What DCC system are you using?? I would try setting up a programming track, you should be able to program a decoder and read CV's back on most any decoder.
The concensus seems to be that the sound from MRC decoders is OK but the operating characteristics are often pretty bad. BTW clipping the capacitor I think is only necessary if the decoder has Back EMF or at least some brand's version of it, like Digitrax decoders.
FWIW I have a Spectrum 2-6-6-2 that has a TCS decoder in it that runs great. I piggybacked an MRC "Sounder" sound only decoder (under $30) and am very happy with that. MRC sound decoders are a bit loud sometimes, the sound CV goes from IIRC 0 to 4, but 0 isn't "off" it's actually about 1/2 full volume. Unfortunately you can't read back CV's on the Sounder, but otherwise I had no trouble programming it in page mode with my Digitrax Zephyr.
I just enter the code. Sometimes I have to enter the code until I get it correct. I enter what I think is correct and click Join. There are times the characters are not clear. I just joined the MRC DCC Yahoo Group and it took me five tries before I got it correct. This is done to confuse hackers and spammers. Yes it is annoying but it is done for a good reason.
Some of the Groups are not moderated regularly as it is mostly volunteer. Some require approval of a new members post for a short period. I belong to at least twelve Yahoo groups and find loads of good info. All the Groups have a FIles and Photos section and you can upload to or you can post photos via Photo Bucket if you prefer
Consider the below as a juicy rumor until you hear from NWSL or see the info on their site.
As an example, one Group I belong to just received a post from the owner of NWSL mentioning someone sent him a Spectrum HO Shay to investigate the gear issue that the HO and On30 Shays have. He did not promise anything yet. The NWSL URL is still active and he is working hard to improve things as a motor supplier has stopped and he is getting things together for a new motor supplier.
I would have posted the message here but it probably would not be appreciated by the powers to be and I am sure he will not barge in here. Yahoo Groups are what you could consider private as you cannot read the messages without being a member.
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.
Raised on the Erie Lackawanna Mainline- Supt. of the Black River Transfer & Terminal R.R.
the headlight button on the nce controller is F0.
OPS mode is programming on the main.
Thanks for the additional info guys.
on my NCE Powercab there is NOT a "F0", and "0" does nothing.
I do not have a programming track, so far (15 or so) I do on the main. I've seen the "ops" mode, but do not know what that is/means/does.
*edit* I figgured out the yahoo groups thing- will look there.
I think I am going to replace the mrc with a TCS and just run the train. (maybe you have to place it on a "ouija board" to get it to work)
I forgot to mention in my previous post that hitting F0 twice should shut off all the sounds. F12 should shut off just the chuff assuming the decoder is responding.
I have been able to programme all 3 MRC sound decoders I have on the main or OPs.
CN Charlie
Here is a link to the Yahoo MRC DCC Group. I use to belong when I used MRC DCC stuff.
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/MRC-DCC/?v=1&t=search&ch=web&pub=groups&sec=group&slk=4
Have you placed the engine by itself on a programming track and tried Ops Mode? I can't imagine a DCC system that is unable to programme any decoder in Ops Mode. Maybe the MRC's are really that junky...don't have any experience with them. But, my main reason for responding is, have you corresponded with a yahoo group dealing with MRC decoders? The may have a quick and simple solution for you.
Does your decoder manual describe how to reduce the master volume? The master volume CV is the second CV I fool with when I get a new engine/decoder. First is the address. And, I understand completely your desire to reduce the overall volume. They overdrive the speakers with the volume at max and they sound terrible. If you were to use an input value near 50-60% of the range for that master volume CV, you would notice a much nicer sound and you would be much more pleased with the decoder. Your guests will be impressed as well.
At least, that is the theory we modellers keep telling ourselves.
-Crandell
Thanks charlie.
this morning I trimmed 1st one, and then the other capacitor. I did not see any improvement. Like you said, it works "ok". I wrapped tape around the speaker to muffle it some as it will not turn off. I am wanting to run the train over Christmas to show it to my little visitors, who will enjoy the sounds and cannot know that the chuffs and accel are all wrong. Since it runs now, I will leave it be, I am too scared to try an overall reset, possibly ending up with nothing.
As my 1st sound decoder, I am DEEPLY disappointed, and hope others will not waste 1 dollar on a MRC product. To salvage the money I have wasted, I think after Christmas I will try and install it into an old Rivarossi I have that hardly gets run as it is DC only, and buy something REAL for my Bachmann 4-8-2 mountain.
2 years ago a MRC 1639 mini steam decoder was my first install and I bought it for the price and ease of installation. I put it into a Bachmann light mountain.
The fellows on the Bachmann forum were very helpful and yes according to them, you do need to cut the capacitors or you could have erratic response from any decoder.
I did cut the capacitors and found that the motor control was just OK and that it is very difficult to get the chuff start to synchronize with the motor start but after a lot of fiddling I came close. However I still have that decoder in the loco and am reasonably happy with its performance and the sound. Certainly some day I may replace it with a Tsunami or other better decoder but for $50 the MRC is, as I say, OK. It is certainly light years ahead of the Soundtraxx LC decoder I put into a PK2 0-6-0 and I did pull that piece of junk out. The motor hum was terrible and the sound quality wasn't nearly as good as the MRC.
I put the same MRC decoder in a Decapod but it doesn't perform as well as the one in the Mountain, so yes I agree with the motor control comments made about MRC decoders. Mind you I haven't replaced it either so I guess I'm not that disappointed.
I haven't had any problems getting the decoders to accept changes to CV's. Maybe I was just lucky.
I read on another forum that someone had the same issue with the chuff and that person apparently had a lot of success with MRC diesel sound decoders but wasn't very happy with the steam version for the reason mentioned.
Hopefully you can get yours to work OK until you decide to replace it.
Thanks for the replies. It is my fault for buying the MRC without reading enough. Does anyone else make a decoder/sound combo? That is why i bought it, it was already together.
The link with the photo is VERY helpful. Thanks! I will clip that sucker and report back.
Remove the MRC decoder and install something better. MRC decoders have a very high failure rate and are known to have all manner of programming deficiencies as you have described happening with yours.
Usually the capacitor is labeled C1. Here is a link to an example.
http://members.shaw.ca/sask.rail/dcc/2-8-0/index.html
Hi everyone, I purchased and installed a MRC 1629 unit for my Bachmann 4-8-2. Before I installed the decoder, it ran like a DREAM on the club's DC layout. nice speed response, powerful pulling action, I was really happy with the engine.
The decoder came, I opened the tender and installed it. This is my 1st sound loco. The install (seemingly) went well. I programmed it on the main, it took the cab number, and off we went.bell, whistle, light, all work. cool.all the "other" sounds too. this looks good.
Now that it runs, i tried to optimize the chuff rate, accel,decel, and see what the other whistles sound like. I am unable to get the changes to "take" especially the "SOUND OFF" guys, I work in a Steel Mill, and the sound out of that 4-8-2 drove me nuts in about 5 minutes!!!! that thing is LOUD!!
Aside from the noise not responding, the engine is now a D-O-G ! the accel stinks, has no pulling power unless in TYCO (full throttle) mode. I think I ruined a nice loco....
I do recall seeing "someplace" that I need to clip a capacitor in the Bachmann, but cannot find or confirm that. Any help please??