I have just built my first layout base framing and covered it with 2" foam (not sure if I want to glue it down or use something to keep it down. I know that I want to use N/S flex track, and now am looking for my first DCC system.
I seen this "MRC Prodigy Advanced DCC System" on ebay.I know that there are some other real nice systems out there like "Digitrax, Lenz, Atlas, etc. The only problem with them is their costs. The Wife is already complaining about how much I am spending on this hobby (she ain’t seen nothing yet).
My question is the MRC Prodigy Advanced DCC System a good or bad system for the money?
It’s a good system and a very good buy at around $200-$210. I am running a pair of BLI E-7’s AND a 4-unit Stewart FT of which 3 are powered and 1 B unit is wall to wall sound, from Bruce at Litchfield Station. I heartily recommend you buy from a dealer who can and will provide backup! That is the problem with E-bay, you are on your own. Also get any of the free downloads from the makers of decoders such as the very good one on mobile decoders from Digitrax. I have had my Prodigy ADvance for a couple of months and am very happy with it. I hope that MRC will make it expandable in the future, but I can run several trains with it as is, and I can add two more handheld controllers at $75 each if I want others to operate their trains simultaneously. If you are going to run several trains you want to think about the 3 1/2 or 5 amp power supply. The 2 1/2 amp supplied with the set is enough for 4 0r 5 trains simultaneously.
Thanks johncolley, You have eased my mine. I have already purchased a MRC Prodigy Advanced DCC System today, I was going to do alone if I had not gotten any replies. The system does not look that hard to deal with. I guess I’ll find out. Thanks again for your input.
Keep us posted on how it goes.
I think you will be very happy with it. I have had mine for a couple of months as well and have been extremely pleased. I have not had any problems programming any of my locos including my BLI Class A. I upgraded to a 5 amp power supply, although the Advance only uses 3.5 amps from the booster. It is a great system and very easy to use.
I received mine a couple weeks ago, and am very impressed with it. Setup is very easy, as is operation. The only difficulties I’ve had are that I have not been able to change the address on my Lionel Challenger (I’ve only tried twice), and I can’t run my non-DCC stuff with it (but I plan to install decoders in them anyway). I got mine from Tony’s Train Exchange for about $190 just before new years. Considering I spent nearly that much for my old DC controller a number of years ago, I would consider this a bargain. Unless you are looking for cordless controllers, ability to run DC locomotives or a high level of upgradeability, you should be happy with this system. For me, I knew this was all I’d need for any layout I’d build at home, so it was the logical choice. Considering the features and the price, I am very pleased.
I picked mine up for $189 and I love it . I started with the regular Prodigy system, and this answered all my prayers! Cheap, easy to use, 4 digit addressing, and more sound functions!
Re: changing address…are you doing it on the program track or on the main? read the manuals( loco’s and ProdAdv), because one way does it in the command console and the other way does it in the decoder. I have not had any troubles changing addresses.
Thanks you guys. I feel alot better about my choices made. I will keep up to date. I paid 179.99 + shipping yesterday.
Go easy on me, first time poster. I’m using the Prodigy system and can’t change the address on a BLI SD-40-2. Haven’t had any problems until this loco. Programming on the Main, it repeats back that CV 18 is changed to 205 (the engine number), but when I try to enter it later, it’s still responding to the original 3 address. Any ideas?
I’ve had my Prodigy Advance for about 2 years + and love it!![:D]
I got mine when they first came out 2+ years ago and I have to say I love it. The only real cirticism that can be made that I see (many will try to criticize anything that is MRC if they an) is that it has no computer interface, but otherwise it does everything I could ask. I just converted to the wireless a couple of weeks ago and I love that too.
Ron
We got ours through Micro-Mark. For our needs it is great. The key pad is easy to read, and relatively simple to program.
Sue
I don’t know the answer to your question, but I suggest you open a new thread to get an answer.
BLI uses those screwy QSI chips, don’t they? Don’t you need a magnetic wand or something to reset them?
I’ve had my Prodigy Advance for a couple years now, and overall I’m very pleased with it. Recently I’ve had a couple of hiccups, so I’m thinking of sending it in for a repair… I think I may have had a short on the layout that created some problems… But yes, you can’t find an easier system to set up or use.
Lee