I’ve been looking for a good DCC system since my MRC Prodigy DCC (yes the old one) broke and is outdated. I’ve seen the Prodigy Advance Wireless and it looks nice. Is it a good system or should i consider somthing else?
I’ve had the Prodigy Advance for sometime and recently added the wireless conversion and like it real well-the addition to my existing system was effortless. The 28 function feature is maybe a little overkill since only some MRC decoders have 28 functions but it may be useful in the future. Shop around for price before you buy one as they vary a lot - I got mine from Micr-Mark (yes the tool people) for a good price.
While I have no direct experience with the Prodigy Advance system myself, a couple of friends have it and like it quite a bit. It has proven to be solid and reliable.
The only possible drawback would be if you ever intend to add a computer interface to it- MRC seems to have some “interesting”, and rather expensive, ideas in that area. There are ways around that, though, especially if all you’d be interested in doing is using a computer to program decoders, since you can use other brands’ programming interfaces separate of the MRC system.
If you are looking for ANY computer connection functionality (for signaling, routing, programming), I would look beyond the MRC series of DCC systems. They have announced a computer connection, but the cost (150+) and compatability are in quesion.
David B
Standard has about the best price on them.
As a MRC Wireless user I have to say that it is a fun and very easy system to use. I have had a few problems with loosing connection between throttle and loco but since getting their latest upgrades it seems to be working very well.
However, the lack of a computer interface for MRC is the biggest drawback for me. I’m also using a Digitrax Zephyr just so I can have a computer interface. I’m learning to like Digitrax a lot. It seems that each DCC system definitely has it’s pros and cons and it takes some time, study and, hopefully some personal use of each to get a feel for what is best for you.
Is the MRC #1410 Prodigy Wireless the same system that you upgraded to? Thanks, Ace
Yes I bought the MRC 1410 upgrade - basically all I had to do was plug it into my existing PA and start playing with my trains. Not sure what the range of it is but I’ve never had a problem. I replaced the 600mAh batteries that came with it with 900mAh batteries and got a seperate charger just for convience and a little more time between charges and to have a backup set of batteries-I got a charger and batteries at Wal-Mart for about $20.