MRC Compatibility

Editor's Note: This tech note has nothing to do with Digitrax SoundFX sound decoders. This is for users who have Digitrax command stations / boosters / etc and wish to program MRC sound decoders. --------------------------- Due to low programming track power in certain dcc systems, programming sound decoders on the program track may not be possible, especially trying to assign the decoder a four, (4), digit address. This programming procedure has to be performed on the mainline, where more power is available for programming sound decoders. If your dcc system allows simple 4 digit address programming on the main, [ops mode ...

Q:  I have an MRC RailPower 1370 DC power pack.  I was wondering if that would work as a jump throttle on my Zephyr till I get my UT4 LocoNet Throttle? A:  We think that the answer is "No", but you will need to verify whether this power pack produces pure or pulsed DC power directly with MRC. Throttles used with Zephyr Xtra via the Jump Port must produce pure DC power, often referred to as "smooth" power packs. Many "advanced" analog power packs use automatic pulse injection to make model locomotives run better at slow speeds. This uses 1/2 wave AC ...

This article was originally posted on this site in 2006, but the source material dates back much further than that, probably back to the early 1990's, when DCC was an emerging control system. The article discusses non-sound mobile decoder programming operations. Many of the issues discussed in this article are less relevant when using recently produced decoders, but this text still does cover some questions which may be raised when you are using mobile decoders which were manufactured by other companies. These decoders will operate in the Digitrax environment, but you may need to make some adjustments.The earliest Digitrax mobile ...

The sound in your decoder shuts down after you stop it and you are not using a Digitrax system for control. On some DCC systems decoders are not addressed by DCC packets after the locomotive is set to 0 speed. In this case after the CV11 timeout elapses (6 second factory default setting for SoundFX decoders), sound will shut down. To remove the timeout and prevent sound shutdown, set CV11=00.  This would leave the sound in the locomotive on until you remove power from the loco.Digitrax command stations continue to refresh locomotives by periodically sending packets to them as long ...

Q: I have a Lenz Set 100 and was wondering if I can use my DCC system and use the Digitrax signaling and detection components. What about other DCC systems?A: Yes, Digitrax detection and signaling will work with any DCC system.  You will need to install a LocoNet network for the LocoNet components to communicate with each other and use a PR3 or MS100 to interface with a computer running software such as Railroad and Co. 

Q:  Using Digitrax systems to program an MRC AD310 decoder is especially confusing because the MRC Command 2000 uses several "switches" and "levers" rather than standard CV numbers. A conversion chart for the 10 possible MRC engine addresses would be a wonderful help to us old-timers. A:  The documentation available from the manufacturer of this decoder is incomplete. Many older decoders such as this one are not able to recognize all the digital packets in use by more modern DCC Systems. What we have learned is the MRC AD310 is: Programmable up to 127 (1~127) locomotive addresses Programmable for either 28 or ...

How do I get all the engines of a consist to run at the same speed? I have 3 engines with DH163A0 decoders and one with a MRC sound decoder. All units have the same top speed, but the unit with the MRC decoder starts and accelerates more quickly. Getting a group of locomotives to operate at the same speed can be a challenge. Experience has proven that it is best to work with the slowest locomotive and bring the other locomotives into agreement with that engine. Since the others appear to be in general agreement, it would be the ...

The DZ121 was discontinued in 2002.  There were some interoperability issues with Easy DCC, MRC and Lenz.  The exchange offer is no long valid.  This article is still published for reference only.At that time, Easy DCC, Lenz and MRC users could return DZ121's to Digitrax for no charge replacements that will work on their systems. There was no reason for Digitrax, Wangrow or NCE users to replace any DZ121 decoder unless they wre having problems.The text at that time:For Easy DCC and Lenz users who are having problems: To determine whether your DZ121 should be returned, read back CV07. A ...