Programming Old MRC Decoders

[karlfdburg]

I need some help to program some old decoders ...

More than 10 years ago, I replaced all of my MRC 305 decoders with more up-to-date ones.  Now, I want to use those old decoders as function-only decoders in my passenger cars and cabooses.  My problem is that my Lenz system (Set 100 w/ Version 3.6 firmware) won't recognize ANY of them on the program track.  Each time, I get an Error 2, i.e. no decoder detected.

So far, I have:

+ Tested multiple decoders by hooking them up to a locomotive (engine terminals only) and to the program track with the Error 2 on every one.

+ Tested a brand new out-of-the-package AD305 decoder with the same result.

+ Tested that same new decoder using address 3 on the main track with success.

+ Attempted to program new address into an old decoder on programming track but got Error 2.

Conclusion:

Something (speed of newer DCC system, etc.) is preventing the system from recognizing the old decoder.

I no longer have the old MRC 2000 DCC system to try.  I still have an Atlas Commander that I occasionally use as a throttle on my system.  I haven't tried using it to program the address.

Any help or suggestions would be appreciated.

Thanks!

[tstage]

File 13 them, Karl...

...really!  It's better to get a reliable decoder for those passenger cars and cabooses.  Otherwise, you'll be opening them up again and again.

Tom

[rrinker]

 I don't think those decoders have any readback. Also they are register-mode only, they only support a limited set of 'registers' (CVs), and will not work ok paged or direct mode.

          --Randy

 

[DigitalGriffin]

If I remember correctly the decoders took way too long to respond back to the command station, so the response timed out.

If you see the locomotive lurch a little when you program a CV, you know it took.

I had the same problem with my MRC sound decoders on my old set 100 Lenz.  It's a well known problem.

 

[maxman]

I don't know if this is applicable or not.  If you put

“PRODIGY ADVANCE AND EXPRESS TIPS AND TRICKS”

into the Google search box, you should come up with a link to a document that discusses problems programming address into the AD305  decoders.  Look down around page 7 of the document.