For Christmas I got 2 Kato Amtrak P42's. Turns out that they are the finest runners in my fleet. Smooth, quiet, and can run at a crawl.
I wanted to try a sound decoder in one so I got a regular MRC decoder and one with sound. The normal decoder works just fine. The sound decoder fits all the horror stories I've read on line about them. First (and worst) thing is that the engine doesn't run, even though it seems to be properly installed and is getting current. Second is the sound, although pretty good, is so low I can barely hear it. The sound works but I can't get it to move. To top it off, installation requires removing the tabs that hold the wheel contact strips in place.
Guess I'll put a regular decoder in the unit. I have an idea for replacing the sliced off tabs with some very fine Plastruct angle. If I can increase the volume in the sound unit maybe I'll try installing it in a coach.
I know...what's the sense of reading forums if you don't listen to overwhelming negative comments on a product?

Jim

Jimmi,

I have zero experience with decoders. I picked up an Atlas Master system cheap off fleabay before I got home from Iraq, and I have yet to install any decoders...yer scarin me! I have thought about trying sound though, I have an I10sa project that I considered trying to squeeze a speaker in the tender.

Hi Rich,
This wasn't a put down on decoders, just the one brand. I just got into DCC 2 years ago and knew nothing about it. Since then I have installed 10 "drop in" decoders and 2 hard wired decoders with no major problems, so don't let this post scare you. It's really not that hard. It's just that I have read of all the problems with the MRC sound decoders and went ahead and bought one anyway. I'll just wait until one of the better brands offer a sound drop in that will fit.

Jim

I think that's right. There are certain decoders that you should avoid, regardless of the price! I don't have any experience with MRC, but for my European loco's I avoid any decoder that is made by the manufacturers (e.g. Minitrix or Fleischmann). I have had some difficulty with Digitrax decoders, but their warranty service is excellent if you have a 'bad one'.

I have had great luck with any decoder from Lenz. ESU decoders are my second choice. As is typical, these tend to be a bit pricier than Digitrax and others, but I've yet to have a problem with them.

For what it's worth I have MRC sound decoders installed in my Atlas U23B's, not because I'm cheap but because they were the only ones that were available as a drop in, and they weren't even quite that, but they have been working just fine so far.

Jim,

Is there an enclosure around the back side of the speaker? If the front and back of the speaker are not sealed from each other they can produce canceling sound (if you don't already know that). If there is no enclosure; and if there is some way to fit a little enclosure on the back of the speaker or what not, you may get more sound volume.

All the best,
Charles