What kind of connection is it and how long is it? Trying to find that info on mrc’s website is nonexistant. Want to know if you can make a longer walkaround control. Is it like a telephone cord or similar connector?
Mine walkaround cord is about 6’ long. It has the same connector that my computer router takes. I will have to check with my son (the computer wiz of the family) when he get home tonight as to the type connection it is. I am pretty sure you can buy them all ready made up at Radio Shack.
Thank You! That is an eathenet cord. 6 conductor plug. Have not purchased a system yet.[:)] but this on seems to fill the bill for my needs. Wich system do you have and how do you like it?
Nelson,
I have had the MRC Prodigy now for over a year. it is a good system. There are some pro’s and cons though.
Con’s. I have had soem trouble programming some deocders. I had 2 NCE will that not will take momentum, and cheap, older deocder will buzz lik ecrazy. Also, you can not access your CV’s so you have to be carful and only have 4 fucntion keys which can be a drag if you have sound.
Pro’s. By far and away the most easy and freindly system I have ever seen. I can have a engine programmed, adressed, momentum, start and stop voltage (if needed) in less then 30 seconds. You can easliy make muiltiple consists with it too. There are times when I regualry run 2 or 3 engine consists with it.
I have also had great luck with Broadway Limited equip. and even Loinel. It seems to shut down super quick if there is the smallest short (which is more than I can say for others) and I have had no problem running 5 engines at once (non soundengines)
I ended up goign to a computer wholesale store and picked up a 25 foot cord for my cabs. ( I have 2) Works great. I am sure you also find like 6’ or 10’ if you needed them. other wise, yes, they do come with a 6 foot factory cord. (The ends are the same you woudl see on Dat… 5 cable)
if you have any other questions, let me know, be glad to help.[:D]
It is a straight through cable. Any normal network patch with work with it. At work we have the same flat cable that MRC uses and I will be making some much longer cables for my system tomarrow.
Thanks for the info. Totally new to DCC… Been in the hobby for 30+ years and have always had DC block systems. I plan on wireing this new layout for both DC and DCC as I have a rather large roster of motive power. I have been on a 7 year hiatus from the hooby as I built a new home in that time span with a basement (of course I filled it with junk) but the layout building is forcing me to clean it (not a bad thing mind you) so I have set aside a 24x24 foot space to build it. The Prodigy express I think will be enough to get my feet wet without a large upfront expense. And i seem to understand it just by looking at it.
Haven’t purchased yet but I am planning to do so soon. I have looked at the other systems and this seems the best bang for the buck. Any thoughts?[8D]
This has got to be the most positive feed back i’ve heard yet on the Prodigy system. I purchase one for my layout and have not had a chance to use it yet. Had about a month now, layout still in constuction stage. I was starting to worry that maybe I had messedup buying it. Now I know I’ve made the right choice. KEEP IT SIMPLE STUPID always works for me. Thanks for the great boost guys. Hope to see more on this product on the forum. Although I know most here are Digitrax owners.
bgardner2,
Not all are Digi’s on this forum by any means.
Its just that there are a few (the train layout grues) members of this forum that like to put down any system that is not the one they have. I am sure that you have read a few of their post. I know I have. There are alot of MRC user’s here. Some of us are starting to stand up and have their voices heard.
I for one have the Prodigy Advanced system and some MRC decoders, all seem to be working out well for me. I got it at trainworld (.com) (NIB) for under 200.00.
ennout
Love my PE.
Ok lets hear from the MRC owners and there eaperiences.