Breaking news from Athearn!

[Hamltnblue]

I believe they are mostly about factory installed decoders.

If they were about decoders installed later the complaints would have been about most brands.  The factory MRC decoder in my SD60i works but is very limited in options.  Most other complaints I've heard are about units that don't last.

[Capt. Grimek]

And to be fair, I have not had any YET, with mine, but it's nerve wracking waiting to see if I do. The Tsunami option would be nice. Once I change CVs form factory defaults I'll know if I'm going to have a problem. Still building the layout/track laying so it'll be a bit. I've run mine a total of maybe 2-3 hrs. only. Has there been any documentation that unqualifed people installed the MRCs and it's not the decoders? Lots of modelers have used MRC decoders in other brands of engines and they've still had problems to a far greater extent then with other brands. That's been user documented, at least, on many different forums and at many club operating sessions all over the U.S. (and maybe elsewhere.) As far as I know, there has never been a written response from Athearn concerning these issues, in any MR forum, etc.

[Capt. Grimek]

Let's see what the board member consensus is. I'm pretty sure I remember experienced private decoder installers still having problems with the MRCs in addition to the factory installs. Maybe look in a search for older MRC threads. People have been very "vocal" about this for quite some time. I'm hoping that mine (factory) will continue to behave themselves. I have already lost a cab number address on the Challenger, but that could come from other causes and it reprogrammed ok after I ran on 03 for a while.

[richg1998]

 I bought one of the first Roundhouse 4-4-0s and replaced the decoder with a Micro-Tsunami. I had some cheese to go with my whine so the change was fairly easy.

My next two 2-6-0s and one 2-8-0 were DCC ready. Installed Micros and speakers. Did not need any cheese or whine.

I bought three sets of new Roundhouse tender frames and the trucks with all wheel pickup to convert my old MDC 2-6-0s to DCC sound. The old shells fit the new frames. Again, no cheese or whine needed.

Rich

[pastorbob]

sparkyjay31

pastorbob

You all feel free to fawn all over the Athearn guys for this much delayed change.  I however, got burnt on a total of 10 Genesis diesels that did not have the new decoder.  I have a large stable of diesels and I have no reason or need to purchase any more motive power from Athearn.  Just not interested.  I will continue to look to Atlas and Kato for whatever needs I may have in the future.  If they can't supply, I will make other plans or go without.

Athearn has shot me in the foot too many times.

Bob

No offense meant. But if you got burned a couple of times why did you go back? Is their motive power THAT good? I got scalded on my very first HO purchase ( a Roundhouse 4-4-0 with the MRC decoder ). Lesson learned and I have not been back. And I'm not sure I will go back. I'd try to be more patient and realize that you went back more times than you perhaps should have.

 

No offense taken.  One order of 6 Genesis the first time from a mail order place, 2nd and last order of 4 through local hobby shop.

Bob

[mardamkit]

I like the idea of Athearn using Tsunami sound on their Steam locos, but it still leaves some problems for DC users. The Tsunami chuff synchronization is hopeless. Adjusting the DDE auto-exhaust only works on DCC, & not that well. A cam is a good idea, but it only works on DCC again. The cam sensor circuit requires alternating current! So if you're using DC, you'll have to put up with toy-like non sync'd exhaust - very sad. Hopefully Athearn has requested Soundtraxx address this shortfall in design for their OEM units.

[riogrande5761]

You all feel free to fawn all over the Athearn guys for this much delayed change.  I however, got burnt on a total of 10 Genesis diesels that did not have the new decoder.  I have a large stable of diesels and I have no reason or need to purchase any more motive power from Athearn.  Just not interested.  I will continue to look to Atlas and Kato for whatever needs I may have in the future.  If they can't supply, I will make other plans or go without.

Athearn has shot me in the foot too many times.

Bob

 

 

Some of us have no choice to buy from Athearn - like SD40T-2's and the only game in town for painted single stripe D&RGW Genesis F units (F9's especially).  If it was the sound equipped units, you could have done like me and read comments on the internet before buying, which is why I have bought all of my Genesis F's withouth sound.