Welcome to MRH

Your MRC Tech 6 is a simple DCC controller and is capable of running N and HO decoders. N and HO Engines with decoders installed are available from most manufactures. If you have engines it can be simple to very difficult to install decoders depending upon the type and manufacturer. If you purchase a unit with a DCC decoder installed, just follow the MRC instructions, and you should be OK. If you want to try your hand at installing a decoder, I would download and review all of Bruce Petrarca's DCC Impulses columns in MRH. The columns will also give you a good understanding of most aspects of DCC. Bruce provides additional information at his Mr. DCC's University site MrDCCu.com.

There is a tremendous amount of help available on the web, but I would try Bruce's columns first. Check back here if you have any more questions.

MRC Tech 6 2.0 Sound

Ken,

Thanks for the information. One other dumb question I have is what does "decoder ready" mean for sure. I have some locomotives that have that printed on the case. Does it mean I would be able to put a decoder in, or does it mean they already have the proper decoder in  them?  Thanks again.

Curt

DCC Ready???

Curt,

Definately take a look at Bruce's April MRH DCC Impulses column Ready, Set, Go - The myth of DCC Ready: http://model-railroad-hobbyist.com/node/13230.

The short answer is that decoder ready can mean many things, but the unit does not have a decoder installed. Some decoder ready units do have sockets, some do not, and some require substantial rewiring. What locomotives do you have?

MRC Tech 6 2.0 Sound

Ken,

I think I am on the right track to what I was thinking, I will give a look to those articles. I have a couple Atlas loco and also Kato ones I am wanting to possibly put decoders in and like I say I bought the MRC Tech 6 thing to work them with. Not sure is that was a wise purchase or not. Thanks again. I will keep pondering.

MRC TECH 6 DC Controller!

Remember that your MRC Tech 6 is a DC controller and NOT a DCC controller.  It is capable of controlling the sounds of DCC equipped locomotives but still requires that you use DC block control for the motor functions.  If you are truley wanting to operate DCC locomotives, you will need a DCC system such as the MRC Prodigy Express, Advance or Wireless systems.  NCE Power cab is also a good choice as well as many other brands.

I mentioned MRC products first because this post was about that product line.

MRC Tech 6 2.0 Sound

Thanks for the info, it is always nice to be able to post some question and issues on here and get answers with out being made to look stupid or something. I think for now I want to explore being able to use my MRC Tech 6 to its fullest capacity, so I need to investigate getting the right Decoders for my engines and being able to get them installed properly, or buy locos that already have decoders in to use wth my MRC Tech 6.Thanks again.

Need more linformation

for the Atlas and Kato locomotives including scale (N or HO) and model (SD45, Dash9, etc.). I will be offline for a few days. Hope to be back online by Friday.