SantaFe, I think a big reason you don’t see much reccomendation of the MRC systems is that our flame suits have burned through…
Ruderunner I think the bigest reason for the system not getting recomended by it’s satisfied user’s is the fact that I for one just get tired of hearing everyone bash MRC any time it get’s mentioned. I am not even going to bash there decoder’s since I have 2 that have never casued me a problem, along with 3 sound trax lc’s. Just making a point not starting a war.
It is true that you can not set locos to run back-to-back in an advanced consist with the Express using the consist function to build the consist,; however, you do not have to program CV29 to do it. That is what MRC suggests doing in their “Prodigy Tips and Tricks” document, but it makes more sense to just skip the consist function of the throttle and program CV19 manually, adding 128 to the consist address if you want the engine reversed.
Of course you are right, this is the method I use when I want to built permanent and mobile consist independent of any command station. I don’t think everyone is familiar or at ease with CV19 programming.
There are other ways that is JMRI or MRC own computer interface to built Advance consist, but so far most intervenants said a computer interface was not a needed tool.
I have the Prodigy Express system with an extra Prodigy Advanced handheld. I think it is a great system for the cost. I bought the Advanced handheld to throw my DCC equiped turnouts and to read CV’s. Haven’t had any problems with the system in 3 years of use. MRC has a good group on yahoo that has alot of useful information.
Mike Kingsbury
Two additional thoughts. First, I just programmed a F unit to run backwards by programming 29 with 39. Pushed a couple of buttons and there you go, very simple. Second, I started this thread because of all the MRC bashing, I thought it would be a nice place for Prodigy users to converse without being bashed.
If you have not done it yet, I suggest you join the MRC Yahoo Group, you will find lots of friendly and knowledgeable guys there.
Changing the value of a single CV is the same easy procedure with all 3 systems I used, that is Digitrax, MRC and NCE.
When I was in the transition of replacing the old layout that was damaged when the furnace blow back left about an inch of oily soot all over the layout I picked up a Prodigy Advance Squared unit form a LHS going out of business for a steal. It seemed to be all I need/wanted but t like anything else if you’ve never had anything to compare it to how would you know what you had or had not. The first time I operated and NCE system and had someone who was very knowledgeable more so then the average train guy I saw instantly the short comings of the unit.
Yes there is no question what others like David B. have said the company consists of arrogant, liars and self promoting idiots at best. Some times for me if the company’s customer service exceed their products short comings I will take that into account and may consider doing business with them, this is not the case with MRC. I have come so close to wanting to reach through the phone and choke the little arrogant SOB in their repair department that I had to think better of it being as I am only about a 30 to 40 minute adrenalin filled ride form them. Said customer service jerk quickly changed his tone when I informed him of such and said I had a credit card reserved solely for the purpose of bail money when dealing with idiots like himself.
One can not even substantiate the argument that it’s a good entry level system a cheap way to get into dcc when you can purchase NCE’s starter set up for around $150
I have found the only viable sue for my MRC Prodigy advance squared is using it on my test track. I was using it to program locomotives but I will be doing that via my computer so it no resides in it’s final resting place.
Welcome to the Prodigy Squared Users Club thread Allegheny 2-6-6-6! Your getting slow in your old age, it took you a couple of days before you came to, basically call our DCC system useless, with no viable use, n
Wow…is this a typical MRC user’s response or a pathetic attempt at humor?
David B
While I agree “Allegheny 2-6-6-6” came out rather hard on your beloved system, your personal attack has no place in this list. Please reread “mfm37” reply of May 24 2010 to your thread and act accordingly.
I urge you to join the Yahoo MRC group, there only Digitrax and NCE bashing is acceptable.
Reread his post, and keep in mind he posted that on a thread that on a Prodigy Squared Users Club thread. Kinda like going to the old wooden boat club site and saying that wooden boat are worthless.
Since I am usually a very positive poster and I dont normally like to offend or upset people, I will stop posting on this thread and not bring up MRC again on this site.
I apologize for losing my temper, it won’t happen again.
If you want an MRC hug-fest then join the MRC yahoo group. Here we have strong opinions about their company and products. That wont change until MRC smartens up.
David B
I for one actually hope represetatives of MRC do read these forums, and see what their business practices are doing to their word of mouth reputation.
I also hope they see that they still have time to do something about it, but that from the way it sounds, they may be headed down a mighty unfriendly path, if they don’t.
I see several possible fixes, and two are free of cost or nearly so.
1 Tone down the boasting. It’s alright to claim to be the best, but don’t throw rocks from a glass house, and don’t ooh and ah, over a new MRC feature that the competition already has. (Imagine the wonder of having the incredible ability to control trains…FROM A HAND HELD KNOB!!! MRC brings it to you!)
2 Release your code for the PC interface. I might actually be interested in JMRI for things other than decoder programming if it worked with my DCC system.
3 Make a better quality, more logical decoder. Volume settings of only 9, 10 or 11 (out of 10) that have to be set for each sound is ridiculous.
I’m a satisfied PA user, and some of this stuff makes me wince.
The basic issue is with MRC’s decoders and not the prodigy system. There aren’t many people I’ve seen that have used MRC decoders and haven’t had one or more just stop working. The quality is poor. That tends to bleed over to their other products. After working with their decoders and visiting their site I find it scary that they make helicopters and airplanes. I hope they aren’t using the same advanced technology in those as they are in DCC decoders. [:-^].
Here’s a couple of pics of an MRC sound decoder taken out of a brand new Athearn SD60i about a year or so ago. It looks like a blind person constructed it and looks like it could fall apart if you sneezed on it.
Here’s a pic of the Soundtraxx that replaced it:
Now from the MRC site they state "MRC’s Model Railroad decoders are world renowned for their highest quality, brilliant design and most importantly, their dependability."
This is the reason for the MRC bashing and it’s nothing against the users or user groups.
What’s somewhat frightening is they felt the need to use a full size through-hole voltage regulator AND felt it needed a heat sink. Isn’t this an HO decoder? The only decoders I’ve ever seen like that were for O and large, 4 amp plus.Every HO and smaller decoder I’ve seen has a simple SMT regulator and no extra heat sink required.
–Randy
So, David B, do you have a Prodigy Squared system? If so what do you like or not like about it? If not, then don’t just keep repeating what someone else told you. Go mouth off somewhere else, where you might actually know something from personal experience.
Mr-33-posts, I used to sell MRC DCC systems. I used to sell their decoders…I also have spent way too much of my precious time troubleshooting and re-installing their “World Class” decoders. I have been through it. I have delt with it. I am also done with them.
How about you mind your Ps and Qs and go troll somewhere else?
I will say it again, for mister 33-posts, I have nothing against their DCC system. I have an issue with their decoders, their propitiatory computer connection and their company’s ad campaigns…nothing else.
If you expect me not to voice my opinion, then I strongly suggest not posting on these forums.
David B
P.S. How much is MRC paying you these days?
Saw that coming [:-^]
Cleo, before commenting all you have to do is read the person’s old posts to see if he/she knows what they’re talking about. And no Dave, i’m not calling you a Heshee [:D]
Better a Heshee than a Whohaw.
David B
David B, for not liking something you sure do talk about them alot. How about minding YOUR P’s & Q’s! Just because I have only 33 posts, why is that relevant? Having a lot of posts doesn’t make you smarter!