MRC 0001812 User manual

N Gauge Synchronized
Diesel Sound Decoder with
Four Authentic Prime Mover Sounds
Item #0001812
Thank you for purchasing our highly advanced DCC locomotive
sound decoder. Combined with any DCC System, our new
decoder with authentic diesel sound truly will make your model
railroad come to life.
•Four Synchronized diesel prime mover sounds with
randomly associated locomotive sounds
•User selectable 34 different horns and 8 bells
•28 accessory functions allowing more sound control
than ever
•Programmable individual sound volumes
•0.75 amp capacity
•Programmable for either 2-digit (1-127) or 4-digit
(1-9999) addresses
•Programmable start and top voltage
•Programmable acceleration and deceleration rate
•Programmable 14, 28, 128 speed steps
•Selectable factory default speed curve
•Directional lighting (F0)
•Supports full read back of CV’s
•Supports advanced consisting (CV19)
•Supports programming on the main (OPS mode)
•Compatible with NMRA DCC standards
•Complies with Part 15 of FCC
•10mm speaker included
• Directly replaces most Atlas N scale loco’s PC boards
PROGRAMMING
This decoder supports all program mode and read back feature. With MRC Prodigy
Advance DCC you can read its address and CV value.
SPEED TABLE CV67-CV94 FOR 28 SPEED STEPS
When CV29’s bit 4 is set to “1” it will use the speed table formed by CV67-CV94
to control speed (motor voltage). It allows you to setup each speed for all 28
speed steps. First, program CV29 to 18 for short addresses (1-127) or program
CV29 to 50 for long addresses (128-9999) to enable speed table control. Then
select throttle to 28 speed steps and run your loco at speed step 1. Use program
CV on the main to change CV67’s value (1-255) to adjust step 1’s speed. The
kick voltage, CV65 is only applied when the speed step changes from 0 to 1. You
should switch between 0 to 1 many times to check step 1’s speed. When done
with CV67, select speed step 2 and program CV68. CV68’s value must be
greater then CV67’s. When done with CV67-CV94, use read back CV to make
sure their values are in increasing order.
Note: When using MRC Prodigy DCC to program addresses it will automatically
disable the speed table (set CV29’s bit 4 to “0”). Programming CV125 to 1 will
also disable the speed table and re-program CV67-CV94 to a default linear
speed setting.
TROUBLE SHOOTING
This decoder should perform well with all DCC systems. The maximum DCC
output should be less than 15 V. If the locomotive does not respond to com-
mands, it may have lost its address. Please re-program the address and program
CV19 to 0 (disable consist). If it responds slowly, you should clear its momentum
by reprogramming CV3 and CV4 to zero. If step 1’s speed is too high, you should
program start voltage, CV2 to zero. If its top speed is too slow, program top
voltage CV5 to 31. You should also clean the track to improve electrical pickup.
Read your DCC system manual to learn how to program and operate the decoder.
For more information about registers/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 the program track to program CV# 125 with
value 1 to restore the decoder to factory settings. This should bring the decoder
to life with address #3.
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 interfer-
ence that may cause undesired operation.
RETURN PROCEDURE
This decoder carries a 6 month warranty against factory defects. This warranty
does not include abuse, misuse, neglect, improper installation, or any modifications
made to this decoder, including but not limited to the removal of the NMRA plug if
applicable. If it should become necessary to return the decoder for warranty repair/
replacement, please include a copy of the original sales receipt. Please
include a letter (printed clearly) with your name, address, daytime phone number,
and a detailed description of the problem you are experiencing. Please also include
a check or a money order for $8.00 to cover return shipping and handling. If the
decoder is no longer considered under warranty, then please include a check or a
money order for $29.00 to cover the cost of repair or replacement and return
shipping and handling. Be certain to return the decoder only.
Any questions regarding Warranty Policy can be directed to our Customer
Service Department by calling 732-225-6360 between the hours of 8:30am
and 6:00pm EST, or by emailing: [e-mail]
Send the decoder to: Model Rectifier Corporation
Attn: Parts & Service
80 Newfield Avenue
Edison, NJ 08837-3817 U.S.A
CV Register Description Range Default
CV1 R1 Short address 1-127 3
CV2 R2 Start voltage 0-32 0
CV3 R3 Acceleration 0-32 0
CV4 R4 Deceleration 0-32 0
CV5 --- Top voltage 0-32 32
CV6 Speed curve select (0=linear, 1=slow
increase, 2=fast increase at slow speed 0-2 0
--- 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
CV49 Sound on/off except horn that is alw ays on 0-1 1
CV50 --- Horn type (34 types) 0-33 4
CV51 --- Horn volume 0-3 3
CV52 --- Bell type (8 types) 0-7 3
CV53 --- Bell volume 0-3 3
CV54 --- Bell ring rate 0-50 3
CV55 --- Diesel rumble volume 0-3 3
CV56 --- Brake squeal volume 0-3 3
CV57 --- Dynamic brake volume 0-3 3
CV58 --- Air release volume 0-3 3
CV59 --- Air pump volume 0-3 3
CV60 --- Safety pop valve volume 0-3 3
CV61 --- Engine cooling fan volume 0-3 3
CV62 --- Coupling volume 0-3 3
CV64 --- Rail wheel clack 0-3 3
CV65 Kick start voltage 0-63 63
CV67-94 28 speed steps table while CV29.4=1 1-255 linear
CV105 --- User identification number 0-255 0
CV106 --- User identification number 0-255 0
CV113 --- Coupling fire volume 0-3 3
CV114 --- Brake release volume 0-3 0
CV115 --- Auto brake squeal enable/disable 0-1 1(enable)
light mode, 0=normal headlight
1=off, dim, bright cycle, 2=rule 17
CV122 --- Notch mode, 0=auto, 3=manual 0-3 0
CV123 Prime mover type (4=diesel off/all other
sounds on) 0-4 2
CV125 --- Programming to "1" will restore some CV's
to factory settings --- 0
0CV117 0-2
0CV21 --- When CV21=0, functions follow its ow n address.
CV21=1, functions follow the consist address ---

INSTALLATION
It is quite a challenge to install this decoder into an “N” scale diesel locomotive.
You should have some basic electronics knowledge
The body shell, and fuel tank casting must be removed from the chassis, and the
entire frame must be disassembled. Mark the top of the motor with a dab of paint
or permanent marker; remove the original circuit board, motor, driveshafts,
bearings, and trucks.
The top portion of each frame half that touches the motor brush tabs
should be insulated with a small piece of clear tape.
The decoder replaces the original circuit board of the locomotive and should fit in
the same location. Assemble one half of the frame first, installing the decoder,
motor, driveshafts, bearings, trucks, and frame spacers. Gently place the other
frame half on top of the completed half, checking clearances and if there is any
binding of the drive mechanism. Correct any trouble spots at this point. Also
check to make sure the motor brush tabs are not touching the frame halves and
the clear tape is correctly positioned at the motor brush tab points to avoid
shorting out the decoder. Now you can install the insulated bolts and nuts to
secure both frame halves together.
Re-check installation!!! If at this point you are satisfied with the mechanical
installation of the decoder and all associated parts, it is time to check the
installation on a test track. Do not install body shell until testing is done. See
section on “Making a Test Track”, and “Testing”
*Note- This new decoder has the speaker mounted to the underside of
the circuit board. This makes installation easier with no frame milling
required.
Figure 1.
Figure 2. shows how to install 0001812 decoder
MAKING A TEST TRACK
Before you begin 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.
TESTING
The decoder has been programmed to address #3, 28/128 speed steps. To test,
place the loco on the test track. Select address #3 and 28 speed step. Move up
the throttle and the loco should move. Push the light button [F0] and headlight
should come on. Change the direction of the loco and the loco should change
direction. The loco cannot reach full speed, due to the resistor. If all the above
occurs, you passed the test. Congratulations! 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. As long as you test the decoder on the test track there is little chance of
damaging the decoder. This is why the test track is so important.
OPERATION
The decoder has start up and shut down features. If the loco was previously
shut down you have to start up the engine. Press any function key to start up
the engine before operating the loco. To shut down the engine you must bring
the loco to idle and then press F8 three times.
There are four diesel prime mover sounds you may enjoy. You can use F12 to
select either prime mover sound or “off”. You can use F19 to select 34 different
horn sounds and use F18 to select 8 different bell sounds. With MRC Prodigy
Advance2DCC which has 28 functions, you can easily setup and access all the
decoder’s functions. If not, you may not be able to access all the features of
the decoder. If you DCC system allows CV programming, you would have to use
this type of programming to access all the features of the decoder.
The decoder default is set to automatic notch. You can program CV122 to 3 for
manual notching for realistic operation. And then use F9 to notch up and use F8
to notch down.
If you don’t have DCC system, you have to use the MRC Blackbox (item
#0001050) for the DC operation. It will allow you to control all of the sounds in
your sound equipped locomotives. The MRC Blackbox is easy to setup and use.
LIGHT EFFECT PROGRAMMING CHART FOR CV#117
Program CV117 to choose 3 different modes of headlight effects (0=normal
directional, 1=off/dim/bright cycle, 2=rule 17).
Bell, Dynamic Brake and Rail Wheel Clack cannot play at the same time. If you
activate the Bell sound [F1], while either the Dynamic Brake or Rail Wheel Clack
sounds are in use, the Bell sound will override the other 2 sounds. Rail Wheel
Clack cannot play while the loco is in idle. When you turn off Dynamic brake and
Rail Wheel Clack sound there will be one second delay.
Function Idle/Moving
F0 Headlight on/off or rule 17 or cycle of dim, bright, off
Double F0 Double click F0 within 1 second will turn on/off sound (CV49)
F1 Bell on/off
F2 Horn
F3 Air release
F4 Uncoupling lever
F5 Brake release (idle) / brake squeal (moving)
F6 Dynamic brake on/off
F7 Air hose firing/uncoupling lever
F8 Click 3 times during idle will shut down / notch down while CV122=3
F9 Engine cooling fan / notch up while CV122=3
F10 Rail wheel clack (only moving)
F11 Traction air compressor
F12 Select four prime diesel mover types and diesel off
F13 Air release
F14 Coupling
F15 Air pump
F16 Associated loco sound
F17 Flange noise 1
F18 Change bell type (use F1 to turn off bell after adjustment)
F19 Horn type select (total 34 different horns)
F20 Associated loco sound
F21 Change bell volume (use F1 to turn off bell after adjustment)
F22 Change horn volume
F23 Change diesel rumble volume
F24 Air Release
F25 Flange noise 2
F26 Associated loco sound
F27 Sand drop
F28 Air release
Wrap the whole notch with tape to prevent the motor’s contact from touching the
chassis. Otherwise, the decoder will be destroyed if the motor contact touches
any unwrapped part of the chassis.
wrap tape
DCC base unit
Power supply
Test track
27 ohm resistor
Figure 3. Diagram of test track