I am currently looking at purchasing this as my very first DCC system…I can pick it up for $120 brand new (which is the reason I am interested as it ususally costs between $250 - $300)
Can anyone give me some pros/cons of this system and in your opinion do you think it would be a good first system as I only plan on running 2 locos for the time being.
Paul
I would take a look at the NCE powercab and Digitrax Zephyr too. They have a similar street price and are also quite popular for starter systems. I am not sure how they compare to the Prodigy Advance.
I think there is a new version of the Advance out now, the Advance2. There is a review on Tony’s Train Exchange, but I am not sure which version is being reviewed here:
http://tonystrainexchange.com/technews/mrc-prodigya-review.htm
Anyway, the existence of the newer model may have something to do with the price?
Regards,
Chris
Remember MRC’s huge limitation…lack of a computer connection. And the one they have announced is very expensive.
David B
Thanks guys
Hi Paul, I’ve been following MRC’s PA for some time now and yes Chris is right; the “Squared” version replaces the original PA system. I could be wrong but I’m pretty sure the only difference is the ability to use the wireless upgrade. (I believe MRC will update the orig PA system if you send it to them. Cost???) This is most probably why you’re getting it at that price. (The PA-2 runs about $200 street price.)
A couple of good threads to look at for comparisons and opinions: http://cs.trains.com/forums/1394590/ShowPost.aspx
And: http://siskiyou-railfan.net/e107_plugins/forum/forum_viewtopic.php?3438.450 Scroll about 3/4 down pg. 46, this is where the discussion picks up the PA again. (In recent times…)
IMHO, If your layout is never going to be large enough to warrent wireless handhelds I’d say go for it. Even the Prodigy Express will run you like $140, and the orig Advance gives you much more.
EDIT: I had to run out before and forgot something. The orig PA will probably come with a 2.5A pwr supply, the newer squared system comes with a 3.5A.
The difference between the advance and squared is that the squared has 28 functions verses just 14 for the advance. the wireless conversion works on all of the prodigy,squared,advance and express.
I stand corrected. [
]
So the upgrade I remember hearing about was for the functions, not the wireless.
Hey, I became a grandfather last week, I guess I got instant oldtimers.
[(-D]
thanks, I think I am going to re-consider for a little while, I am really torn as to what system to get and I want to make sure I’m not spending too much and I get exactly what I need.
Actually, I believe the basic PA will run 19 functions. Radar is correct, the wireless unit works with all PA’s.
Tilden
I have the original PA–bought it when it first came out–and I recently upgraded to wireless when it came out last year with no problems and without sending it in. It all depends on what you need and want. Personally, I run a 17’x17’ n scale layout with my PA converted to wireless and I have all the functions I need. The only limitation I really see is the lack of a computer interface, which is a deal breaker for some, but not for me. Personally I love my PA, especially the throttle and ease of use to run and program locos. I’d say for that rice buy it.
Ron
Make sure that’s a Prodigy ADVANCE and not the Prodigy Express for that price. $120 seems way to cheap for the Advance. The Express system is limited compared to the Advance.
Who’s got them at that price? I believe the PA has been discontinued since the PA2 came out.
It was a Prodigy Advance but it was on E-Bay and we all know how those bidding wars go, Personally I think it is the seller cranking up the price hoping I will fall for it (of course I didn’t)
But In a few weeks I am going to my first train show and I will have a chance to ONLY look[;)]
as my father used to say, “Make sure you keep your hands in your pockets”
So I will be nice to see how everything works and then I can make a semi-informed desision