Kato P42 w/ MRC Sound - video

I took a quick video of my P42 with an MRC sound decoder installed. There is a lot of mixed reviews out there, so I'm not looking to take sides, just offer some actual video footage so you can hear for yourself. I posted the video on my blog tonight:

N Scale Addiction: Kato P42 w/ MRC Sound

Please let me know what you think.

 

You're preaching to the converted with me.

Nice looking layout too BTW.:thumbs_up:

 

I took a look and left a comment for you...... but I will also say it again, I am impressed in the improvements MRC has made!

 

Yep. I've converted several P42s for my layout and I'm happy with them. I'll admit that the sound is a little tinny compared to some of my HO stuff, but its pretty darn good - especially for a drop-in conversion in N guage. I look forward to the day when more of these locomotives are offered with factory installed DCC and sound, but in the meantime, I'm glad we have these MRC units.

Gerry

 

Thanks for posting that. You convinced me!

 

Ive heard bad, and just now I HEARD what sounded great from this decoder. Just like anything else in this world the failure reports are probably a combination of bad installations and some bad quality control.

 

Very nice layout!:thumbs_up::thumbs_up:

To be fair I will break it down. The sounds that fall within the range of the amp / speaker are without a doubt very realistic (I give it a ten out of ten). For those of us that have never heard better this would be awesome. Sounds that typically extend past the range and SPL (sound pressure level) of a small speaker still leave a little to be desired; particularly lower frequencies (I give it a five). Other sound decoder manufacturers have a built in equalizer to assist to some degree in correcting these issues (I give them a seven).

My overall opinion is that sound decoders for N scale diesels are improving and will continue to improve. Improvements in speaker frequency response and SPL (sound pressure level) with less distortion will be one of the primary keys to success for sound decoders in N scale diesels.

Thanks for sharing.

Jerry

 

The sound seems much deeper and richer than my MRC in the Atlas U23B I have. There seems to be much more low frequency output and a definite rumble mine doesn't have.

How is the low speed start and performance? I had to do a lot of work with DecoderPro to get mine to work right.

Can you consist with the newer models?

 

Sounded good to me!:thumbs_up:

 

I played around with the starting voltage, max voltage, acceleration, and speed curve last night and I was able to get really nice controlled starts, both the loco and sound. I simply use the CV chart that is provided in the package as I'm not a sophisticated user of DCC by any means yet.

I'll try to get a better video of it one of these nights and post on my blog. Meanwhile, I'm working on installing #2, as I have a pair of P42's that I will consist for my empire builder. I will have more to report after I get them both running.

David, sorry, I don't see your comment that you posted?

 

Correct me if I'm wrong, the decode you are using I assume is the MRC #1645.

Just to let everyone know that MRC has come out with a newer 1900 series decoder, they now use 16-bit enhanced Brilliance™ sound reproduction.

The 1600 series sounds really great, but the newer ones sound even better yet!

 

Sounds great to me and I'm convinced to switch over the two that I have; adds a nice touch to n scale and an easy install; sweet. Thanks for sharing your video taped results.:thumbs_up: