Wanted to get your scoop again on the MRC PE. I found one on ebay, NIB (new in box) for $110. ($60 off list - Buy it Now!) I know you mentioed that it won’t run any DC locomotives. Other than the 1.6 amp max. output, have you seen or run into any other shortcomings from the short time that you had a chance to use it. Thanks!
Tom
P.S. I just looked at the MR DCC Buyer’s Guide. Looks like it doesn’t support Optional Wireless, accessory decoders, or route control. Those would be things down the line anyhow. So, it looks like neither the MRC PA or PE supports wireless. Hmm…something to think about.
The PE does not allow CV readback. The PA does, and it is my understanding from Tony’s website that using the PA cab will allow this on the PE system. As my long term plan is to add a PA cab and a booster to this system in the summer, I don’t see this as a disadvantage. Of course it would be to someone that wants to experiment with CV’s right now.
The PE (and PA) are able to do “Advanced Consisting.” “Universal Consisting”, according to the instructions can only be done with the PA cab and only one such consist is allowed per system - not cab. This may be a serious limitation to some, but I didn’t think it all that bad for me. I forget what the third method of consisting is, but it is not found anywhere in the instructions.
It looks like the PE won’t do accessory decoders, but if you add the PA cab it will. As I don’t plan to use accessory decoders, this was not a limitation to me and if I change my mind, this summer’s addition of a PA cab will allow it.
As many have pointed out, the MRC systems don’t have the ability to interface with a computer. I’m willing to live with this limitation.
I did run my BLI Mike earlier today and the PE seemed to be able to run all the sound functions without a problem. I say “seemed” 'cause I haven’t read the instructions that came with the Mike so I don’t know what all is available. Just wanted to see the thing run. And hear it!! I now know why so many folks love sound!
I’ve read a couple of things concerning the cables used by the PE. It seems that it is different than the standard phone cable and may be more difficult to find. Haven’t gotten far enough along to determine if this is true or not.
“Route Control” Here’s what the PE instructions say. "Accessory Routes (Prodigy Advance Cab only). Grouping of turnouts (or accessories) can be consisted to form a route. The Prodigy Express system allows up to 31 routes an
Thanks, Dave! [:)] I REALLY appreciate you taking the time to respond to my post. After I posted this, I went to Tony’s website and discovered pretty much all the things you mentioned above. It’s something to mull over.
I also put a bid on NYC BLI 2-8-2 Mike this afternoon on ebay for $150. If if goes too much over that, I’m not going to counterbid. We’ll see what happens.
Don’t mention it. Sorry that I’m pretty much at this point limited to saying things like “DCC is way cool” and "well, the instruction manual says . . . . "