Programming MRC Steam Sound Decoders

[Ed Kapuscinski]

I'm trying to program my dad's MRC steam engines and am having some issues.

They don't answer when I put them on the programming track and try to identify them with JMRI.

I get the "Decoder failed to respond" message.

Anyone have any recommendations?

[reinhardtjh]

Do you know the model number?

Most of the early MRC decoders did not have a read back capability.  They were basically write only.

[Ed Kapuscinski]

I don't know, it's one of the relatively recent steam engines.

One of the item numbers is 876081.

I don't see what decoder it should have in it though.

[reinhardtjh]

I bet it's this:  0001961 N GAUGE DECODER FOR MP/MIKADO/PACIFIC

Unfortunately it's not listed in the DCC Resources page.

Based on a slightly older Steam decoder - 0001956 Steam which "Supports full read back of CV’s" then I'd assume the 1961 does also.

You might try the resistor trick.  Put a 1K ohm resistor across the programming track and see if the decoder registers then.  Some decoders and engines don't draw enough current to register with the programming circuitry in the command station.  The Bachmann 44-tonner is one example.

[robert3985]

Ed,

I was having problems programming the MRC sound decoders that came with the Athearn Challengers and Big Boys when they first came out.

After doing a bit of research, I bought and installed a Soundtraxx PTB-100 Programming Track Booster, and all my problems disappeared.

It now resides on my portable power board for my layout for use on the programming track, but I've gotten rid of all of the early MRC sound decoders and replaced them with Tsunami's.

If you don't have a programming track power booster, the PTB-100 has an excellent reputation, and will solve your MRC sound decoder programming problems.

Cheerio!
Bob Gilmore