with the capacitor just hanging off the board by the leads. Maybe they ARE getting better. There have been enough complaints, and Athearn even dropped them as a sound decoder supplier, so maybe some of this is getting through to the bean counters at MRC - make a better quality product because people will not put up with garbage for long.
--Randy
Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's
Visit my web site at www.readingeastpenn.com for construction updates, DCC Info, and more.
@ rrinker
Capacitor hanging off by the leads. Yeah I forgot about that one.
The pic above post shows the other side of the board of what shows in my package as there are five capacitors soldered nice and neat to the perf board. Maybe the cousins of the one that hung off the side on the older decoders????
BTW these are not cheap either as they list for $99 USD. No I didn't pay that much.
Springfield PA
Update.
As about 7 AM this morning myself and two friends have been running this 1823 decoder installed in a Model Power/Mantua and both have survived surgery and are doing well.
I've posted more about 1823 MRC decoder on thread: