Bachmann Online Forum

Discussion Boards => Large => Topic started by: grumpyoldtrainguy on August 07, 2008, 03:29:05 PM

Title: G scale decoders
Post by: grumpyoldtrainguy on August 07, 2008, 03:29:05 PM
Has anyone ever used MRC 8 amp G scale decoders before?
THey have them on their website for $11.00 for an AD322 G scale decoder.
Title: Re: G scale decoders
Post by: Jim Banner on August 12, 2008, 06:55:16 PM
I have used MRC's AD321 which I believe is the 3 amp version of basically the same decoder.  It is a reasonably good decoder  but lacks a number of the features we have come to expect in decoders (features that you may or may not want/need.)  It does include four digit addressing and advanced consisting, both of which were sorely missed in earlier MRC G-scale decoders.  It does not convert to analogue (dc) operation particularly well and I would not recommend it if you want to operate on dc as well as on DCC, except and unless you use a separate switch to switch between dc and DCC operation.  The biggest problem I have had with the AD321 is their propensity to reprogram themselves if a track short occurs.  I suspect a decoder lock function would prevent this, however it is not implemented on this decoder.

Bottom line, this is a reasonably good decoder for a heck of a good price.