MRC prodigy express or MRC prodigy advanced or NCE powercab.
I need a system that is going to be scaleable. able to run 4 engines out of the box would be nice, but eventually I want to be able to run 10 or 12. also, having the ability to unplug the throttle and plug into a new location would be nice, so some sort of memory function would be preferable… but if none of the above include it, then whatever.
as far as increasing power (amperage), how do the power boosters I have seen for sale work? do they just supply more current to the rails, or do they divvy up track sections?
For the longest time I would have been very wary of going with MRC, especially if a need is for future growth and scalability. MRC seemed to have a few false starts in the DCC arena and did not make it possible to advance with the older systems. Having said that, the signs are that the Prodigy series is not only not being superseded, but that new offerings are coming out to grow the system. Certainly there current advertising suggests a real commitment to DCC and with the soon to arrive computer interface and other modules it looks like MRC is planning to be a serious player. I am not going to offer much other input on the systems as I am a Digitrax user and have very limited first hand experience, except for a friends Prodigy which I must say is very easy to use.
As for the extra boosters. Typically a booster will power its own power district of rails. Therefore different boosters will have to power independent isolated areas of track. Extra boosters connect to the main command station via a booster network of some kind. This will vary a little from manufacturer to manufacturer. In my case I have a 2.5A booster powering my main yard/engine service area and a second 5A booster powering the rest of the layout. Trains pass from one isolated bosster district to the other seamlessly. The boosters are connected together via the Digitrax loconet so that the command signals are broadcast via both boosters. MRC and NCE would offer a similar solution.
I have the Prodigy Advance running my layout; I would not consider the Express (limitations not problems).
The PA throttle can be unplugged and replugged in a different location and everything will continue running just fine during the process. When you plug the throttle back in, everything resumes at the same point. The limit on running engines for this to happen is five. I can only handle three engines at one time, by myself, so that is not a problem. The limit of five is per throttle; so if several throttles are in use, more engines can be controlled. Engines just sitting and idling will be unaffected, since they are not selected anyhow.
You can run 10 engines or more with the 3.5 amp PA. Unless you plan on having several operators, you will not run out of power. Idling engines do not consume much power, only running engines (especially with sound on) will consume enough power to cause concern. My PA will handle six sound engines and not even get warm.
Look at other systems to make sure that the features that you want and need are best met by the PA; I really like mine for my use.
I have been using the Prodigy Advance system for over a year. I bought a second controller last July so my grandkids can each control a train simultainously. I have a small 4x8 that is basically a double loop + sidings, turntable, etc. Just fooling around, when showing it to a friend, I ran all 5 of my DCC lcos at the same time! 4 are sound equipped, and one was pulling 3 lighted passenger cars! The locos are a Lionel Turbine, an Athern Challenger, & 3 Atlas diesels (1 w/o sound). The throttles can be unplugged and reinserted, although it’s not necessary on my 4x8. I would highly recommend this system to anyone. The new Walthers sale catalog has the boosted for under $100.[tup][tup][tup][:D]
thank you both for your input. that clears up quite a bit about the power boosters… Alan… with the prodigy system, what are the costs on extra power? ease of configuring everything? when you say you can unplug the throttle and plug back into a new location, but the memory is limited to 5 trains… is that 5 engines, or 5 separate trains counting consists as 1? and last question directly for you Alan, as far as additional plug in points for the throttle, how does that work? are they MRC specific, or standard ethernet type jack (something along that nature anyways?) and are they all interfaced with whatever the prodigy advanced base station, or do I have to buy a separate unit for a multi booster setup?
By scalable, I assume you mean it can grow with your layout. Yes, the Power Cab can do that. It’s a 1.7A system that should be able to easily run 3-4 locomotives at a time. (Assuming 0.5A per locomotive.)
Since the Power Cab is the throttle, command station, and booster rolled up into one, you can NOT unplug it from it’s PCP (power) panel and plug it another another panel. (If you do, your layout shuts down.) However, the Power Cab is a tethered system and comes with a 7’ cable. Although limited, this does allow you some movement around your layout. Another throttle can be used with your Power Cab and serve as your “walkaround” throttle.
Now for the newest wrinkle. With the introduction of the Smart Booster (SB3), the total maximum amperage output of the Power Cab increases from 1.7A to 3A. The other benefit to the SB3 is that the Power Cab does NOT need to remain plugged into the panel anymore to run the layout. It can now be unplugged and plugged into any panel like a true walkaround system.
One drawback to the Power Cab is that it only keeps two (2) locomotives in the recall stack. The RECALL button then toggles between the last two locomotives that you have called up. You can run more than two locomotives at a time; you just can’t call up more than two locomotives at a time. (Not a big deal for me since running mor
First, I’m sorry but I was wrong on the price, it’s $129.98 (list $179.98). It includes the necessary connecting wires to put it between the Prodigy Express (on sale for $129.98 - list $184.98) and the track connection. They don’t list a sale price on the Advance, but the main difference is the number of sound functions it controls - go to the MRC website - they have the specs listed so you can compare, and the Walthers site will have their price for the Advance. If you are near a LHS, see what they want. My LHS will honor Walthers sale prices, and saves me the shipping costs![8D] Either system is a snap to install. The connections are phone wire type cords which are included with the systems. If you really take your time, it will take less than 15 minutes to change over from DC to DCC!! but you do need a small screwdriver!![:D] Let us know when you get it and plug it in!! Good luck!
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thank you both for your input. that clears up quite a bit about the power boosters… Alan… with the prodigy system, what are the costs on extra power?
I don’t know - I will never need booster - My layout is limited to about 7 engines in operation at one time. I would think any booster would work and most are 100-150.
ease of configuring everything?
I read through the manual in about 15 minutes and since then can’t remember where I put it. Everything is easily set up and connected. There are mini-instructions on the back of the throttle. I find everything very intuitive to use.
when you say you can unplug the throttle and plug back into a new location, but the memory is limited to 5 trains… is that 5 engines, or 5 separate trains counting consists as 1?
Limit is five engines or consists. Advance consisting uses CV19 to set all engines to operate as a single number. Universal consisting uses the DCC system to remember and control the consist. The PA only allows one universal consist per system and it is remembered by the system, not the throttle. I run 1900 steam and have never tried to set up a consist.
and last question directly for you Alan, as far as additional plug in points for the throttle, how does that work? are they MRC specific, or standard ethernet type jack (something along that nature anyways?) and are they all interfaced with whatever the prodigy advanced base station, or do I have to buy a separate unit for a multi booster setup?
Additional throttles plug into an MRC port. After about five throttles, a special port with power supply is needed. I have been told that the cables are a “standard” computer/telephone cable and connector. My PA is centered on my layout and I have not needed to use any type of extension. I have about a 12