User Manual


Program the locomotive the same way you would pro-
gram any other NMRA compatible decoder with your
DCC system.
Additional Information
The dual-function decoder installed in this locomo
-
tive should perform well when used with any NMRA
compatible DCC system. See your DCC manual on how
to program and operate the decoder. For more informa-
tion about Register/CV’s and their functions, please refer
to the NMRA DCC standards and recommended prac-
tices, RP-9.2.2. This is available directly from NMRA or
on their website at www.nmra.org.
Note: Due to the higher track voltages associated with
DCC systems made for HO and larger scales (16 volts vs.
12 volts for N-scale), the best slow speed performance
for any decoder equipped N scale loco can be achieved
by either using a lower voltage input power supply or by
purchasing an Model Rectifier Corporation "Universal
Voltage Reducer" (part # AT880). This product lowers
the track voltage by approximately 4 volts, and will give
you full throttle control without exceeding the models 12
volt voltage limit.
FCC Compliance
This device complies with Part 15 of FCC rules.
Operation is subject to the following two conditions;
1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and
2) This device must accept any interference received,
including interference that may cause undesirable opera-
tion.
Battery Type # A23 12 volt
8. When finished running your locomotive, turn your
power pack throttle to OFF and turn off the power
pack’s power switch. Any programming changes made
in DC analog mode will affect any prior DCC mode
settings.
DCC Operation- Digital Mode
Your new Athearn N-Scale Challenger Locomotive
will operate on any NMRA compatible DCC system. The
dual-function decoder has the following features:
• Synchronized steam chuff with random sounds
• 1.5 amp capacity
• Programmable for either 2 digit, (1-127) or 4 digit, (1-
9,999) addresses
• Programmable start voltage
• Programmable acceleration rate
• Programmable deceleration rate
• Programmable top voltage
• Programmable chuff rate
• Programmable volume
• Programmable 14-28/128 speed steps
• Directional lighting (FØ)
• 28 accessory sound functions, (F1-F28)
• Advanced consisting (CV19)
• OPS mode programming
• Compatible with NMRA DCC. standard
• Complies with Part 15 of F.C.C.Rules
Operation
The Athearn N-Scale Challenger Locomotive can be
operated with the steam sounds on or off. Double clicking
your headlight button (FØ) will turn the steam sounds on
or off. When the steam sounds are turned off, all associ-
ated sounds are also turned off.
Programming for DCC Operation - Digital Mode
This decoder supports all program methods includ
-
ing register mode, paged mode, CV programming, direct
mode and programming on the main (OPS mode pro-
gramming).