I recieved My MRC Prodigy Yesterday and hooked it up, i dont know its its because im new to this or what not but i think its a pretty impressive system, if anyone has some helpful hints for a rookie DCC let me have them
Thanks
Nick
Nick,
I know the feeling well… the first time you run DCC. (Mine’s a Zephyr, but I’m suree any system gives the same thrill) – no more track blocks, two engines running at once on the same stretch – even different directions if you want! It’s a new world.
First DCC rookie tip: read the manual and then red it some more. Put an engine on the program track and spend some time adjusting CVs, run it and get a feel for what it does.
Nick,
Jack has given you some VERY wise council. It’s always good - especially if you can adjust CVs with your system (I can’t with the Bachmann) - to know how to reset your decoder, if things get messed up or lock up on you.
Nick, I remember when I got my Bachmann EZ Command back in February and programmed my first locomotive for the first time. WAY COOL!!! [^] [tup] There’s just NO WAY I would EVER go back to DC! It’s a no brainer to me…
Tom
COOL! Did you get the Prod Advanced? That’s the one I’m leaning toward.
Hey Nick
I’m a convert, too. The first time I set up a HO layout, was about 12 years ago, when my kids were very young … a small switching layout. I had fun with it.
But, since I’ve built my new layout this year, also a switching layout, what a difference with DCC! What a pain control blocks were. Now, my other operators and I can run our switching engines almost right into each other on the same track. Cool.
I also agree about having a programming track in a comfortable place for you … so you can really take your time and tweak those CV’s. The learning really is fun.
Jim
Remember that you only have 2 eyes. When operating alone, don’t run more than 2 trains, otherwise, collisions WILL occur… My poor Spectrum Doodlebug had been nailed more times than I care to count by the P2K E9s [:O]… Otherwise, great advice has been given already so I won’t repeat it…
Have fun,
Jeff
[swg]
thanks for the advice
Loathar i just got the regular not the supreme didnt want to get ahead of my self hahaha
Amen and Hallelulia, Brother Nick! We give thanks unto Lenz for your Conversion!
Sliced bread has NOTHING on DCC in my book.
im waitin on my kato ac4400 with decoder and sound to try it out fully
Oh Yehhhhh! No way to go back now that you are a DCC person… I switched to DCC a year ago and got a Digitrax Super Empire Builder. Sweet, Sweet, Sweet! The advise several have given to read, read, and read some more is excellent. Take things one step at a time. While there is a definate learning curve, it really is fairly straight forward and a matter of having the book open the first few times you do something new with your system. Enjoy running your trains!
One CV to be careful with: Momentum control, I was experimenting around and set this one too high. The loco started very gradually which was way cool but when it was approaching the end of track on the siding it was on, I quickly realized it wasn’t going to stop in time. KNOW where the EMERGENCY STOP button is.
Bob DeWoody
Congradulations, on turning away from the dark side of the force (conventional DC)
There are numerous opinions on the Prodigy and its limitaions, but for me it offers the most bang for the buck and my requirements. One word of caution, you can only use 4 functions on a sound loco, the rest will stay in auto mode. Also sound loco’s are like beer, you can’t stop after just one.
congrats nharrison21!![:D] welcome to DCC! i have prodigy also and am real happy with it. one big down side to the prodigy, you cant get to ANY CVs to change them.[:(] i dont want to burst your bubble,but the prodigy advance is well worth the few dollars more than the prodigy. CRIPES, i feel bad, like i said i too have the prodigy and like it, but i noticed you mentioned sound, and i am assuming you will soon be getting into differant lighting effects, sorry but you would need the prodigy advance to get into the CVs to adjust those things. but hey, welcome to dcc! and have fun! except for getting to CVs, prodigy is a fine system![;)] (loathar, go for the advance[;)])
I purchased the PA about 9 months ago from Tony up at Tony’s Trains in Vermont. I know that there are a LARGE amount of Digitrax people here and they swear by their Digitrax systems, but the PA is a pretty excellent system all in itself. It certainly has exceeded my expectations in almost every regard.
Enjoy your new PA