Has anyone had experience using a Piko loco with a SmartSound 5.1 Decoder, which is MFX and is supposed to work with Marklin AC? I have the NCTD Sprinter #4007 Diesel Loco, and I find it is very undependable in operation. I have it entered as a loco with MM (it supposedly has MFX and would register automatically, according to the Piko instructions), but sometimes it works when I turn on the CS3 (and it is great when it works) but probably more than half the time it doesn't. And by doesn't, I mean no running, no sound, no lights, no response at all. It is just not responding and I can't discern any reason. I will try locating lost MFX items, and also reading the decoder, and neither makes a difference. Sometimes when I hit "stop" and then turn power back on it starts running, or if it was running, will stop. It usually works fine when I use the Piko Z21 as a running system instead of the CS3.

Incidentally, I have pretty much sworn off Piko and any other 3-rail brand besides Marklin, with the one exception of Mehano. I liked that Piko seemed to be trying to do more current Era VI, which is what I want on my layout, but I have had one issue or another with almost every one. Piko service is pretty nonexistent, and parts not available has been my experience. So far, I am unimpressed with the Piko decoder. They should have just used ESU. So I will pony up the extra dollars and buy Marklin that works.

Good to know.

Zimo new mfx are anemic also? I put my Roco 78749 MX 645 sound, not mfx. br 218 on my CS3's prgram track, and opened the configure menu to raise volume, but it was already set at the 255 max. I could hear the decoeder responding when I lowered it below 245.
I know that ESU M4 (mfx decoders) have no problems.

Yes, Zimo MS decoders just Register itself in mfx, less troubles than with Uhl, but you are also not capable of doing mapping in the CS3. So, all the programming must be done via Software and Mxulfa, with the deactivation of mfx included.

As a partial update, I put the Piko loco on the live main track (I had forgot to hit “Stop”), and off it goes running fine. Until it derailed on a curve, which seems to have something to do with the articulated center of the rail car, but is a common Piko problem for me. Then it became totally unresponsive again. I will try doing the DCC later.