Hi all,I am an HO, DC modeller and operate my layout alone most of the time. To me DCC would only be to enjoy sound in my Athearn, Atlas, InterMountain and P2K locomotives.I have seen the "Mrc Tech 6 Sound Controller 6.0 Amp" add in the model press and do not know what to think about it.In fact the main questions are: - could I run 1 or 2 no-sound units coupled to one or 2 sound units with this system ?
- Is it as simple and as good as it looks in the MRC add ?What do you think ?Thanks,Michel D.
The MRC Tech 6 is basically a DC throttle and a limited DCC system built into one box. It can operate in DC mode or DCC mode, but not both at the same time.
The DCC mode allows you to use the full range of sound effects built into DCC sound decoders. But the Tech 6 limits you to address 3 only in DCC mode.
If you already have a DC power pack, the MRC Prodigy Express IMHO is a better deal for about the same money (or a little less). The PE gives you a full-fledged DCC system (albeit no CV readback and limited consisting capability) with the ability to select the locomotive you want to control. Use the PE through a DPDT switch so that you can run DC or DCC, but never both at the same time.
my thoughts, your choices
Fred W
My thoughts are the same. FOr the cost of the Tech 6 system you can get a regualr DCC system that CAN run multipel locos at the same time (although even on those systems that run a DC loco, consisting with a DCC loco is rather dicey as the DC loco will almost never run full speed). Instead of a kludge, get a regular DCC system. You can convert most any DC loco eaily and cheaply if you're not putting sound in them all - NCE has the D13SRJ decoder that is $12 each in a 10 pack.
--Randy
Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's
Visit my web site at www.readingeastpenn.com for construction updates, DCC Info, and more.