It finally happened. After about 30 hours of running, it's happened. Intermittent running, shutting down, the works. I wish I knew then what I know now...
So what's going on? I've taken it off the dcc and run it, without any issues on my dc layout. It runs like a champ. Sound and all. Now I put it back on the dcc track, reset CV125 to the factory default settings, and I get the same issues. It runs 6 inches, poops, farts, and snorts, runs a foot, and same thing. Shuts down to where I have to tap it to wake it up again. What the?????
Now what do I do? Please don't say "Should have bought the micro-tsunami, or another decoder but the MRC!". Not to be a wise guy, but I already know that. As of right now I'm stuck with a nice looking paper weight that makes sound. Why does not resetting the decoder to the factory settings not work? I'm very confused.
The voltage on your track might be too low. Put it on a section with a feeder.
It just sits there and chatters.
Harold
hminky wrote: The voltage on your track might be too low. Put it on a section with a feeder. It just sits there and chatters.Harold
Tried that. I have full sound but little to no motion.
davidmbedard wrote: Its an MRC decoder.......what did you expect??? It is very well documented on these fourms the reasons NOT to buy MRC decoders.David B
Its an MRC decoder.......what did you expect??? It is very well documented on these fourms the reasons NOT to buy MRC decoders.
David B
Crap. Again, if I knew then what I know now...
Do you happen to know what sound decoder is a simple swap? If there is such a thing...
Ditto, you knew what you were buying, now the consequences.........Lesson now learned.
Your problem is very simply solved. MRC decoders are worthless lumps of plastic. You don't indicate if your locomotive is steam or diesel, but since you mentioned the micro-Tsunami I am assuming it's a steamer and that's the only replacement I would even consider putting into it. MRC decoders refusing to accept a reset command has been documented over and over here on these forums.
A LokSound would be my second choice, but they are rather pricey. The one LokSound steam decoder I have heard was not impressive because the whistle is too weak and cannot be turned up. Their diesel sound decoder horns are also very weak and get drowned out by the prime mover.
don7 wrote: davidmbedard wrote: Its an MRC decoder.......what did you expect??? It is very well documented on these fourms the reasons NOT to buy MRC decoders.David BDitto, you knew what you were buying, now the consequences.........Lesson now learned.
Don,
Actually, no I did not. I purchased this locomotive before I knew that the MRC decoder had known issues. I'm only into this hobby for 6 months or so. That 4-4-0 was the very first thing I bought. Seemed like a good deal, and not long after I got it I subscribed to MR and found this forum. That's when I learned I probably made a mistake. But yes, lesson learned.
Have you tried a programming track booster. I had problems changing addresses until I used a booster. The unit stopped responding to the old address and I reprogrammed the address with the booster. I always use a booster now.
hminky wrote:Have you tried a programming track booster. I had problems changing addresses until I used a booster. The unit stopped responding to the old address and I reprogrammed the address with the booster. I always use a booster now.Harold
I just remember having the same issue. Needed a booster for programing. It happened nearly a year ago.
Rich
If you ever fall over in public, pick yourself up and say “sorry it’s been a while since I inhabited a body.” And just walk away.
sparkyjay31 wrote:It finally happened. After about 30 hours of running, it's happened. Intermittent running, shutting down, the works. I wish I knew then what I know now... So what's going on? I've taken it off the dcc and run it, without any issues on my dc layout. It runs like a champ. Sound and all. Now I put it back on the dcc track, reset CV125 to the factory default settings, and I get the same issues. It runs 6 inches, poops, farts, and snorts, runs a foot, and same thing. Shuts down to where I have to tap it to wake it up again. What the?????Now what do I do? Please don't say "Should have bought the micro-tsunami, or another decoder but the MRC!". Not to be a wise guy, but I already know that. As of right now I'm stuck with a nice looking paper weight that makes sound. Why does not resetting the decoder to the factory settings not work? I'm very confused.
You say it runs fine on a DC track which rules out the locomotive itself being bad. It probably also rules out things like dirty track, wheels, etc. You can program CV125 (or so you think) which means you have a somewhat more advanced system (not bachman's ez-dcc for instance). Unfortunately, the MRC decoders don't read back so you don't know for sure the decoder has accepted the reprogram command (a major design flaw with them imo). Before ripping things apart, try reprogramming start voltage and momentum CVs. Also, at the same time try reprogramming CV29.
Failing that, if the sound works to your satisfaction, without spending $100 on a tsunami (or whatever they cost now), disconnect the motor from the decoder and gang a regular decoder in there for the loco operations and lights. Just let the MRC make the toots and chuffs, use the second decoder for the operation.
Really a shame and surprising that MRC's decoders suck to no end because thier DC power packs were/are bullet proof (my brief editorial on the matter).
Good luck..
You know what? I think I've found the solution.
My 6 year old son really wants a 4-4-0. I tested the engine on his dc system last night and it ran like a champ. Sound and all. Maybe that's what I'll do. Just let him run it on his system. Doesn't really solve the decoder problem, but solves my headache and the thought of spending another $100 on a new decoder.
So perhaps the problem is solved. And now Dad needs a new 4-4-0!!! Maybe a Tsumani Spectrum...
cacole wrote:Sound would be my second choice, but they are rather pricey. The one LokSound steam decoder I have heard was not impressive because the whistle is too weak and cannot be turned up. Their diesel sound decoder horns are also very weak and get drowned out by the prime mover.
Sound would be my second choice, but they are rather pricey. The one LokSound steam decoder I have heard was not impressive because the whistle is too weak and cannot be turned up. Their diesel sound decoder horns are also very weak and get drowned out by the prime mover.
Actually, Tony's Train Exchange found a way to raise the volume on the horn sound.
Now's the time to buy! I just received an e-mail from Micro-Mark indicating that you can get a Bachmann Spectrum Richmond 4-4-0 DCC equipped for as ittle as $96 plus shipping.
http://www.micromark.com
cacole wrote: Now's the time to buy! I just received an e-mail from Micro-Mark indicating that you can get a Bachmann Spectrum Richmond 4-4-0 DCC equipped for as ittle as $96 plus shipping.http://www.micromark.com
It's not listed on the website!?
sparkyjay31 wrote:It's not listed on the website!?
They probably haven't had time to update the web site. I wasn't interested in buying one so I have deleted the e-mail already. If you're really interested in getting one, try their toll-free number to verify the price -- 1-800-225-1066.
So far the Roundhouse 4-4-0 is not available DCC ready only, i.e. no decoder.. The 2-6-0 and 2-8-0 are DCC ready. I installed a Micro and speaker in two 2-6-0s and a 2-8-0. They are the same length as the 4-4-0.
I have a Spectrum Richmond that I just put a Micro-Tsunami into. It takes some soldering and the chains on the tender are rather delicate. The whole loco and tender are rather delicate. I finally removed the chains as I broke two.. I also removed the PC board and hard wired the decoder, plus install a 750 ohm resistor for the LED head light.
Micro Mark is taking orders for the HO Richmond with DCC & Sound for $208. I think it is a Tsunami decoder. This sounds like a better deal. You can always ask the Bach Man in the Bachmann forums.
http://www.bachmanntrains.com/home-usa/board/
You figure $100 for the DCC ready version and about $127 for Micro and speaker.