Hello all
Long time lurker first time poster.
I’m in the process of building a 11 x 28 U-shaped shelf layout.
I’m planning on using the MRC Prodigy Advanced with one handheld, since it will just be me.
The handheld is connected to the base with a 8 pin cable correct?
Today at home depot I discovered 8 pin data cable called patch cord
used for PC networking.
These were available in up tp a 20 or 25 ft lenght i can’t remember.
Question:
Is this the same type of cable MRC is using?
i was wanting to leave my handheld plugged in all the time to the base unit, and walk around the layout with my trains.
kinda cheaper than wireless( not avail with PA) and i don’t even have to krimp the ends on!
i was just wondering if this would work, and if any PA users out there have tried it.
thanks in advance
Justin P.
Ontario, Canada
Im not sure if that is the correct wire or not, but my concern is that such a long cable would become a tripping hazard. My suggestion is to install 3 or 4 throttle panels around the layout. You should be able to unplug the handheld and have the trains keep running, but the prodigy advance can be pretty screwy sometimes.
[B)]
JPM335
Thanks for replying!
I realize that could be a tripping hazard but since it would one operator
(me) i guess it would be a manageable risk.
I agree that if you had a few people over they would not be aware to watch for the blue tripping cable.
My layout is planned as an industrial sub with lots of industry to switch
so i just didn’t want to have to unplug and and replug every two industries along the line.
especially since the longest run would be from yard, where the sub branches off the main, around the ‘u’ to the other end.
About 60 ft end to end
JP
I use a Lenz system, which uses a 4-wire control bus cable. I just ran a 4-conductor telephone cable around the layout fascia, and put in a jack every 6 feet. I find it’s very easy to move my controllers around this way. Even with a short 8-foot cable on the throttle, though, I still manage to trip over the silly wire now and then.
If you’re still against jacks, here’s another suggestion: run the control cable up to the ceiling, and drop it down in the middle of the U. That way, you will end up with less wire underfoot, and reduce the tangling and tripping hazard.
From the sound of it, if you have the money and havent bought the PA yet. You might want to consider wireless. Im not sure about the others, but you can get a digitrax starter system for $150 and the cheapest wireless throttle is about $90. If you are the only operator you should only need one throttle. The system with the best wireless capability is EasyDCC, but its pricey.
I talked to an MRC rep.at Trainfest 2 weeks ago and asked if wireless would be available soon and he said they are working on it and will be ready within 6-8 months.
Ray — Great Northern fan.
a88s,
I have read in the MRC Yahoo group that a standard Cat-5 ethernet cable works with the PA. I have not tried it personally, but others have an say it works well. Just be sure not to get a crossover cable.
great thanks knewson!
Good to know that it willl work
but what is a cross over cable and what would i look for to not get one?
Thanks to everyone who posted their ideas as well
JP
A crossover cable is used for a direct peer-to-peer computer ethernet connection. The output signal wire at one end gets hooked to the input at the other end, and vice versa. (For computer historians, this is the same concept as the old “null modem” cable.) Most home networks now use a router, where you do NOT want a crossover cable. Crossover cables should be clearly marked on the packaging.
Does the PA actually use the standard cat-5 connectors? That’s a good idea, because the parts are all readily available. However, if you’re making your own, you will need a crimping tool and a bit of practice.
FYI, the best place to get Cat-5 cable is at a computer show. If you go to Radio Shack, Comp USA, etc., you will pay far more. It’s worth the price of admission to the computer show even if you just buy one Cat-5 cable.
I had the same situation a while ago with my original Prodigy. I took the controller to the local Radio Shack and asked if they had cables that would fit this. They did, I forget what they called it, but I got a 12 foot extension cable, and although it doesn’t match the look of the original cord, it works fine and I am quite pleased with the result.
I went to communication guy at work and asked about longer cable. He gave me two 25 foot cables they work great except I kept tripping over them, stepping on them and jerking the controler out of my hand. So i stopped using them. The one that came with it is to short. I finally aquired a 12 footer it is OK but need to be carefull. I will be looking for the wireless.