Hi I’ve been researching dcc for a few months now I was introduced to it before christmas at a train show and of course everyones is the best out there. I was told at the train show that sometimes Atlas switches will cause a problem with dcc but just the other day a guy that owns a hobby store in Michigan came into my store and we talked trains for a good 2 hrs. He showed me this system that he sells he says it is really all I need http://www.cmhobbies.com/shop/model-railroading-trains/railroad-power-supplies/mrc-models/prodigy-advance-dcc-system/p_41385.html he also says the price he sells it at is very good . Can I get some recommendations and suggestions.[:)]
Lynn
Oh no, here we go again. It’s the MRC Prodigy system. Anybody have an opinion?
Here’s my [2c]
The MRC Prodigy system is the replacement system for their Command 2000. The Command 2000 was ok for a small layout, and at the time there wasn’t anything else in its low price range, but it couldn’t do much. The Prodigy system is a big improvement over the old system but it still has its limits. I have read many opinions for and against this system. Some people that have them, love them. It fits their needs at the price they want to pay that’s good.
My opinion is that it is way over priced for what it can do and the ability to expand. Their decoders are often called junk. For the money, the Bachmann E-Z Command is a better deal if you compare apples to apples. Comparing a Prodigy or Bachmann to a Digitrax and the like is like comparing apples to oranges.
I have a system that I can interface with a computer. I believe Prodigy doesn’t allow that. But that may not be important to you.
LOL well thats an encouraging start [:)]
Lynn
A forum search on “MRC Prodigy” will yield PLENTY of opinions [:D]
Just make sure to use the Advanced Search and go back at least a year.
I’m leaning toward that one myself. It’s all I really need for my layout. (Micro Mark has it for $194, standard decoders for $18)
Yep I was just told about the micro-mark price so that throws that site out the window [:)]
Lynn
i to have looked at this mrc system.i personally like it.i don’t have a dcc system at the moment but use to .my last system was the mrc2000.cheap yes, and not a lot of bells and whistle’s but it did run my dcc engines very well and i had a hand held unit that worked very good with it.it was fine for me and if i still had it, it would still be fine with me.my layout is a medium size layout and all i want is to be able to run two to four loco’s at a time.im not interested in computer control which some of the cheaper dcc systems won’t allow you to do.by all means check out the past posts on this subject and then get what YOU want.i am now looking at the new nce power pro i beleive is what it’s called,although i could be wrong.nevertheless it’s by nce and most reviews of this dcc system is very positive and the price is very good for the system.have fun.terry…
Other posts in this forum have raved about the new NCE PowerCab – $140 at Tony’s Trains – easy to operate with great functionality at an entry level price with easy expandibility in the future. Do a search in the forum for more info. Also, Tony’s Trains has a review of the system as well at http://www.tonystrains.com/technews/powercab.htm
For what it’s worth, here’s my [2c] …
I’ve been researching DCC options as well. I don’t have a system yet, but have seen lots of opinions, comments, etc. on different systems. Everything I’ve heard about the MRC PE is that it’s at the low end of the food chain. For the same price you mentioned above, you can get a NCE Power Cab or Digitrax Zephyr (which is what I’m leaning towards), which are both considered to be on the higher end of the quality spectrum.
Granted, the Zephyr does not have a hand-held unit like the Power Cab or the MRC PE, but the Tony’s Train Exchange website has a set of instructions you can download that shows you how to make a simple hand-held throttle for it using a handful of parts from Radio Shack.
Many seem to get mixed up between MRC’s Prodigy, Prodigy Express, and Prodicy Advance. Prodigy was a replacement of Command 2000 and was very limited. Prodigy Express is a stripped down version of Prodigy Advance. Prodigy Advance is build to be a full feature and expandable DCC system. It is new, so not all the possible expansions are available yet, and there is no guaratnee that they will be. I have the system and it works quite well when I compare it to Digitrax which I have also run. The only serious limitation to Prodigy Advance is that it does not support a computer interface. Beyond that, it is a good system at a good price.
Ron
here’s something interesting that was bought to my attention
Tonys Review Part 1
http://www.tonystrains.com/technews/mrc-prodigya-review.htm
Rated and sold as 3.5 amps but is actually 2.5 amps.
Read this to find out what you must do in order to run more than 4 HO locomotives.
http://www.tonystrains.com/technews/mrc-prodigya-note0923.htm
Short answer: Yes. In fact, I think all the main systems are “good,” at least within their intended purpose. If there’s any one that’s marginal, it’s the Bachmann system… But even it’s good if you consider it only as an absolutely basic, totally entry-level system and nothing more.
Long answer: there is probably a better option than MRC PA.
If you want a system for a smaller pike where you’ll run more more tan 3-4 locos at once, I’d lean toward the NCE PowerCab myself. The Zephyr is fine too, I just don’t like the console-style controls myself, I prefer a handheld cab.
If you’re looking for a system capable of handling a bigger pike, I’d again suggest that Lenz, Ditigrax, NCE and EasyDCC are all excellent systems. It’s easy to get bogged down in whether the system is “polling,” uses a “stack,” can handle 67 or 94 throttles, etc. The truth is, for the vast, vast majority of users (i.e. if you’re not a huge club-type layout), these will have little impact. I think it boils down to 1.5 things. One for sure, one maybe.
In my opinion, the for sure key difference is throttle, and throttle is very subjective. I could tell you the ones I like or don’t like, but it would be irrelevant. The throttle I like, you may hate. The throttle I find intuitive may confuse you. I like a “dial” for controlling speed, you may want buttons… Look very, very carefully at the throttle, as that’s the part of the “system” you’ll really be living with. Make every effort to “try it out” on a local layout, local hobby shop, etc.
The “maybe” area is wireless. There are distinct differences in how the systems handle wireless throttles. If you want to have wireless, or think you will want to have wireless, look into that too. Some systems are Infrared (it must point at the receiver) some are radio (don’t need to ‘point’). Some are one way, and the throttle can’t get info back from the system… You select a loco, but the only way you know is by running it and seeing it move, th
So now you’re speaking for an entire forum? Why does that not surprise me? Are you drunk again?
No Rob I’m spoeaking for modelers that have very good input that is very well respected and excuse me but I don’t drink your being very childish and unprofessional
Lynn
One negative thing about the PowerCab is that since the “brains” are in the handheld throttle, you can’t unplug it and move to a new location without shutting the whole system down (ie, no real walkaround unless you buy a second throttle). In my opinion, that’s a serious drawback to a system that is packaged/marketed as a “walkaround” system.
Do any other systems have this problem? What about the PE/PA? I know you can “upgrade” the PE to a PA by changing the throttle, but is that just changing “button functions” or actually upgrading it’s smarts?
Steve
Love my PE!
Yeah, yeah, we know, Dave.[:D][:D][:D]
Now tell us, what happens when you’re running a train and you unplug the throttle? Inquiring minds need to know…
Steve
Rob with yur behaviour I’m quite surprised that well respected other forums would actually allow you to have any control in there sites I can now understand why AMR sent you packing
Steve,
I agree with you that the PowerCab is not a “true” walkaround system, where you can plug in and unplug your throttle from a panel. I think the term “walkaround” is being used by NCE to differentiate it from a console-type command station, like the Digitrax Zephyr. It’s STILL a walkaround system. You’re just limited to 6’ of travel.
I would, however, respectfully disagree with calling that a “serious drawback”. Granted, it’s a drawback and possibly an inconvenience. But to call it a “serious” drawback is a bit unfair. I would consider other limitations much more serious than a tethered walkaround system.
Tom
The best response to stupidity like that above is ignore it and report it. Keep responding and you’re just contributing to a possible flame war.
Ron