MRC 0001820 User manual

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 at slow speed, 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 1=off (horn always on) 0-1 0
CV50 --- Horn type 0-16 4
CV51 --- Horn volume 0-3 3
CV52 --- Bell type 0-6 3
CV53 --- Bell volume 0-7 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
CV63 --- Random noise 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 3
CV115 --- Auto brake squeal enable/disable 0-1 1(enable)
CV116 --- Coupling sound type 0-2, 0=off 1
Diesel notch mode, 0=auto-notch
3=manual notch
CV123 --- Prime mover type (AlCo
244/SD60/SD70/EMD 567B) 0= ALCo 244 0-3 0
CV125 --- Factory default setting, program it to1 will
restore all the CV to default settng --- 0
0CV21 ---
When CV21=0, all accessory functions w ill
follow its ow n address. When CV21=1, all
f unctions w ill f ollow the cons ist addres s
---
CV122 --- 0-3 0
HO DC/DCC Synchronized Diesel Sound
Decoder with 28 Accessory Functions
for Athearn (RTR) RS-3 Locomotive
Item #0001820
Thank you for purchasing our most advanced DC/DCC ALCo
244 sound decoder. Combined with any DCC System or MRC
Blackbox, our true live capture digital ALCo sound decoder will
bring your Athearn RTR RS-3 loco to life.
•Synchronized diesel prime mover with random
associated locomotive sounds
•1.5 amp capacity
•Programmable for either 2-digit (1-127) or 4-digit
(1-9999) addresses
•Programmable start voltage and top voltage
•Programmable acceleration and deceleration rate
•Programmable 14, 28/ 128 speed steps
•Directional lighting, (F0).
•Programmable user selectable horns and bells
•Supports full read back of all CV’s
•Customizable speed curve
•28 accessory functions (F1-F28)
•Supports advanced consisting (CV19)
•Supports programming on the main (OPS mode)
•Compatible with NMRA DCC standards
•Complies with part 15 of FCC regulations
•Programmable individual sound volumes
•18mm speaker included
PROGRAMMING
This decoder supports all types of programming modes and read back features.
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 18 V. If the locomotive does not respond to commands, it may
have lost its address. Please re-program the address and program CV19 to 0
(disable consist). If it responds to 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. The default prime mover sound for this decoder is the ALCo
244 which is correct for an RS-3. If for some reason one of the other prime mover
sounds are playing, re-setting CV # 125 to a value of 1 will re-set the prime mover
sound back to ALCo.
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
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

Function Idle/Moving
F0 Headlight on/off
F1 Bell on/off
F2 Horn
F3 Air release
F4 Coupling
F5 Brake release (idle) / brake squeal (moving)
F6* Dynamic brake on/off
F7 Air hose firing/uncoupling lever
F8 Click 3 times w ill shut dow n / notch dow n w hile CV 122=3
F9 Engine cooling fan / notch up w hile CV122=3
F10 Rail w heel clack (only moving)
F11 Traction air compressor
F12 Change Prime Mover Type plus Sound on / off (see CV#123)
F13 Short air release
F14 Flange noise
F15 Air pump
F16 Associated loco sound
F17 Flange noise
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 Coupling
F25 Air release
F26 Flange noise
F27 Air hose firing
F28 Air release
Note- Bell, Dynamic Brake, and Rail-Wheel Clack, cannot play at the
same time.
motor
front light
left pick up
left pick up
rear light
DCC base unit
Power supply
Test track
27 ohm resistor
Figure 3. Diagram of test track
INSTALLATION
Refer to the instructions that came with your Athearn RS-3 locomotive for
removal of the handrails, walk way and body shell. Remove the plastic
clips that hold the wires to the original circuit board and note where they
go. (Note: there is a short length of wire for the right side pick-up that is
attached to the circuit board with one plastic clip, the other end of this wire
is secured to the chassis under the original circuit board by one of the
hold down screws, this short length of wire is not needed for the decoder
installation, as the decoder will pick up right side current when screwed
to the chassis). Don’t lose these clips, you will need them to re-attach the
wires to the decoder tabs. Remove the two screws that hold the circuit
board to the chassis, remove and discard the original circuit board, with
the short length of wire mentioned above. Apply tape on the top of the
motor to prevent it from touching the decoder. Install the sound decoder
with speaker facing down along the long hood end of the loco. Use the
two original screws to secure the decoder to the chassis. Re-attach the
wires to the decoder with the plastic clips. Make sure there are no stray
strands of wire crossing any of the tabs on the decoder, or this can result
in a short circuit damaging the decoder.
Refer to the decoder wiring diagram below. There is no right side pick up
tab shown on the decoder. the right side pick up is made through the two
screws that hold down the decoder to the chassis.
The Athearn locomotive uses 1.5 volt bulbs and the decoders lighting
circuit is set up to use these bulbs without any modification. Before re-
installing the locomotive body shell, walk way, and handrails...test the
locomotive on a test track to check for proper installation and operation of
the decoder.
This decoder was made to fit the Athearn RS-3 without any modification to
the body shell. Please check clearances inside the body shell as there
maybe some variations in the different roadnames.
If there are no visible obstructions inside the body, replace the walkway,
body shell and handrails. Now the locomotive is ready to go to work on
your layout.
Make a Test Track
Before you start with your decoder installation, we strongly recommend
building a test track that uses a 20-ohm resistor to limit current. Only test
your installed decoder on the test track. The test track will prevent any
damage due to an incorrectly installed decoder.
TEST
All MRC decoders have been factory programmed with address #3, 28/
128 speed steps and maximum top voltage. After you have finished your
decoder installation you are ready to test it. Never run the installed
decoder on your layout without first passing the test. You may damage
the decoder if it is not wired correctly or if you have not properly isolated
the motor and lights.
Put the loco on the test track. Select the “Run” mode of your DCC system
and select or acquire address #3. Advance 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, the loco should
change direction and the rear headlight, [if equipped], should come on.
The locomotive cannot get to full speed, due to the resistor. If the loco
moved forwards and backwards, and the light{s} came on, you did a
great job. Congratulations!
Do not run the loco for an extended period of time on the test track or the
resistor will overheat.
*NOTE- 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. Also do not confuse
a test track with a program track. A program track does not use the
current limiting resistor. Sound decoders need full power to the program
track to install all programming instructions.
DCC OPERATION
This decoder has diesel start up and shut down features. 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. If the loco is previously shut down you have to start up the engine.
You can use F19 to select 34 different horns and use F18 to select 1 of 8
bells. If you don’t have MRC Prodigy Advance DCC you will have to use
CV programming to select these features.
The decoder is defaulted to automatic notch. You can program CV122 to
3 to set manual notch for more realistic operation. Then use F9 to notch
up and use F8 to notch down. In real life the notch level has noting to do
with travel speed.
There are many more programming features available with this decoder.
Please refer to the CV Chart to explore other features of the decoder.
DC OPERATION
This decoder provides synchronized, true ALCo 244 diesel rumble
sounds with DC operation. Bells, horns, etc., cannot be accessed.
Use of the MRC BlackBox will enable the full range of sounds on a
DC system.
Figure 1.
Figure 2.