DCC decoders and track clean

[Anonymous]

I have two Athern F7. One with MRC decoder and the other with Lenz decoder.
In the same track (with some dirt) the F7 with Lenz decoder work fine, but the F7 with MRC decoder no and stop ever.
The diferents decoders work diferents on the same track?? Its a DCC current trouble?

[Anonymous]

I too have some engins with mrc decoders in them and I have found that clean track is a must no matter what decoder you have. I dont know the web site which tells alot about how to keep the track clean,if I find it I will send another message. Keep the track clean!!!!!!!!

[Anonymous]

Take a look at the Febriary 2002 issue of Model Railroader. There is a great article on track cleaning that has many helpful tips.

With respect to your decoder problems, I prefer Lenz to MRC because they seem to run better on my layout. Also, if your Athearn F7 is a regular Athearn (as opposed to an Athearn Genesis model) I have found that the regular Athearns draw a lot more current to run which makes clean all the more critical.

[Anonymous]

All of my 75 N-Scale engines are DCC equiped (Digitrax). To keep the tracks clean is just one point you have to keep an eye on.
With normal power packs the voltage drops with increasing track length. The same happens with the DCC signal. You need to "refresh" the signal every couple of feet by simply adding another track feeder. On my layout every rail joint has it's feeder !
Also keep the wheels and electric contacts in your loco clean. Use contact cleaner spray but take care not to spray on any plastic parts. Use one of these ear cleaning sticks.


have fun

Sandro
www.sschaer.com

[greendiamond]

It could be that the MRC decoder is shutting down from overload as well. They don't seem to be made to handle as much current. You might also want to change out the Athearn wheelsets with those from Northwest Short Line for better conductivity.

Mike