MR603c is the 3rd version of MR603, a 2.4GHz DSM2/DSMX receiver which includes one integrated 3A reversable controller for brushed motors (ESC) plus 10 auxiliary outputs (4xF, 6xP) for lighting, sound trigger, couplers, etc. It can be used with any Spektrum DSM2/DSMX compatible transmitter; this includes all of the Micron model rail transmitters or a stick model aircraft type transmitter.

MR603c is 36.75x16x10mm and weighs 3.6g without leads. The voltage range is 5V to 20v and the 3A motor current rating makes it suitable for Gauges 0 and 1 plus 16mm narrow gauge. MR603c is available as board-only for you to add wiring or with a range of pre-wired leads / connectors. The standard output configuration is described on the Outputs tab. If the wiring or configuration options do not meet your needs, please contact us to discuss your requirements.

An enormous range of programming features are provide to enable you to customise the operation of MR603c to suit your model. The current firmware version is 1.7. See MR603 Programming (v1.5) for full details of the available functionality or the user manual for brief details. Access to programming is either via a stick type transmitter or one of the Micron model rail transmitters. A stand-alone programmer with web interface is in development.

The current firmware is 1.7 and the current programming table is 1.5. See Version Info for other versions.

• MR603c quick start guide (PDF)
• MR603c user manual (v1.5)
• Micron receiver features
• MR603 programming table (v1.5)
• Simple motor, switch & fuse wiring diagram
• Front & rear lighting
• MyLocoSound trigger connections

The MR603c has 1 x H, 6 x P and 4 x F outputs.

H: MR603c is intended for surface vehicles which require forward and reverse motor control. For brushed motors this is achieved with an H-Bridge - the H outputs. H outputs have 256 step resolution in both directions (512 total). They control speed with pulse width modulation (PWM) which, by default, is set to its fastest (quietest) 16kHz setting.

Each H output can handle up to 3A current. The main constraint with current is heat in the receiver. Higher currents may be possible if heat sinks are added or the PWM frequency is reduced. MR603c has one integrated ESC (H1). How the outputs are used has to be set with programming. Receivers are provided 'pre-programmed'. The default settings are shown on the instructions pages for each variant.

P: 'P' outputs are 'pads' with 'logic' type outputs. Pads are simply solder points for controlling external things. Logic outputs are either on or off (also known as high/low and 3.3v/0v in voltage terms). The action can be inverted so 'On' can mean 0v or 3.5v. P outputs are used to provide servo signals direct to the white/yellow lead on a servo. P outputs may also be used to drive LEDs and need a resistor to limit current to no more than 20mA.

If a P output is connected to another system (e.g. sound card) with an open-circuit voltage > 3.3V, a series resistor is required to ensure the 'pull-up' current is less than 50uA. A 4k7 ohms resistor is suitable when connecting to a MyLocoSound trigger input. A F output does not need the resistor as it is a switch to battery negative when on. P outputs can not be connected to a Mtroniks trigger input as the required current is too high, F outputs must be used instead.

F: 'F' outputs are 'buffered' P outputs capable of controlling up to 2A. The buffer is a FET (Field Effect Transistor) which provides a path to ground (0v) when on and is floating (disconnected) when off. Technically they are called 'open drain' (the equivalent with a transistor which is more widely known is called 'open collector'). The MR603c main board provides 4 x 'F' outputs, labelled A, B, C and D. When programming, the F outputs are numbered 7 though 10. F outputs are often used to control sound cards and lights that require more than 20mA.

If an installation requires more than 4 F outputs, a P can be converted to an F using one or more FET Buffers.

When wiring options are selected, these colours will be used:

P1 orange or yellow P2 turquoise or green P3 brown P4 purple A/F1 blue B/F2 green C/F3 pink D/F4 white L grey

Optional 4 pin JST-SH: P5 yellow P6 white 3.3V red 0V black

The pre-loaded configurations are shown below. Unless otherwise specified when the receiver was ordered, config 1 is enabled by default. The other loaded configurations can be selected using a power-on configuration change (aka 'paper-clip change') or by programming (v1.5). The throttle type can be toggled between Centre-Off and Low-Off using a power-on configuration change.

Configurations

This configuration table is for firmware version 1.7. For other versions, refer to mr6xx_version.

The pre-loaded configurations are shown below. Unless otherwise specified when the receiver was ordered, config 1 is enabled by default. The other loaded configurations can be selected using a power-on configuration change or by programming.

Other configurations are available to special order or you can configure yourself by programming (v1.5).

The default receiver setting is for the Low Voltage Cutoff (LVC) threshold to be determined from the voltage seen on initialisation - basically, the receiver firmware makes a 'guess' at the battery type. The algorithm used for this calculation means that a 9V Alkaline or NIMH battery can often be interpreted as an almost discharged 3S LiPo. The solution is to either disable LVC, or set it to the correct value for your battery; this is done by programming the receiver.

Instructions for programming receivers using your transmitter are at the end of the information leaflet that came with the transmitter.

The receiver programming steps for LVC are:

e.g. to set the LVC to 6.5V, the programming steps are: 4 2 3 6 5

The hardware version is marked on the receiver circuit board. The firmware version is identified by a letter written on one of the chips - e.g. 'D' indicates firmware version 1.4.

MR603 Hardware

MR603 Firmware