MRC 0001821 User manual

Dual Mode HO Gauge EMD 567B Diesel
Sound Decoder
For Athearn Genesis F Units
Item #0001821
Thank you for purchasing our highly advanced DC/DCC
Diesel locomotive sound decoder. This decoder will replace
the OEM circuit board in Athearn Genesis F Unit Locomo-
tives.
•Synchronized EMD 567B diesel prime mover sound
•1.5 amp capacity
•28 accessory functions, (F1-F28)
•Programmable choice of 34 different horns and 8
bells
•Programmable individual sound volumes
•Programmable for either 2-digit (1-127) or 4-digit
(1-9999) addresses
•Programmable start voltage and top voltage
•Programmable acceleration and deceleration rates
•Full readback of all CV’s
•Programmable 14, 28, 128 speed steps
•Selectable factory default speed curve
•CV 65 Kick start
•Custom programmable speed curve (CV 67-94)
•Directional lighting (FO) at 0.2 amp rate with special
features and mars light
•Supports advanced consisting (CV19)
•Supports programming on the main (OPS mode)
•Compatible with NMRA DCC standards
•Complies with Part 15 of FCC
•28mm speaker included
•Dimensions: 75.0mm x 17.5mm x 7.5mm
TROUBLE SHOOTING
This decoder should perform well with all DCC systems. The maximum DCC output
should be less than 16 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 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 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
PROGRAMMING
This decoder supports all program modes and read back features. With MRC
Prodigy Advance DCC you can read its address and CV value.
Printed in USA
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 All sounds on/off, horn is always 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 --- Safetypop 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
CV113 --- Coupling fire volume 0-3 3
CV114 --- Brake release volume 0-3 0
CV115 --- Auto brake squeal enable/disable 0-1 1(enable)
CV116 --- Auto bell with horn enable 0-1 0(disable)
Light mode, 0=normal headlight
1=off, dim, bright cycle, 2=route 17
Diesel notch mode, 0=auto-notch
3=manual notch
CV123 Prime mover sound on/ off with all accessory
sounds on 0-1 0
CV125 --- Program it to1 will restore decoder to default
address # 3 --- 0
CV21 ---
When CV21=0, all accessory functions will
follow its own address. When CV21=1, all
functions will follow the consist address
CV117
CV122 --- 0-3 0
0-2 0
--- 0

INSTALLATION
Remove the couplers and body shell from the chassis as per the Athearn Instruc-
tions. Make a note as to where each wire comes from and attaches to the OEM
circuit board installed on the chassis. Remove the black plastic clips from the OEM
circuit board that hold the wires to the board, (save these clips to re attach the
wires to the decoder). Remove the old board and discard. Install the sound
decoder in it’s place, and reattach the wires using the plastic clips to the decoder
using figure 1 as a guide. The speaker sits in the well on the rear of the chassis,
(see figure 2 final installation photo). Before reinstalling the body shell and
couplers, double check all wiring to make sure there are no wire strands shorting
across connection tabs of the decoder. After reinstalling the body shell and
couplers move the loco to a test track to check decoder installation.
Note- If installing this decoder into another type of locomotive. Make
sure that the locomotive is DCC ready or you have made sure to isolate
the wheel pick-ups, motor brushes, lights, etc., from the locomotive
chassis following N.M.R.A. guidelines for decoder installation.
figure 1 shows how to connect Athearn’s 1.5V lights.
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.
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. The test track is not a Program Track.
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.
The decoder has diesel prime mover sound on/ off feature. You can use F12 to
turn on/off it. 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. For other types of
DCC systems you have to use CV programming to setup the decoder.
The decoder default is set to automatic notch. You can program CV122 to 3 for
manual notch for realistic operation. And then use F9 to notch up and use F8 to
notch down.
There are many more features available with this decoder. Please refer to the
CV Chart to explore all features of this decoder.
The decoder can also be operated by a regular DC power pack. This will give
you synchronized engine sounds only. If you wish to enjoy the full array of
sound functions using your DC power pack, the MRC Blackbox (item #0001050)
for DC operation will allow you to control all of the sounds in your sound
equipped locomotives. The MRC Blackbox is easy to setup and use.
Note: 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 activated, 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.
figure 2 final decoder installation.
DCC base unit
Power supply
Test track
27 ohm resistor
Figure 3. Diagram of test track
Function Idle/Moving
F0 Headlight on/off, rule 17 or cycle of dim, bright, off (CV #117)
F1 Bell on/off
F2 Horn
F3 Mars light on/off with 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 Prime diesel mover sound on/ 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 Flange noise 3
F27 Sand drop
F28 Air release
Front
light
Mars
light
pick up
Front light
Mars light
pick up
motor
motor
com
com
pick up
Rear llight
acc2 light
pick up
Motor
Rear Front