MRC steam sound decoders

[Anonymous]

Hi

Anyone know how to change the volume on a MRC sound decoder, on a lenz or Atlas DCC system.

The instructions of the decoder tell you how to do it on a MRC system but nothing else?

thanks

[Anonymous]

I have no idea. The only experience I have with the MRC stuff is it SUCKS. Sorry.

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by On30Shay

I have no idea. The only experience I have with the MRC stuff is it SUCKS. Sorry.

Thanks a whole lot for that deeply insightful post! [8D]



[xx(]


I'd hate to break it to you but the MRC sound decoders are very very basic. I do not even know if they have the ability for controling volume.

[Anonymous]

He asked, I saw it, and answered. I gave an honest answer. I've used several MRC decoders and have had problems with all but one. I'm looking for it to die any day. Everyone I know who has used them has had problems. I think my analogy was dead on. Why waste time with a bunch of useless words? They suck. Plain and simple.

QUOTE: Originally posted by Stuckarmchairing

QUOTE: Originally posted by On30Shay

I have no idea. The only experience I have with the MRC stuff is it SUCKS. Sorry.

Thanks a whole lot for that deeply insightful post! [8D]



[xx(]


I'd hate to break it to you but the MRC sound decoders are very very basic. I do not even know if they have the ability for controling volume.

[mecovey]

I have 2 Athearn Challengers that have an MRC chip. The quality leaves something to be desired e.g. I had to send one of them back for a replacement as I was unable to program it and the lights didn't work and now that same unit appears to have developed althizmers and can't keep its memory. I'm thinking of replacing the decoder with a Soundtraxx.

However to address your question about sound adjustment - I was able to set the various CVs using ops programming. The sound can be set to high or low electronically and I believe it can also be adjusted (at least on the Challenger) with a small screw driver. I can look up the CV values if you like.

[Javern]

I use a dozen MRC decoders and have been very pleased with them

[knewsom]

If you are talking about the 1627 Steam decoder that MRC has, then you need to change CV 52 to 0. The Steam decoders only have two volume levels high and low. The factory default is high, which is a value of 31 in CV 52.

I have two of these decoders and have been very pleased with them, so please don't be discouraged by other users. I also have a Broadway Limited Class A with QSI sound. Both of MRC decoders have comparable sound as far as my untrained ear is concerned. Hope this helps.

[Anonymous]

My experience with the MRC steam sound decoder (I have one) is that it's a waste of money. I used the PR1 computer program to try to make adjustments and ended up with poor results. Never could get the chugs to come close to matching the wheel rotation and volume control was minimal. On the track the headlight works intermitantly and the sounds have a mind of their own. I'm not a big fan of sound to start with but if and when I do add sound to my fleet it won't be with MRC sound decoders. How's that for expanding on the previous poster's comment that they SUCK.

Bob DeWoody

[jon grant]

The steam whistle sounds great as does the chuff, but I have had no luck trying to synchronise the steam chuff with the wheel quartering, even though the instructions say CV64 alters the chuffing rate - it doesnt .


Jon

[BRVRR]

I have an MRC 1627 steam sound decoder installed in a Bachmann NYC Niagara. Although it is not prototypical I am pleased with it. The sound is comparable to the Soundtraxx LC series to my untrained ear. Volume is controlled with CV52. To have any effect it must be set low 1-3. I installed a 10 ohm resistor in the sound circuit, per Tony's Train Exchange, and now the volume control is better. To make the chuff rate work right you have to set the start voltage CV2 and the max voltage CV5 before you set the chuff rate CV64. I managed to get the rate 'close enough' for me on the Niagara, following the instructions at the bottom of the CV programming chart that came with the decoder.
I also have an MRC diesel sounds decoder. It works as advertised, but not as well, IMHO, at the steam decoder.
I do the basic setup of decoders on my Zephyr's programing track and fine tune it with my DT400 in ops mode. It takes a little tinkering, but I think you can get satisfactory sound from the MRC decoders.
If you want digital quality sound, you will need multiple or bigger speakers and one of the new generation sound decoders arriving on the market now.
For the money, the MRC decoders were/are a bargain.
Just tinker with it awhile and maybe try installing the resistor above in the sound circuit. Good luck.

[selector]

I knew about setting the start voltage in CV2, but didn't think about setting the max. Thanks for the tip. By the way, I'm running a 100LC in my 0-6-0, and I might as well reset the values whenever I REVERSE...!!! Yup, I can synchro it reasonably well for fwd, but as soon as I back the loco, the rate is off.

[BRVRR]

Crandell,
I have the same problem with a 4-6-2. I think it has to do with the variations in start voltage. I haven't hooked up a meter to test the theory, but I would be willing to bet that the start voltage in reverse is different than for forward. Probably higher. Most locos get 'run in' in the forward direction and operate smoother that way. In reverse, the worms and gears are meshing on relatively 'unused and unpolished' mating surfaces, thus more friction. Just a theory, though.

[jacon12]

QUOTE: Originally posted by knewsom

If you are talking about the 1627 Steam decoder that MRC has, then you need to change CV 52 to 0. The Steam decoders only have two volume levels high and low. The factory default is high, which is a value of 31 in CV 52.

I have two of these decoders and have been very pleased with them, so please don't be discouraged by other users. I also have a Broadway Limited Class A with QSI sound. Both of MRC decoders have comparable sound as far as my untrained ear is concerned. Hope this helps.

Which leads to the question, what 'brand' decoders does BLI use in their locos? Their own or others?
Thanks,
JaRRell

[Anonymous]

Seems I read they use Quantam stuff. Someone correct me if I'm wrong.

QUOTE: Originally posted by jacon12

QUOTE: Originally posted by knewsom

If you are talking about the 1627 Steam decoder that MRC has, then you need to change CV 52 to 0. The Steam decoders only have two volume levels high and low. The factory default is high, which is a value of 31 in CV 52.

I have two of these decoders and have been very pleased with them, so please don't be discouraged by other users. I also have a Broadway Limited Class A with QSI sound. Both of MRC decoders have comparable sound as far as my untrained ear is concerned. Hope this helps.

Which leads to the question, what 'brand' decoders does BLI use in their locos? Their own or others?
Thanks,
JaRRell