I got my track wired and began to program and run tonight on my MRC Express System with one small problem; I first programed a Kato loco on the main line and it runs fine, I then programed a Bachman Switcher on the main line and it also runs fine, lastly I tried to program a similar Bachman switcher and nothing... I finally got it programed on a program track and it now runs but either full bore or nothing, any suggestions?
First, I would suggest you always program your locomotive decoders using a program track. It uses less power limiting possible damage to a decoder if there is a problem. Less smoke is good!
Put the offending loco back on the program track and in program mode re-set it to factory settings. Your decoder instructions will indicate how to do this. Then try running it on your main line using the short address of 3 (perhaps 03 for your DCC system). try running it both forward and reverse at different speeds. Also try the lights and whatever other functions it is supposed to have. If it all works fine, then back to the program track in program mode to re-program the decoder as you wish. If not, you may have a defective decoder which hopefully you can get replaced by the vendor/manufacturer.
Good luck!
Is there anyway to reset or program my remote to make it more speed responsive? Right now, I have to set the speed at 8-10 before the train will start. Once it is up and running I can back it off and creep, but not to start.
I am not familiar with the features of the MRC Express system. On some systems (maybe including yours) you can adjust certain CV's in the decoder for minimum, median and maximum voltage settings. You will need to consult the documentation for your system and your decoder to determine which CV's need to be changed, to what and how.
CV2 is the Start Voltage for every decoder that complies with NMRA Standards. Increase the value that is in CV2 in increments of 2 until the locomotive just begins to creep on speed step 1.
Depending on the brand of decoder you have, there are other CVs that can be used to fine tune locomotive performance once CV2 is set to the desired value.
You'll have to consult the documentation for the specific decoder you have to determine what these CVs are, because different manufacturers use different terminology and different CVs to set motor performance parameters.