New Kato F3/F7 MRC plug-and-play sound decoder review

[kerry]

Got a quick response from MRC on my LED question. The answer is yes, I can swap their LED with the Kato unit. Same voltage and current rating. Sweet!!!!!

[derdirk]

Hi Kerry, how does this decoder behave concerning slow motion? I am not very satisfied with my Challenger (compared to F3s with ESU LokSound or LokPilot), but maybe this new MRC decoder is better than the version inside the Athearn Challenger. Regards, Dirk

[richof]

Just completed this same update to my Kato F3a. This is my first experience with sound and it is interesting. The install was easy enough, though I found the MRC instructions a little lacking. I was a little confused by what to do with the two tabs sticking up for the motor contact. No where did it show or state that they needed to be threaded through the sound board in order to make contact. Might be obvious to some, but slowed me down for quite a while untill I tried it.The front coupler is a pain. Mine just fell off as I removed the body. Discovered it is much easier to reinstall after the shell is on. It just clicks into place then. The coupler itself breaks into two peices which is a tough one for these old eyes.