A LokSound Select has far, far better sound and superior motor control, and is actually cheaper than the new MRC decoders.
For the price the are ok. I have not ahd any problems with MRC decoder. The mars light is a problem, and I have not found a satisfying solution as yet. They are not easy to get programed. But once I got in to the JRMI program (Decoder Pro), it helped alot. Still not great, but it is ok now.
For the price, they are pretty good. You are not buying soundtrax, so you don't compare it to the higher end. But if you are looking for cheap sound, there it is. Proto 2000 Alco PA off ebay $35. MRC drop in sound with speaker $70. you now have an engine with dcc and sound for about a $100. A Tsunami will cost you $100 alone. And the newer MRC decoder is only $45. I just put one in a P2K GP7, and it works very well.
If you are trying to program these with just your cab, I can see how frustraing it is. JMRI is the answer if you have the resources (laptop and a couple of days). If I can do it, anyone can.
Oh and the sound problem seems to be fixed in the newer decoders. And I have not had any fail problems with MRC. Unless you count their "querkyness" when ti comes to programing the older ones.
Jim Lowery
Hamltnblue Don't forget that some of them come with built in smoke generators, ehhhhh (they burn up)
Don't forget that some of them come with built in smoke generators, ehhhhh (they burn up)
That's added realism forn an Alco though
--Randy
Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's
Visit my web site at www.readingeastpenn.com for construction updates, DCC Info, and more.
Springfield PA
Don't just stay away from MRC decoders (sound or not), run away. A very few work OK, most do not. Early failure rate, voltage leaking to the motor (so it is never really off), sound is too loud even on the lowest setting, hard (or even impossible) to program, etc.
I put one in about three years ago. And it still runs and sounds great. I am also concidering putting one in the PB unit. The mars light connections stooped me for a bit until I figured out it was best to leave the Proto OEM 2 element bulb in for the light effects. And I guess I must be lucky, I have yet to see any of my MRC decoders fail.
Truck.
I would stay away from MRC decoders. Many folks on this forum have not been pleased with them, including me. Search MRC Decoder on this forum and you will see why.
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.
HI: I am trying to find out if anyone has tried the new MRC Drop In sound decoder for Proto 2000 PA Units. I would like to try one but hope someone can give me some input on their sound. Thanks