well, we (me and my dad) were going to get a zepher dcc system, (dcc becuase we have engines dcc equiped and we’ve heard it’s a lot easier) but i saw a MRC Prodigy Express for $75, and i was wondering which system is better, if this is a good deal. thanks.
I suggest you go to each web site and compare features to see what’s best for you.
Also consider not only the layout you have now but the one you may build in the future
I’m a Zepher Owner
That $75 seems like an awfull low price for even a P/E - sure you are not seeing the price of an extra Prodigy walk-around cab? Most of the P/E systems go for around $140, and the P/A goes for around $240. You can buy a Digitrax Zephyr for about $160 through most of the good on-line dealers like Tonys Trains…
Jim
You might also want to consider the NCE PowerCab. Tony’s and others sell it for about $140.
But check features on the various models, as the “right” system for you may not be the “right” one for someone else. Things like whether it can be upgraded, does it support radio, etc., are important to some but not others.
Search these forums and/or search the MR article index for various comparisons.
Here’s a link to another comparison (both a chart and links to more details): http://tonystrains.com/productcompare/dcccomparison.htm
I saw the Prodigy Express offered for $99 by Micro Mark a while ago, just after I paid a whole lot more for one. Even if Ihad bought one from them and brought it into Canada, it would have been cheaper for me. That always seems to be the way - see a lower price one you’ve bought something! I don’t really have layout yet, so the Express is OK for my use. I have a loop of test track on which I use it on the few On30 engines I have that are DCC equipped. The one thing I already miss is the ability to read back the CVs on the engines, which the more expensive Advance will do. I did some programming with a few of my locos, and couldn’t remember what the CVs were so I could try some adjustments. Must write them down next time I guess.
There are two ‘right away’ advantages of the Zephyr over the PE. One is the ability to read back CV values. The second is the ability to add a computer interface. Not simply to run trains and make your layout automatic - most people DON’T want that - but you can use free software like JMRI to program decoders and retain a database of configurations. If you have future plans to add other goodies like signalling - the Loconet connection bus of the Zephyr and the rest of the Digitrax lineup has it all over the others. I am a Digitrax Zephyr owner. My primary reason for purchasing Digitrax over others is the Loconet busand the wide third-party support - you can buy Loconet accessories from a number of vendors besides Digitrax. --Randy
Something else to consider is that the MRC DCC system is generally looked down on.
Their DC throttles (currectly the Tech 4 series) are some of the best in the hobby… this just hasn’t been the case with their DCC systems, from what people have said about it here I would try to stay away from it, expecially if their disapproval of the system is founded on valid claims (ie “the system is bad because it is very limited and overly complex in achieving even the simplest functions” as opposed to “this system stinks because the controller doesn’t fit in my hand well”)
I would go with the zephyr. I have it and I could not be happier. They have great support and it is easily upgradeable. If you upgrade with a command/booster, the zephyr becomes the throtle. ( but I doubt you will need to do that unless your layout is HUGE ) Digitrax is the best hands down.
I have had the PA for over 2 years now, and have not had any problems with it. It always seems to me to be the same people that badmouth the MRC DCC products. I have the PA, an extra throttle, the 8 amp booster and 3 of the sound decoders. Other than having an overheating problem with one of the sound decoders, I have never had a problem. I agree that you should look at all of the DCC systems in your price range and determine which is the best for you. For my coffee table layout I went with the NCE PowerCab because of the form factor (it is all in the throttle).
What scale is your coffee table layout? What size is it? I’ve been thinking about getting a PowerCab and making a small N scale layout (I’m using Lenz for my larger HO setup)
My coffee table layout is n-scale in a 24"x54" table. If you send me an email when I get back home tomorrow I will send you some pictures of how I set it up. I am just starting the scenery, but I was able to get all of the turnout control, power supplies, etc in the table under the foam base. Because the PowerCab is the command station, the only parts of the DCC system in the table are the throttle panel and the power supply. My email is knewsom@yahoo.com.
it was on e-bay, but it ended for like $120
but what are cv values?
also, this layout probly won’t be expnding at all, it’s using up all the space we got now.’
do eather of the systems have sound?
one last thought, our layout is like, 30’’ by 12’ so it might be better for a walkaround, but idk.
Ebay is “BROADLY” but NOT USUALLY very close to MSRP. Alot of “Good” bidders try to beat MSRP with shipping factored into thier max bid. It is the emotional bidders and snipers that drive the prices way out of line. Out of production items sometimes command a very high price.
I am a Digitrax man but run the Super Chief for my own reasons.
To be honest the Tech analog throttle series are awesome over several decades, I respect that product alot. But they fall down and come up like a badly built cheap car in the DCC arena. But dont let my feelings towards MRC DCC products influence you.
I plan to interface with my computer via a attachment to program a engine easily for my Digitrax and know that with the use of Dual Mode engines I can run them in a DC mode in the field should they forget the values in the decoder.
Think about things that you can do with DCC and compare the features. Dont let the low ball price trap you into rushing out to get a product that you might learn is not a good fit.
CV is a “Configuration Variable” on the decoder. It’s how you “program” the decoder - it has logic hard-coded in it that (essentially) reads “If CV 3=X then ” where X is some number between 0 and 255 (i think… I’m not too sure of the actual spread of the CV values)
Neither system IN ITSELF has sound - you have to buy a sound decoder in order to getsound out of your locos. These decoders can run all of the basic stuff (motor, light(s), etc), as well as they have an extra chip that has sounds programmed into it, and a connection for the speaker(s). However, the “cheaper” sound decoders don’t do the basic functions (motor control, lights, etc) as well as their non-sound bretheren, so some people will put two decoders into one loco - a non-sound to control the motor, lights,etc; and a sound-only simply for sound, so that they can have better control over everything (and sometimes better sound too).