I have a NCE decoder in one locomotive and a MRC in another. The NCE has a 28 step speed control while the MRC has a 14 step process. The decoders were simply installed with no adjustments and loaded to my MRC Express system with no adjustments; what do I need to do in order to make both locomotives more responsive to the trottle as now they will not start until they are at speeds of 8 and 4 respectively.
Which MRC decoder is it? Does it support 28 speed steps? Does your MRC Prodigy Express support 28 speed steps? It should.
The first thing you need to do is change the MRC decoder to 28 speed steps with CV29 if such is possible. Some early MRC decoders did not, so you'll have to have the documentation for the decoder to see what value to place in CV29.
Most other brands of decoders I use, which are never MRC, get a value of 34, but you may need something different.
I have no idea on the decoder type as it was installed and no documentation was given to me. Whne programed to the track it has 14 speeds as a default, that is all i know...
As for the express system supporting 28 steps I believe so as the NCE locomotives default when programed was 28
Add these values together to determine the value you need to program into the MRC decoder. If it is an older decoder that does not support 28 speed steps, it simply won't change and no harm will be done by trying:
0 = Normal direction1 = Reverse direction (in case the motor needs to run backwards)2 = 28/128 speed steps.4 = Run on a DC layout16 = Use custom speed table32 = Use 4-digit address
So to tell the decoder to use 28/128 speed steps and a 4-digit (long) address, you add 32 + 2 = 34. If you're using a short (2-digit) address, the value for CV29 would be 2.
I believe the NCE decoder is the N12SR, and the MRC is the EMD645E. As for what was said about, I truely apologize, but I am very confused... Is there any way I could give you a call this evening and get some help walking through the problems as I stand in front of the unit with the remote? If so, please email me a contact number at jshoemaker@marcelineschools.org if not, I understand and appreciate your help and time.
Sorry, but I do not have and never will own an MRC DCC system or decoder -- I use NCE radio throttles or an EasyDCC system, so I would be unable to help you even if we were in direct contact via telephone.
One problem you may encounter when attempting to change the speed steps on the MRC decoder is that MRC decoders have a habit of randomly resetting back to default CV settings. Your settings to speed match with an NCE decoder could easily go for naught when the MRC loses its programming.
Rob Spangler
I have the Prodigy Advanced, I have used other DCC systems, I like the MRC setup for the simplicity and easy expansion options. You didn't go wrong, no matter what some of the others my be hinting at (we still have the same bias in 2013 as we did in 2000 I guess when it comes to how people post on forums). While I am currently running all MRC decoders (sound) I was fortunate to experience some Loksound decoders, I must say the crisp sound sold me, so as time permits and money, I will upgrade my fleet to Lok, but for now, the MRC will do.
You can as some others have said go in and adjust the CV to change the decoder.
You can look here for some answers
http://jmri.sourceforge.net/xml/XSLT/pages/MRC_128step.xml.html
Have you just tried to change the speed step controls on your handheld unit? I am not completely familiar with the Express but would expect it has many of the keypad layouts like it's bigger bother.
You could try to set the CV 29 to 34, this sets the steps to 28/128, 4 digit addresses, no DC capability, forward is the normal setting, and doesn't access the speed tables.
Also you can set your start voltage to help with the throotle response at speed step 1, seems a lot of the MRC's need to be at 14+ to start running.
Your instructions for your decoder really should explain what you need, if you are without the decoder manual, you should be able to Google the decoder and download it.
Hope that helps.
Thanks, I will work on it!
AussieRescueIL You didn't go wrong, no matter what some of the others my be hinting at (we still have the same bias in 2013 as we did in 2000 I guess when it comes to how people post on forums).
You didn't go wrong, no matter what some of the others my be hinting at (we still have the same bias in 2013 as we did in 2000 I guess when it comes to how people post on forums).
I don't think MRC even had any decoders out in 2000. Even so, reputation and trust is much harder to regain once it's lost...
Tom
https://tstage9.wixsite.com/nyc-modeling
Time...It marches on...without ever turning around to see if anyone is even keeping in step.