MRC 0001659 User manual

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2008 MODEL RECTIFIER CORPORATION
80 NEWFIELDAVENUE
EDISON, NJ 08837-3817
TESTING
All MRC decoders have been factory programmed with address #3, 28/128 speed steps and
maximum top voltage. Never run the installed decoder on your layout without first
successfully running on test track. Otherwise, you may damage the decoder if it is not
wired correctly or if you have not properly isolated the motor, chassis and lights.
To test, place the loco on the test track. Select the “Run” mode of your DCC system and select
or acquire address #3. Move up the throttle and the loco should move forward. Push the light
button [F0] and the front headlight should come on. Change the direction of the loco and the
loco should change direction and the rear headlight (if equipped) should come on. The loco
cannot reach full speed, due to the resistor. If all above occurs, you passed the test. Con-
gratulations!
Do not run the loco for an extended period of time on the test track or the resistor
will overheat.
If your installed decoder does not pass the test, find the problem, correct it and test it again.
TROUBLE SHOOTING
The MRC 0001659 N gauge decoder should perform well with all DCC systems. See your DCC
system manual to learn how to program and operate the decoder. For more information about
register/CVs and their functions, please refer to the NMRA DCC Standard & Recommended
practices, RP-9.2.2 this is available directly from the NMRA or their website at
www.nmra.org.
Whenever the decoder doesn’t work please use program track to re-program the loco address
to factory setting. This should bring the decoder to life.
FCC COMPLIANCE
This device complies with part 15 of the FCC rules. Operation is subject to the following two
conditions. (1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) This device must
accept any interference received, including interference that cause undesired operation.
RETURN PROCEDURE
If it should become necessary to return your decoder, remove the decoder from the loco chassis
and return the decoder only. Please include a letter, [printed clearly], with your name, address,
daytime phone number, and a detailed description of the problem you are experiencing. Include a
$15.00 check to cover shipping and handling.
Warranty does not include abuse, neglect, or using this product for anything other
than it’s intended purpose. Warranty coverage will be handled on a case by case basis,
and other charges may apply for repair/replacement of the product.
Send the decoder to:
Model Rectifier Corporation
Attn: Parts & Service
80 Newfield Avenue
Edison, NJ 08837-3817 U.S.A
Printed in USA
N Gauge DCC Decoder
Item #0001659 for Kato F Unit
Thank you for purchasing our highly advanced DCC locomotive decoder.
Combined with any DCC System, our new decoder makes your model
railroad come to life.
•1.0 amp capacity
• Programmable for either 2-digit (1-127) or 4-digit (1-9999) ad-
dresses
• Programmable start voltage
• Programmable acceleration rate
• Programmable deceleration rate
• Programmable top voltage
• Programmable 14, 28, 128 speed steps
•Supports advanced consisting (CV19)
• Supports programming on the main (OPS mode)
• Compatible with NMRA DCC standards
• Complies with Part 15 of FCC regulations
• Directly replaces original PC Board
• Directional headlight (F0)

PROGRAMMING
This decoder supports all programming methods including: register, paged CV, direct CV, and
programming on the main (ops mode programming).
MAKING A TEST TRACK
When you complete the decoder installation, we strongly recommend building a
test track with a 27 ohm resistor to limit current. Only test your installed decoder
on the test track. The test track may prevent damage from an incorrectly installed
decoder.
Note: The program track is NOT a test track. The program track does not use a current limiting
resistor. So it can’t protect an incorrectly installed decoder.
INSTALLATION
Refer to the instructions that came with your Kato F3 locomotive for removal of
the body shell. Remove the original circuit board by very carefully removing the
plastic clip and sliding the PCB out. Don’t lose the clip. There are two wheel
pickup contact strips. These strips must be wrapped with tape approx. 1/4 wide
(as shown in figure # 2) to prevent them from touching the motor leads. Trim off
some material from the plastic cradle under the motor lead area to compensate
for the tape thickness. After applying the tape and trimming the plastic, reinstall
the strips. before installing the new decoder, bend the spring contacts under the
rear of the decoder approx 45 degrees to provide correct contact. Now, install the
decoder in place of the original PCB and reinstall the plastic clip you removed
earlier. Apply a strip of tape over the clip & down the chassis sides to help hold
the decoder in place. Re-install the body shell. Now your loco is ready to go to
work on your railroad.
DCC base unit
Power supply
Test track
27 ohm resistor
Diagram of test track
CAUTION:
The decoder must be isolated as shown. Apply electrical tape or plastic equiv.) tape
in the areas shown to prevent the electrical contacts from touching the chassis and
damaging the decoder.
Figure 1: #0001659 decoder installed in Kato F3 chassis
Figure 2: Kato Chassis after
removing original circuit board
wrap tape
CV Register Description Range Default
CV1 R1 Short address 1-127 3
CV2R2Startvoltage0-320
CV3 R3 Acceleration 0-32 0
CV4 R4 Deceleration 0-32 0
CV5 --- Top voltage 0-32 32
--- R6 Page number --- ---
CV29 R5 Basic configuration --- 2
CV7 R7 Manufacturer version number --- 32
CV8 R8 Manufacturer ID --- 143
CV17 --- Long address upper byte 192-231 192
CV18 --- Long address lower byte 0-255 3
CV19 --- Advanced consist address 0-127 0
CV105 --- User identification number 0-255 0
CV106 --- User identification number 0-255 0
CV125 Factory re-set 1 0