MRC Sound Decoder Failure
March 15th, 2009
Back in November, I installed a MRC DCC Sound Decorder in a Kato SD90 loco. Well, it looks like that DCC decoder has failed, even though the locomotive has been sitting with little use.
When power is applied to the engine, you get the initial idle rumble from the decoder, and that it. It seems to have a throttle level set to reverse 1 because it has an ever so slightly backwards creep. No functions work at all. I never did program it differently from the default address, so no idea what happened.
I’ve sent an email to MRC to see what they have to say about troubleshooting or hopefully replacing it.
I’ve heard mixed reviews about MRC’s decoder quality, and I’m on the fence about buying more of these sound ones because I really like them.
I have heard very few positive comments on these decoders and have held out buying one even though they offer just about the only real sound solution in N. Very few seem to have a happy ending. Jamie
Got an email from MRC asking to send in the loco with the decoder so they can check it out.
Here’s hoping they replace it.
Ordered my first decoders this week, but held off order these for my SD40-2′s because too many posts about failures. You do not appear to be alone.
I have an Athearn Genesis SD45-2 factory fitted with an MRC sound decoder. Ran well straight out of the box, but CV’s 2, 3, & 4 don’t respond to their programming. There are also other various problems with the MRC DCC decoder. I am seriously considering converting to QSI!
I ordered and installed 6 of the MRC AD321′s and experienced failures in 4 of the 6. I ordered a 7th which failed also. All the locos ran great and checked out good with a VOM. I have sent the failed 5 back to MRC for evaluation. I was programming them on a new Prodigy Advance Squared System and a 3′ main test track, not a layout. They were only $8.99 each from MRC. The price has me wondering why they were so cheap.