None of the reviews by Tony's Trains or anyone else says anything about it being dual-mode and able to run on a DC layout.
The documentation I have for an MRC Sounder also does not mention DC operation and seems to imply that they are DCC only.
Nothing in the book says its dual mode, just says DCC Decoder, never mentions being able to run or operate on analog power. I will take it with me to the local shop on wed afternoon as their shop layout has a MRC Tech 6 controler and I can see if it responds in digital mode, do a reset on it and turn the volume down if it responds. I have searched the web for something that tells me either way what it is. Thanks for the reply. Mike
Silly NT's, I have Asperger's Syndrome
Well, whatever MRC calls thier little add on box for sound control, I couldnt remember. I wondered as when I power up the engine, the sound starts up, but nothing else works, no movement, no increase in sounds, just sits in idle all the time. Guess I will give it back to him to return to the store, its brand new. Sounds good to my ears, fits great in the brass engine. I will have him order the newer version as i prefer to keep the plug in speaker I installed in the rear with the sound up thru the fans. I didnt use the MRC supplied speakers, but a oval MRC speaker with enclosure. I just didnt know if it was a DCC only decoder, and thats why it just sits there and does nothing. Mike
I am not 100% certain, but I do believe that it is dual mode. Regardless, if you use it you will not be able to trigger sounds using the Sidekick. The Sidekick only works with QSI decoders.
I got a MRC 1631 diesel sound decoder given to me, new in the package. I cannot find anything that tells me if this is a dual mode decoder or DCC only. Its going in a brass GP38-2 that will be my little layouts only engine. I wasnt going to add DCC for awhile yet, but if its a DCC only decoder, I will have to pick up a MRC Tech 6 or something else cheap to run it. I have absolutly no need for a full DCC system, if it is a dual mode, i will just get a side kick to put next to my MRC throttle pack eventualy to blow the horn. I know many despise the MRS systems, please no rants or bashing. Thanks Mike