Awright, stop throwing shoes. I'm replacing them with better decoders.
That said, I have an MRC sound decoder in a diesel. It does not read back CVs. I can program the address, momentum, acceleration, etc. But I cannot reduce any of the volumes. I was able to program CV 49 to 0, and silence the whole thing. But I cannot reduce the individual volumes of the bell, horn, engine rumble, etc.
I am using the engine as a trailer in a consist, and I just wanted the engine rumble, with no bell or horn, but cannot seem to do it.
That sounds about right. My sole surviving MRC decoder, a sounder, don't recall the model, is way too loud and nothing I could do would reduce the volume to a satisfactory level.
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
I made the mistake of purchasing an MRC Sounder a few years ago, but have never installed it because it gets scorching hot within 30 seconds and would probably catch fire if left activated longer than that.
According to the documentation for it, the following CVs control individual volumes --
Horn, CV51Bell, CV53Diesel Rumble, CV55Brake Squeal, CV56Dynamic Brake, CV57Air Release, CV58Air Pump, CV59Safety Pop Valve, CV60Engine Cooling Fan, CV61Coupling Volume, CV62Random Noise, CV63Rail Wheel Clack, CV64
The range of all these CVs is only 0 to 3.
One of my buddies picked up several of the Roundhouse steam locos that came equipped with MRC sound decoders. Among the many annoying things the decoders did, the sound volume would not retain the value set for the applicable CV. They would randomly just go back to full volume. All of the MRC decoders were replaced with Tsunamis.
Rob Spangler
I'm gradually replacing the MRCs. Unfortunately I got sucked in by the low prices, and I probably have a dozen. However, to the first 12 people who call right now...................operators standing by...............
I'll take them. How much are you going to give me to take them all?
Elmer.
The above is my opinion, from an active and experienced Model Railroader in N scale and HO since 1961.
(Modeling Freelance, Eastern US, HO scale, in 1962, with NCE DCC for locomotive control and a stand alone LocoNet for block detection and signals.) http://waynes-trains.com/ at home, and N scale at the Club.
I guess I got the one MRC decoder that works! Ha! I typically run my MRC #1806 decoder every day for 15-45 minutes each day. Runs fine to me, and has been going strong for over a year now. Maybe I'll play the lottery!
gatrhumpy I guess I got the one MRC decoder that works!
I guess I got the one MRC decoder that works!
No, don't play the lottery. There's at least one other that works fine in my basement.
I've got some MRC decoders that are OK. But just OK. But they are all too loud, and the motor control sucks. Can I say that here. Ooops.
I have a few of the old MRC sound decoders, diesel and steam that have been operating for 4 years or so without a problem. Volume control and function control seems to be okay after a little tinkering.
The only MRC decoder failure I've had was in an Athearn Challenger. Just quit working altogether. I replaced it with a Soundtraxx DSD100-LC.
Remember its your railroad
Allan
Track to the BRVRR Website: http://www.brvrr.com/
I am trying to find the #1806 at MB Klein, but they have been sold out of them for about 4 months. I want to equip my Kato SD40 with one (even though it's for an SD40-2) because the Digitrax one I have stops and starts for no reason whatsoever, and I'm tired of the crappy stuff from Digitrax.
Anyone know where I can find one?
At least you know they're not what you want.
So what are you going to?
Richard
gatrhumpy I am trying to find the #1806 at MB Klein, but they have been sold out of them for about 4 months. I want to equip my Kato SD40 with one (even though it's for an SD40-2) because the Digitrax one I have stops and starts for no reason whatsoever, and I'm tired of the crappy stuff from Digitrax. Anyone know where I can find one?
Walthers? http://www.walthers.com/exec/productinfo/500-1806
I will never buy anything from Walthers. You would not believe the markup that site has.
MB Klein had them for $59.95 and Walthers is selling them for $99.99. Uggghhhhhhhh, no.
Which is probably why Walthers still has them in stock and Klein does not. If you're going to spend $100 on a sound decoder, get a Tsunami or QSI.
--Randy
Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's
Visit my web site at www.readingeastpenn.com for construction updates, DCC Info, and more.
gatrhumpy I will never buy anything from Walthers. You would not believe the markup that site has. MB Klein had them for $59.95 and Walthers is selling them for $99.99. Uggghhhhhhhh, no.
Your question was "where can I get one", not "where can I get one cheap". Try these people: http://www.jimsmodeltrains.com/-strse-145/MRC-1806-N-Dual/Detail.bok?gdftrk=gdfV22507_a_7c826_a_7c4622_a_7cMRC_a2f_1806. I purchased items from them once or twice before and had no problems, but that's not a guarantee.