User Manual

Your MRC Synchronized MP-15 Sound Decoder(0001804) is equipped with normal
directional lighting, plus MRC light effects. (see Figure #1). You can choose to hook
up the accessory lights as per the prototype road name. Your MP-15 can also
have “Rule 17” directional headlights,or cycle of dim,bright, or off, through simple
programming. See the CV Chart for programming these features.
The red mars light is a safety feature used by the Southern Pacific, when
activated, it shuts all other lights off. This feature is easily programmed by using
CV 121, (see Chart).
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 connections to the decoder board.
Remove the body shell from the Athearn MP-15 locomotive by referring to the
instructions that come with it. The wires for the locomotive are held to the original
circuit board by plastic clips attached to tabs on the board. Remove the clips and
save them as they hold the wires to the sound decoder tabs. Make note on which
wires go to the original circuit board. Remove the original circuit board from the motor
mount clips. Install the decoder in place of the original board, install wires, (see
figure 2), and plastic clips. The Athearn MP-15 uses 1.5 volt bulbs and the decoder is
set up to power these bulbs. If you want to add extra accessory lighting as per the
prototype roadname, additional bulbs can be purchased from Athearn Trains 1-310-
763-7140.
There is a weight on top of the front gear tower that must be removed to install the
speaker. The included speaker is made to fit exactly in place of the weight, use the
screws that held the weight to secure the speaker. Plug speaker into the sound
decoder.
Check to see that no wires are binding, and that no stray wires strands are making
contact across the decoder tabs. Re-install body shell.
Note- by removing this weight, some pulling power may be sacrifieced.
LIGHT EFFECTS
CV118= ACC1 and CV119=ACC2. For directional gyra lights both CV118 and CV119
must equal 0. Red Mars light can not be changed to a different light effect, only the
gyra lights can be changed.
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. 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.
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.
The decoder has two types of diesel prime movers. You can use F12 to select
them. It can also be operated with the diesel sounds off. So it can be used in an
Electric Type Traction Loco such as Trolley or GG-1. You can use F19 to select 15
different horn sounds. With MRC Prodigy Advance
2
DCC 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. For other types of DCC systems
you have to use CV programming to setup the decoder.
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.
There are many more features available with this decoder. Please refer to the CV
Chart to explore other features of the decoder.
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)
for DC operation will allow you to control all of the sounds in your sound equipped
locomotives. The MRC Blackbox is easy to setup and use.
Note: Bell, and Rail Wheel Clack cannot play at the same time. If you active the
Bell sound [F1], while the Rail Wheel Clack sounds is activated, the Bell sound
will override the rail clack. Rail Wheel Clack cannot play while the loco is in idle.
When you turn off the Rail Wheel Clack sound there will be one second delay.
CV118/119 value ACC#1 front gyra/ACC#2 rear gyra effe ct
0 Gyra light
1 Marslight
2 Prime strato light
3 Single strobe light
4 Double strobe light
5
on/off
Function Idle/Moving
F00 Double click turns sound off
F0 Headlight on/off or cycle of dim, bright, off
F1 Bell on/of f
F2 Horn
F3 Gyra light on/off,(acc1 and acc2), w ith air release
F4 Red Mars light on/off, air release
F5 Brake release (idle) / brake squeal (moving)
F6 Associated loco sound
F7 Air hose firing/uncoupling lever
F8 Click 3 times during idle w ill shut dow n / notch dow n w hile CV122=3
F9 Engine cooling fan / notch up w hile CV122=3
F10 Rail w heel clack (only moving)
F11 Traction air compressor
F12 Diesel sound on /off
F13 short air release
F14
Coupling
F15 A ir pump
F16 Associated loco sound
F17 flange noise
F18 Associated loco sound
F19 Horn type select (total 15 different horns)
F20 reverse
F21 Associated loco sound
F22
Change horn volume
F23
Associated loco sound
F24 Coupling
F25 flange noise
F26
flange noise
F27 sand drop
F28
air release
DCC base unit
Power supply
Test track
27 ohm resistor
Figure 2. Diagram of test track
Rear light
Front light
Speaker
Front Gyra Rear Gyra
Red Mars
Motor +
Motor -
Pickup +
Pickup -