NMRA Accessory Function One

[mreagant]

The manual for my MRC Command 2000 (c. 1997) says, "Command 2000 can control 10 decoders with NMRA accessory function one."  What kind of accessories would be included in that category?  Specifically, is there any possibility that a sound decoder could be operated with this accessory control on the command station?

 

[CSX Robert]

Actually, the headlight is normally function 0. Most sound decoders use function 1 as the bell.

[mreagant]

Does that mean that a loco with a modern sound decoder with bell included would respond on the MRC 2000?  If so, could a whistle or horn address be reprogramed to one and work on the system?

Mike

[CSX Robert]

Does that mean that a loco with a modern sound decoder with bell included would respond on the MRC 2000?...

Yes

...If so, could a whistle or horn address be reprogramed to one and work on the system?

Mike

Yes, but you would have to use a system other than a MRC Command 2000 to program it and the decoder would have to support function remapping. As an example, I have an N-scale Athearn Challenger and an MRC Command 2000(in addition to my Digitrax Zephyr). The Challenger does work fine with the Command 2000, and I can control the bell, but I can not control any other sounds with it and the Challenger does not support function remapping, so it can not be programmed to where the Command 2000 will control any other sounds.  

[mreagant]

I've had a MRC 2000 for about 10 years, but had never thought about the accessory function possibly having a sound use.  I've been trying to decide on a new DCC system, but I make-do with what I have (minus sound of course) so the costs associated with a new system, including conversion some custom painted and brass DC locos looks pretty substantial. One day I'm ready to go and the next I put it on hold.

Thanks for the feed-back.

Mike