MRC 0001827 User manual

N Gauge DC/DCC
Alco Diesel Sound Decoder
Item #0001827 drop-in for Kato PA1
Thank you for purchasing our most advanced DC/DCC
locomotive sound decoder. Combined with any DCC System
or MRC Blackbox, our true live capture digital sound de-
coder will make your model railroad come to life.
•AlCo 244 prime mover plus 3 other synchronized prime
mover types
•1.0 amp capacity
•34 different types of horns and 8 types of bells
•Programmable individual sound volumes
•Programmable either 2-digit or 4-digit addresses
•Programmable start voltage and top voltage
•Programmable acceleration and decelaration rates
•Programmable 14, 28, 128 speed steps
•Ultra slow motion control
•Back EMF load control
•Supports full read back of decoders
•Selectable factory default speed curve
•Advanced speed table control CV67-CV94
•Kick start voltage control CV65
•Easy re-mapping of certain factory selected funtions
•3 headlight effects: Directional / rule 17 /off-dim-
bright 3 states cycle
•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 Rules
•13mm speaker included
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
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
Reset: 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. 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 commands, it
may have lost its address. Please reset the decoder or reprogram it address. 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.
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 12
CV3 R3 Acceleration 0-32 0
CV4 R4 Deceleration 0-32 0
CV5 --- Top voltage 0-32 32
CV 6 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 27 27
CV8 R8 Manufacturer ID --- 143
CV17 --- Long address upper byte 192-231 192
CV18 --- Long address low er byte 0-255 3
CV19 --- Advanced consist address 0-127 0
CV37 0=normal, 1= F3 and F4 exchange 0-1 0
CV39 0=normal, 1= F5 and F6 exchange 0-1 0
CV42 0=normal, 1= F8 and F12 exchange 0-1 0
CV49 All sounds on/off except horn that is alw ays on 0-1 1
CV50 --- Horn type (34 types) 0-33 17
CV51 --- Horn volume 0-3 3
CV52 --- Bell type (8 types) 0-7 2
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 w heel clack 0-3 3
CV65 Kick start voltage 0-63 63
CV67-94 28 speed steps table w hile 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)
Light mode, 0=normal headlight
1=off, dim, bright cycle, 2=rule 17
CV120 Ultra slow enable* 0-1 1
CV122 --- Notch mode, 0=auto, 3=manual 0-3 0
CV 123 Prime mover: 0=SD60, 1=F, 2=Alco, 3=SD70, 4=off,
w ith traction air compressor cycling randomly 0-4 (4=off) 3(SD70)
CV124 Back emf load control on/off 0-1 0(off)
CV125 --- Programming to "1" w ill restore some CV's to f actory
settings --- 0
0CV21 --- When CV21=0, functions follow its ow n address.
CV21=1, functions follow the consist address ---
0CV 117 0- 2

INSTALLATION
It is quite a challenge to install the decoder in your loco. You should have some
basic electrical knowledge. In all decoder installations you must insulate the two
motor leads from the wheel pickups. The decoder is inserted between the
pickups and motor leads. If you are not sure how to install the decoder, please
ask the dealer for help in installation.
Refer to the instructions that came with your Kato PA1 locomotive for removal of
the body shell. Remove the original circuit board by very carefully removing the
plastic clip, bending the two motor leads up, [vertical] and sliding the PCB out. Don’t
lose the clip. There are two wheel pickup contact strips running the length of the
chassis on both sides. These two strips must be wrapped with thin tape approx.
1/4 inch wide (as shown in the image below) to prevent them from touching the
motor leads (two vertical leads). You may have to trim off some (approx.1/4 inch)
plastic near the tape location, on the outside wheel pick up channels to compen-
sate for the tape thickness. Don’t trim any plastic on the inboard side of the wheel
pick up channels. After applying the tape and trimming the plastic, reinstall the
strips. Before installing the decoder, bend the four spring contact strips, located at
each corner of the decoder, approx. 30 degrees in the middle of the contact strip.
Do not bent the spring contact strip close to the decoder board or it might snap off
the board. Make sure they touch the original wheel pick up contact strips. If not,
bend them a bit more. 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. After tesing the decoder
installation, (see section on testing), remove the white paper ring on the bottom of
the speaker to reveal the sticky glue, press this side of the speaker down firmly to
the chassis for the best sound quality. Re-install the body shell. Now your loco is
ready to go to work on your railroad.
MAKING A TEST TRACK
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 will
reduce the chance of damaging your decoder due to 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.
Double click F0 will turn on/off sound (CV49). You can’t turn off horn which is
always on. The decoder has four types of diesel prime movers. You can use F12
or CV 123 to select the desired prime mover sound or turn them off. The default
setting(CV123=2) is the correct Alco 244 sound for your PA1. If you want the
decoder to be used in an Electric Type Traction Loco such as Trolley or GG-1 set
CV 123=4 to turn off the diesel sound. With the prime mover sounds shut off, CV
123=4, the traction air compressor will cycle on and off randomly, of course you
can still use F11 to activate the compressor whenever you want while in the
random mode. 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. And you have to
use the CV program to setup the decoder.
ULTRA SLOW SPEED CONTROL
For precise slow speed control in the lower throttle settings, set CV # 120 to “1”.
(see CV chart).
EASY FUNCTION MAPPING
This decoder allows certain functions to be re-mapped easily, ( CV numbers- 37,
39 and 42). If the values of these CV’s are set to “0” (default), normal DCC
keypad/functions are applicable. Inserting the values shown in the CV chart
allows certain function swapping for example: F3 becomes F4 and vice versa.
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.
Note: Bell, Dynamic Brake, and Rail Wheel Clack cannot play at the same time.
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 unique MRC Blackbox (item
#0001050) or TECH 6 Power pack (item #0001200) for DC operation will allow
you to control all of the sounds in your sound equipped locomotives. And, they
are easy to setup and use.
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) with Horn on
F1 Bell on/off
F2 Horn
F3 Air release
F4 Coupling 1
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 on/off
F12 Change prime mover type and prime mover off
F13 Air release
F14 Coupler lift bar
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
bend the 4 spring contacts on the PCB
Figure 2.
DCC base unit
Power supply Test track
27 ohm resistor
Figure 3. Diagram of test track
Figure 1.
trim off some plastic apply tape
apply tape
trim off some plastic