User Manual

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
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.
Double click F0 will turn on/off sound (CV49). You can’t turn off horn which is
always on. The decoder has four types of diesel prime movers. You can use F12
or CV 123 to select the desired prime mover sound or turn them off. If you want
the decoder to be used in an Electric Type Traction Loco such as Trolley or GG-1
set CV 123=4 to turn off the diesel sound. With the prime mover sounds shut off,
CV 123=4, the traction air compressor will cycle on and off randomly, of course
you can still use F11 to activate the compressor whenever you want while in the
random mode. You can use F19 to select 34 different horn sounds and use F18
to select 8 different bell 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. And you have to
use the CV program to setup the decoder.
This decoder allows certain functions to be re-mapped easily, ( CV numbers- 37,
39 and 42). If the values of these CV’s are set to “0” (default), normal DCC
keypad/functions are applicable. Inseting the values shown in the CV chart
allows certain function swapping for example: F3 becomes F4 and vice versa.
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.
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. And, the MRC Blackbox is easy to setup and use.
Note: Bell, Dynamic Brake, and Rail Wheel Clack cannot play at the same time.
Figure 2.
Function Idle/Moving
F0 Headlight on/off or rule 17 or cycle of dim, bright, off
Double F0 Double click F0 within 1 second will turn on/off sound (CV49) with Horn on
F1 Bell on/off
F2 Horn
F3 Ditch lights on/off or Acc1 light on/off with air release
F4
Coupling 1
F5 Brake release (idle) / brake squeal (moving)
F6 Dynamic brake on/off
F7 Air hose firing/uncoupling lever
F8 Click 3 times during idle will shut down / notch down while CV122=3
F9 Engine cooling fan / notch up while CV122=3
F10 Rail wheel clack (only moving)
F11 Traction air compressor on/off
F12 Change prime mover type and prime mover off
F13 Acc2 light on/off with air release
F14
Coupler lift bar
F15 Air pump
F16 Associated loco sound
F17 Flange noise 1
F18 Change bell type (use F1 to turn off bell after adjustment)
F19 Horn type select (total 34 different horns)
F20 Associated loco sound
F21 Change bell volume (use F1 to turn off bell after adjustment)
F22
Change horn volume
F23
Change diesel rumble volume
F24 Air release
F25 Flange noise 2
F26
Flange noise 3
F27 Sand drop
F28 Ditch lights steady on/off (CV121) with Air release, use F3 to turn on/off
DCC base unit
Power supply
Test track
27 ohm resistor
Figure 3. Diagram of test track
INSTALLATION
It is quite a challenge to install this decoder into an “N” scale diesel locomotive.
You should have some basic electronics knowledge
The body shell, and fuel tank casting must be removed from the chassis, and the
entire frame must be disassembled. Mark the top of the motor with a dab of paint
or permanent marker; remove the original circuit board, motor, driveshafts,
bearings, and trucks.
The top portion of each frame half that touches the motor brush tabs
should be insulated with a small piece of clear tape.
The decoder replaces the original circuit board of the locomotive and should fit in
the same location. Assemble one half of the frame first, installing the decoder,
motor, driveshafts, bearings, trucks, and frame spacers. Gently place the other
frame half on top of the completed half, checking clearances and if there is any
binding of the drive mechanism. Correct any trouble spots at this point. Also
check to make sure the motor brush tabs are not touching the frame halves and
the clear tape is correctly positioned at the motor brush tab points to avoid
shorting out the decoder. Now you can install the insulated bolts and nuts to
secure both frame halves together.
Re-check installation!!! If at this point you are satisfied with the mechanical
installation of the decoder and all associated parts, it is time to check the
installation on a test track. Do not install body shell until testing is done. See
section on “Making a Test Track”, and “Testing”
*Note- This new decoder has the speaker mounted to the underside of
the circuit board. This makes installation easier with no frame milling
required.
Wrap the whole notch with tape to prevent the motor’s contact from touching the
chassis. Otherwise, the decoder will be destroyed if the motor contact touches
any unwrapped part of the chassis.
Figure 1.