Does the chip (in the link below) also include the DCC decoder that controls the locomotive or is it just for sound only? I am buying a Bachmann Spectrum Class J 4-8-4 N&W N scale. How do these MRC chips sound. Are there better ones out there sound quality wise? Also I am on a tight budget so cheapest is best. Will this also work with the MRC Prodigy Express system? Can you use more than one cab with the MRC Prodigy Express? I saw that there is only one plug for the cab. I am starting a N scale layout so any pointers would be great.
Thanks,
Ken
http://www.johnshobbies.com/store/product_info.php/manufacturers_id/28/products_id/487
Do a little research on these forums and you'll learn that MRC sound decoders have a very bad reputation among experienced modelers, but for N scale you have very few others from which to choose.
When it says "sound/motor decoder" that means the decoder controls both sound and the engine's motor (and usually lights). Ones that only do sound and are meant to piggyback a regular motor decoder are usually advertised as "sound-only" decoders.
BTW it's "decoder" not "chip".
That decoder is both sound/motor control. As others have mentioned, you do not have a lot of choices on N scale...and the MRC decoders have a very poor record of lasting a year at best. Most of the ones folks have in my area have installed are either DOA or die within a few months. I do have a MRC 'Sounder' diesel sound-only decoder that has bee in a B unit for about 2 years - it still works!
I would look at Digitrax or Soundtraxx to see what they might have in a small unit....
Jim
Modeling BNSF and Milwaukee Road in SW Wisconsin
I have two MRC OEM equipped Athearn locos. One I can live with for a while but is not good, the other is like a toy. I also have QSI , Soundtraxx and Digitrax sound decoders. Soundtraxx I personally believe is very far ahead of the rest. Some sound effects better than others however. QSI is releasing a new sound decoder soon and I have one coming with hopes it will be great.
In HO scale sound is tough, in N scale even tougher. One key reason is that sound is produced when air is moved. So for a lot of sound you need to move a lot of air, at least to the ear. However you can move a lot of air on one side of the speaker and have the sound negated somewhat by the air/sound on the other side. So, you need to get an effective enclosure. In your case I would consider using the sides of the tender as the enclosure itself. Moving air is also why larger speakers normally sound better than small speakers.
Soundtraxx has an installation manual that you may want to download from their website as it provides a lot of good information that is applicable to all sound installations.
Richard
Ok thanks a lot for the replies. I am looking at a MRC prodigy Advanced2. I am looking for a system that can use more than one cab. Should I go with Digitrax. I like the Zephyr xtra but am wondering can I buy an extra handheld cab to go with it so I have two cabs? The MRC prodigy advanced 2 I found for $190. I like the MRC. Another question sorry but can you use a cab from digitrax on the MRC system? I really like the Soundtraxx TSU-750 southern steam decoder for the class J.
Thanks again for the help.
K.Newton Another question sorry but can you use a cab from digitrax on the MRC system?
Another question sorry but can you use a cab from digitrax on the MRC system?
No -- cabs are not interchangeable between any of the various DCC manufacturers. If you start with Digitrax, you must stick with Digitrax. The only exception is that a couple of systems have add-on components that allow you to use a cell phone as a controller, but I don't know how well any of these really work.
My suggestion would be that you go to the various manufacturers' web sites and dowload their manuals and read through them. Most offer free downloads of their operating manuals.
http://www.cvpusa.com
http://www.ncedcc.com
http://www.digitrax.com
http://www.modelrec.com
http://www.lenzusa.com
K.Newton I like the Zephyr xtra but am wondering can I buy an extra handheld cab to go with it so I have two cabs?
I like the Zephyr xtra but am wondering can I buy an extra handheld cab to go with it so I have two cabs?
Yes absolutely, you can either add a UT4 throttle or one of the more advanced DT402 throttles. The DT has 2 knobs and is effectively a dual throttle allowing you to have control over 2 locos simultaneously.
Simon Modelling CB&Q and Wabash See my slowly evolving layout on my picturetrail site http://www.picturetrail.com/simontrains and our videos at http://www.youtube.com/user/MrCrispybake?feature=mhum
wjstix BTW it's "decoder" not "chip".
If you spend any time at all on international DCC forums, in particular UK forums, "chip" has become almost the de facto term for a decoder. Not only is it used as a noun, it is used as a verb as in "I am going to chip the locomotive". Personally, I find it grates a bit, but it is a quite common usage.
K.Newton . I like the Zephyr xtra but am wondering can I buy an extra handheld cab to go with it so I have two cabs?
. I like the Zephyr xtra but am wondering can I buy an extra handheld cab to go with it so I have two cabs?
The Digitrax Zephyrs will let you use one or two analog DC throttles as extra cabs, and you can use any digitrax DT or UT series throttle with it, too.
John
If everybody is thinking alike, then nobody is really thinking.
http://photobucket.com/tandarailroad/
What do you guys think of the NCE Power Cab. I don't think I need a booster because It is a small layout so the power supply that comes in the kit should be fine. Have any of you had any problems with this brand or system. I would hate to make a $200 mistake. I have also found some great prices on ebay. Just want to get your take on this brand.
http://www.ncedcc.com/component/virtuemart/?page=shop.product_details&flypage=flypage.tpl&product_id=3&category_id=1
It is an excellent choice. If I did not have the Zephyr it would be my next selection for a starter set. Rarely, if ever, do you hear of issues on here that are not self inflicted.
I prefer the Digitrax system. Blueridgehobbies.com here sells the xtra for I think around $165. One thing to consider is what are the modelers in your area using. That way if you have questions there's someone around a lot of times at the LHS to speak with.
Ken,
I've had the NCE Power Cab since it first came out in early '06 and have been very happy with it. You are correct. If your layout is small, you don't really need a booster because the 1.7A of power from the Power Cab should to be ample.
With that said, the plus with adding the Smart Booster (SB3a) is more than just more amperage:
Ken, if you'd like to read more about either the Power Cab or the Smart Booster (SB3a), click on my web site link below and go to my Reviews page link. The Power Cab is just an initial review but both the Smart Booster reviews cover the features of the old SB3 and newer SB3a.
Although I like the Power Cab, the Digitrax Zephyr (and new Zephyr Xtra) is a solid performer and has some real pluses to its design. Bottom line: You can't go wrong with either one.
Ken, if you do decide on the Power Cab and buy one off eBay, be sure that you are getting the current OS (which is V1.28C) before you purchase it. (The original Power Cabs came out with V1.1.) Some prices may reflect that so check - just to be sure.
There is also a new EEPROM update for the Power Cab due out later this year. The update (V1.65) will add most of the advantages supplied by the SB3a mentioned above - except the ability to unplug the Power Cab w/o shutting down the layout. That's never been a big issue for me.
Hope that helps...
Tom
https://tstage9.wixsite.com/nyc-modeling
Time...It marches on...without ever turning around to see if anyone is even keeping in step.