INSTALLATION
It is quite a challenge to install a decoder into a loco. You should have some basic
electrical knowledge and soldering skills. If you do not have the above require-
ments, please ask the dealer for help in installation.
Figure 1 shows the electrical circuit of most standard locos. The terminals of the
motor and light(s) are directly connected to the wheel pickup. Each type of loco
has its own method of electrical pickup and distribution. The connection between
the wheels, motor and light(s) could be wires, clips, the body or chassis, PC board
or any other type of conductor. First, figure out your loco’s electrical wiring and
how to disconnect (isolate) the motor and light(s).
Figure 1. Connection of standard locomotive.
Note: The ‘X’ marks indicate
where to disconnect (isolate).
The decoder will be inserted between the wheel pickup and the motor.
Figure 2 shows how to connect 12V bulb, 1.5V bulb and LED lights.
OPERATION
This decoder has engine start up and shut down sound. You must press any
function key to start up the engine before operating the loco. The start up
sound will enable only if you shut down the engin before turn off the power.
To shut down the engine you must bring the loco to idle and then press F8 3
times.
This decoder can also be used in an Electric Type Traction Loco such as
Trolley or GG-1 by turning off diesel sounds. To turn off the diesel prime
mover sounds, program CV #122 with value 0.
There are many more program features available with this decoder. Please
refer to the CV Chart to explore other features of the decoder.
DIESEL SOUNDS CHART
Note: Bell, Dynamic Brake and Rail Wheel Clack cannot play at the same time. If
you active 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 DynBrake
and Rail Wheel Clack sound there will be one second delay.
Each manufacturer and loco may have different ways of decoder
installation. There is no standard rule for installing decoders. It is
always better to consult the loco manufacturer on how to install a
decoder in that particular loco.
LIGHT EFFECTS CONNECTION
If your loco has ditch lights, mars light or strobe light, you can connect these
lights to the ACC1 and ACC2 extra tabs. Then program CV #112 for the desired
light effect. CV #114 controls the output voltage (brightness) of the light effects.
The decoder allows you to use 1.5V/12V light bulb or LED Fig2
show how to connect your light.
SPEAKER SELECTION
The decoders come with a 28mm 8 ohm speaker. For narrow bodied locos, A
20mm round speaker or A 16x35mm rectangular speaker can also be purchased
from MRC. However, reducing speaker size will affect the overall sound quality.
Use hot glue or double-sided sticky tape to affix the speaker inside the loco shell.
If the baffle is too tall, you may remove excess for desired height. Note:
Completely removing the baffle will result in poor sound quality.
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
All MRC decoders have been factory programmed with address #3, 28/128
speed steps and maximum top voltage.
Never run the installed decoder on
your layout without first successfully running on test track.
Otherwise,
you may damage the decoder if it is not wired correctly or if you have not
properly isolated the motor and lights.
To test, place the loco on the test track. Select the “Run” mode of your DCC
system and select or acquire address #3. Move up 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 and the loco should change direction
and the rear headlight (if equipped) should come on. The loco cannot reach full
speed, due to the resistor. If all above occurs, you passed the test. Congratula-
tions!
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.
Right side pickup
Front
light
Motor
Rear
light
Left side pickup
X X
X
X
X
X
Function
Idle/Moving
Double click F0
Turns on/off accessory lighting
F1
Bell on/off
F2
Horn
F3
Air release while moving or prime mover rev up to high idle
F4
Coupling/air hose firing
F5
Brake release (idle) / brake squeal (moving)
F6
Dynamic brake on/off
F7
Air hose firing/uncoupling lever
F8
notch down (when CV122=3)/associated loco sound
F9
notch up (when CV122=3)/associated loco sound
F10
Rail wheel clack (only moving)
F11
Traction air compressor
F12
Sound on/off
F13*
short air release
F14*
Associated loco sound
F15*
Air pump
F16*
Associated loco sound
F17*
flange noise
* Note: Only MRC Prodigy advance DCC has F13-F19 accessory functions
CV49 control sound on/off. Program CV49=0 turn off sound. Program CV49=1 turn on sound.
DCC base unit
Power supply
Test track
27 ohm resistor
Figure 3. Diagram of test track
pick up
head light
acc1 light
pick up
motor
motor
com com
pick up
head light
acc2 light
pick up
12V
12V
12V
12V
pick up
head light
acc1 light
pick up
motor
motor
com com
pick up
head light
acc2 light
pick up
1.5V bulb
1.5V
1.5V
1.5V bulb
pick up
head light
acc1 light
pick up
motor
motor
com com
pick up
head light
acc2 light
pick up
LED
LED
LED
LED