I am starting my first HO layout and I decided to use the DCC system. What are the advanages and disadvanages of the Atlas DCC commander verses the MRC prodigy DCC system. Which one would you recomend?
Go with the Atlass DCC system. It is manufactored for atlas by Lenz, and thus is compatible with their stuff if you later want to expand it. From what I can tell from the MRC system, once you out grow its cababilities, You have to replace it rather than having the option of expanding it. I also here that the MRC system is also quite limited in its features.
I recommend Atlas over MRC.
Atlas is later expandable to Lenz since they both use the X-bus protocol for their throttle bus.
And since Atlas uses the X-Bus, you can use CVP wireless throttles with Atlas. There is no wireless option with MRC. MRC is strictly teathered throttles only.
Finally, you have no computer option with MRC. If you later upgrade from Atlas to a Lenz system, you can connect up a computer interface and use DecoderPro (free!) for far simpler decoder programming.
Not sure if it will help your decision, but the Atlas Commander has been discontinued. It is my understanding they are working on a new system to more readily handle all the required functions needed to operate the sound equipped engines. Another entry level system is the one being offered by NCE … don’t personnally know much about it myself, but looks pretty decent. If your considering MRC, the Prodigy ADVANCE looks to be a pretty nice system.
Mark.
I would have to recommend the Atlas too over the Prodigy. Allthough, I am not sure if the Atlas has been discontinued, as it might have been. Seems like the DCC makers are goign through another generation of systems focusing on the trend Bachman started with their E-Z Dcc system. Easy, effective, simple DCC systems, that, can be added on if you want your system to grow.
To be honest, I have the MRC Prodigy System. I have had it for over a year and half and love it. It is simple, easy to use and works great for a decent size railroad and up to 4 other operators. But, the one draw back, is it is limited on fucntions and programming. I have all ready seen the light at the end of tunnel (sorry for the pun) that some day, I will have to get a new system) It was made and designed when things like fucntions and Control Varaible’s were not a big thing. You cant upgrade the Prodigy and you cant use more than 4 functions . You can not change your CV’s which can be a real pain if you want to run Sound equipped decoders. And consdiering the trend of the current decoders and sound equipped engines, you are goign to need a system that will allwo you to access all those fucntions.
If you are goign to have a rail road where it will be just you and maybe a freind or two and dont plan on running alot of sound equipped engines, and you ARE certain you dont want too…than the Prodigy system is very a hard to beat for its bang for the buck and simplicty to use. But if you think you might upgrade some day and/or want more use, functions, and programming control, I would go with one of the other starter sets, (Atlas, NCE, Digittrax, etc.) or (consider the MRC Prodigy Advanced) coming out now that are designed for simple use, one operator but will allow you to grow if your railroad andoperating demands grow.
Godd luck, hope I was able to shed a little light
Best Regards[8D]
John k
While I agree that the prodigy is limited, the PA and PE are pretty neat systems. I described my rationale in getting the PE on an earlier thread here. They have (I don’t have my book handy) I think 19 functions, and are expandable. The price can’t be beat at 110 street for the PE. Of course there are limitations, but I’m comfortable with them.