MRC 0001952 User manual

N Gauge DC/DCC
Electric Traction Sound Decoder
Item #0001952 drop-in for Kato GG-1
Thank you for purchasing our most advanced DC/DCC 16
bit locomotive sound decoder. Combined with any DCC
System or MRC Blackbox, our true live capture digital
sound decoder will make your model railroad come to life.
•Realistic Electric Locomotive Traction Motor Sounds
•0.75 amp capacity
•22 different types of horns and 8 types of bells
•Programmable individual sound volumes (16 levels)
•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
•3 headlight effects: Directional / rule 17 /off-dim-bright 3
states cycle
•27 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
•10 mm 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 $9.00 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 $35.00 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 10
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 Manuf acturer version number 27 1
CV8 R8 Manuf acturer 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
CV49 odd number sound on, even sound of f 1on
CV50 --- Horn type 0-22 6
CV51 --- Horn volume 0-15 12
CV52 --- Bell type 0-7 3
CV53 --- Bell volume 0-15 12
CV54 --- Bell ring rate 0-50 3
CV55 --- Traction Motor volume 0-15 12
CV56 --- Brake squeal volume 0-15 7
CV57 --- Dynamic brake volume 0-15 12
CV58 --- Air release volume 0-15 12
CV59 --- Air pump volume 0-15 12
CV60 --- Safety pop valve volume 0-15 12
CV61 --- Engine cooling fan volume 0-15 12
CV62 --- Coupling volume 0-15 12
CV63 --- Sand release volume 0-15 12
CV64 --- Rail wheel clack 0-15 12
CV 65 Start Kick voltage 0-15 12
CV67-94 28 speed steps table w hile CV29.4=1 1-255 linear
CV112 Air compressor volume 0-15 12
CV113 --- Coupling fire volume 0-15 12
CV114 --- Brake release volume 0-15 0
CV115 --- Auto brake squeal enable/disable 0-1 1(enable)
CV116 --- Flange squeal volume 0-15 12
Light mode, 0=normal headlight
1=off, dim, bright cycle, 2=rule 17
CV122 --- Not Used 0-3 0
CV123 Traction Motor sound on/off 0-1 1(on)
CV125 --- Programming to "1" w ill restore some CV's to factory
settings --- 0
0CV21 --- When CV21=0, functions f ollow its ow n address.
CV21=1, functions follow the consist address ---
0CV117 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 isolate the chassis
and motor from the wheel pick ups, otherwise the decoder will be damaged. The
decoder is inserted between the pickups and motor leads. If you are not sure how to
install the decoder, please ask the DCC dealer for help in installation.
Note: To install this decoder, you must file 2 small tabs off the chassis halves,
this may void your locomotives warranty.
Refer to the instructions that came with your Kato GG-1 locomotive for removal of
the body shell. Remove the original circuit board by sliding it up and out. Even
though the GG-1 body shell is symetrical, the chassis is not. There are 6 tabs
facing upwards on the top of the chassis halves, [3-left side/3 right side]. The two
larger tabs at each end of the chasis fit into notches on the decoder board, facing
the decoder in it’s proper orientation on the chassis, [the speaker sits directly over
motor brush tabs, large opening].The two smaller tabs, [ see photo below ],
must be filed flat, or clipped with cutting pliers first and then filed flat, flush with the top
of the chasis halves, so the decoder board sits flush on top of the chassis. Use care
when filing metal as to avoid any metal filings from getting lodged in the
motor or drive train, We reccomend to apply tape to cover chassis before
filing. There are four contact strips on the outer edges of the decoder that must be
bent down at a 45 degree angle, with a little “V” bend at the ends as picture shown,
to make contact with the chassis halves.
Before installing the decoder, you must apply two small pieces of insulating
tape on each side of the chassis, inside of the motor contact slots. Apply all the
way to bottom of the slots. Do not cover the copper motor brush tabs. These tabs
need to contact to the decoder’s motor contacts. Use a # 11 blade to burnish the
tape to the inside of the chassis halves. [ see photo below ]. Also apply tape on the
outside of the decoder’s motor brush feed contacts. You may need to bend the
decoder’s motor brush feed contacts slightly inward to make positive contact with
the motor brush tabs. Slide these tabs and the decoder downward on the chassis,
making sure to align the notches in the decoder with the four remaining chasis
tabs. Seat the decoder flush on the top of the chassis. Make sure the decoders
four contact strips are making good electrical contact with the chassis halves. The
speaker must face upwards and sit in the hole on the decoder board. Re-check
your installation, then test run the chassis with installed decoder on the test track.
If the decoder installation passes, Install the body shell. Now your GG-1 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
You can use F12 or CV 123 to turn off the traction motor sounds. You can use F19
or CV50 to select 22 different horn sounds and use F18 or CV52 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.
CV117 controls the function of headlight. CV117=0 sets nornal directional on/off.
CV117=2 sets rule 17 light effect. CV117=3 sets three cycles light effect (off,
dim and bright)
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 (item #0001200) for DC operation will allow you to control
all of the sounds in your sound equipped locomotives. And, the MRC Blackbox
and Tech 6 are easy to setup and use.
Note: Bell, Dynamic Brake, and Rail Wheel Clack cannot play at the same time.
Remove these two
small tabs
Apply tape all the way to the bottom to prevent
the motor contacts from touching the chassis
Apply tapeApply tape
Function Idle/Moving
F0 Headlight on/off or rule 17 or cycle of dim, bright, off
F1 Bell on/off
F2 Horn
F3 Short air release
F4 Coupler cut lever
F5 Brake release (idle) / brake squeal (moving)
F6 Dynamic brakes
F7 Air hose firing/uncoupling lever
F8 Not used
F9 Engine cooling fan
F10 Rail wheel clack (only moving)
F11 Traction air compressor on/off
F12 Traction Motors off and horn on
F13 Short air release
F14 Coupler crash
F15 Air compressor
F16 Flange squeal
F17 Air release
F18 Change bell type (use F1 to turn off bell after adjustment)
F19 Horn type select
F20 Associated loco sound
F21 Change bell volume (use F1 to turn off bell after adjustment)
F22 Change horn volume
F23 Change traction motor volume
F24 Safety valve pop
F25 Air release
F26 Flange noise
F27 Sand release
F28 Air release
DCC base unit
Power supply
Test track
27 ohm resistor
Figure 3. Diagram of test track
Bend 4 pickup contacts as shown Tape the outside
of motor contacts