Does the Prodigy Advanced Squared really deserve it’s bad reputation? Everyone I talk to at Model railroad shows says it lacks quality.
No. It’s a very good system, especially the wireless version. But it depends on many factors as to whether it’s the right system for your situation.
Thanks!
What bad rap? Its only limiting factor is the lack of a computer connection.
David B
I personally have not heard anyone complain about the quality of the Prodigy Advanced system. I have heard complaints about the lack of features, the main one being the current lack of a computer interface, and the fact that the one they have anounced is proprietary and expensive. I have also heard MANY complaints about the quality of the MRC decoders. When it comes to the quality of the MRC Prodigy Advanced system, everything I have heard has been good.
There’s only two thinks I don;t liek about the PA system, the first has already been covered - no computer interface for a long time now, although they have annouced one, it will not work with the more popular software, per their ad touting proprietary software as a ‘plus’
The other one is probably not a huge deal, but I think it would confuse people. After thrir third or fourth try, MRC finally has a DCC system that you can start out small and grow with - each time they came out with a new system before, it was not compatible, throttles or otherwise, with their old system. Not so anymore - hurrah! Someone at MRC finally ‘got it’. However, take alook at the pictures of the throttles with each system. The physial layout of the buttons on the controlelrs is the same, but the functions assigned to those buttons changes from system to system! Assuming the upgrade path is for real - meaning if I styart with the Prodigy Express and later upgrade to Prodigy Advanced, I can still us emy PE throttle along with the PA throttle, it would be maddening to pick up one controller and press the top left button to play a grade crossing whistle sequence, and it be the second row from the bottom, right most button on the other. (sorry, I don’t have a magazine handy with their picture ad in it so I can give an exact example of the F assignments). Granted, probably a small point, but a very odd issue with ergonomics and usability. Or maybe I’m way off and once you upgrade to PA you can no longer use the PE throttle - that would be worse if its true.
–Randy
Quote: The other one is probably not a huge deal, but I think it would confuse people. After thrir third or fourth try, MRC finally has a DCC system that you can start out small and grow with - each time they came out with a new system before, it was not compatible, throttles or otherwise, with their old system. Not so anymore - hurrah! Someone at MRC finally ‘got it’. However, take alook at the pictures of the throttles with each system. The physial layout of the buttons on the controlelrs is the same, but the functions assigned to those buttons changes from system to system! Assuming the upgrade path is for real - meaning if I styart with the Prodigy Express and later upgrade to Prodigy Advanced, I can still us emy PE throttle along with the PA throttle, it would be maddening to pick up one controller and press the top left button to play a grade crossing whistle sequence, and it be the second row from the bottom, right most button on the other. (sorry, I don’t have a magazine handy with their picture ad in it so I can give an exact example of the F assignments). Granted, probably a small point, but a very odd issue with ergonomics and usability. Or maybe I’m way off and once you upgrade to PA you can no longer use the PE throttle - that would be worse if its true. Unquote
Randy
One of the improvements (to me) of the Prodigy series over the NCE PowerCab is the separation of the throttle from the command station. What this means is that you can hook a Prodigy Advance (or Advance 2) throttle to a Prodigy Express system, and gain the extra functions of the PA2 throttle. It also allows unplugging the throttle without causing system shutdown. To be fair, all these same improvements are added to the NCE PowerCab by adding a Smart Booster - but that drives up system price.
I concur about the computer interface. It’s expensive, but is wireless. I question not so much the proprietary software - which is supposed to be a reasonable equivalent of Decoder Pro, but whether MRC has the res
I haven’t heard anything bad about PA except the lack of computer interface and there is now one available. I had a Prodigy Advance (not squared) for a long time and just recently upgraded it to the wireless version and its great - no problems.
I agree with Fred. The lack of compatibility with JMRI will have my PA showing up on eBay soon. The proprietary software idea was a horrible decision on their part. JMRI is quality software, runs on any operating system, and is free!
I never considered computer connection when I bought my DCC system - didn’t think I would ever need it. But as the number of locos in my collection grows, it is a pain to find the right manual to program the right CV in the right engine, and then keep a log of what I just did in case I have to undo it. With JMRI, it’s easy.
I can only hope MRC realizes their mistake and decides to open their code to the JMRI developers.
Scott