INSTALLATION
If your loco has a NMRA 8 pin receptacle, simply remove the dummy plug and
match first pin and plug in the decoder. Otherwise 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 requirements, 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).
Note: The ‘X’ marks indicate
where to disconnect (isolate).
The decoder will be inserted between the wheel pickup and the motor.
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.
Figure 2 shows how to wire the decoder. After disconnecting the motor
terminals from the pickup, connect the red wire to the right side pickup and the
black wire to the left side pickup. Connect the orange wire to the motor terminal
that was originally connected to the right pickup. Connect the gray wire to the
motor’s other terminal. Connect the front light to the blue wire and the white wire.
Connect the rear light to the blue wire and the yellow wire.
The blue wire is the common terminal for lights and accessory functions. You
may use the black wire or the red wire to replace the blue wire. This is useful
when isolating one of the light terminals from the pickup is difficult. Wiring the
bulb this way will make the light dimmer. If your loco has only a front light, you
should connect the white and the yellow wires together.
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 will not protect an incorrectly installed decoder.
TESTING
The decoders has 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. As long as you test the decoder on the test track there is little chance
of damaging the decoder. That is why the test track is so important. Also do not
corrent limiting resistor. Sound decoders need full power to the program track to
install all programming instructions.
LIGHT EFFECTS
There are 4 solder tabs on the bottom of the decoder for the accessory lighting
features marked “ACC1” and “ACC2”, with the two innermost tabs used as the
common. “ACC1” is for the adjustable light effects, [see CV 118 chart]. “ACC2” is
used for the firebox flicker effect. “ACC2” is non-adjustable, and is controlled on/
off with F3, which also controls the accessory lights.
LIGHT EFFECT PROGRAMMING CHART FOR CV#118
All the decoder’s light outputs are track output voltage (around
14V) supplied by your DCC system. They are designed for 12V
light bulbs. Please contact your loco manufacturer for lights’
operation voltage. If you have a 1.5V bulb use 1k ohm resistor or
LED, you should connect a 2k ohm resistor in series to one of the
leads to limit current.
STEAM SOUNDS / ACCESSORY FUNCTION CHART
*NOTE- Functions F25 through F28 are fine tuning adjustments while the loco is
running.
Due to limitations in some types of DCC systems or older DCC
systems, some of the sound/accessory functions may not be able
to be accessed. Also, you might be limited to factory default CV
settings. This decoder supports the new N.M.R.A. protocols that
use up to function 28, (F28). Right now only MRC prodigy
2
has 28
functions.
Figure 1. Connection of standard locomotive
Right side pickup
Front
light
Motor
Rear
light
Left side pickup
X
X
X
X
X
X
Figure 2. 0001656 decoder wiring diagram
1
orange
black
red
orange
gray
yellow
white
right
blue
headlight
rear light
black
left
black
28mm speaker
with cap
DCC base unit
Power supply
Test track
27 ohm resistor
Figure 3. Diagram of test track
CV118
ACC#1 Light effect
0
Gyra light
1
Mars light
2
Strobe light
3
Steady on/off,(used for interior cab light)
Function
Idle/Moving
F0
Directional Lights on/off
F1
Bell on/off
F2
Whistle
F3
short Air release and accessary light on/off
F4
Coupling
F5
Brake squeal
F6
Conductor
F7
Fire box door open/close
F8
Sand drop
F9
Reverser
F10
Water
F11
Blower hiss
F12
Master volume: max, mid, min, off 4 levels
F13
Coal auger
F14
Air Hose fire
F15
long air release
F16
Shoveling
F17
air pump
F18
bell type
F19
Whistle type select*
F20
Bell ring rate
F21
Bell volme
F22
Whistle volume control
F23
Chuff volume control
F24
Chuff type
F25
Chuff rateslow down (CV120 decrease 1)with associated loco sound
F26
Chuff rate speed up (CV120 increase 1) with associated loco sound
F27
Start moving chuff rate slow down (CV121decrease 1) with associated loco sound
F28
Start moving chuff rate speed up (CV121 increase 1) with associated loco sound
