Since it may be unlikely that I can nab a Digitrax system at this point, I’ve been looking at other DCC setups, notably the Atlas Commander and the MRC Prodigy. I’ve read plenty on the former, but haven’t heard much on the latter. Anyone here use the MRC system? It seems pretty straightforward and easy to set up, though their programming track is different that other companies. What can you guys tell me about ease of use, compatibility, upgrades, etc?
Thanks!
MRC is easy to set up and simple to operate, but more limited than some other small systems such as the Atlas Commander and Digitrax Zephyr.
MRC supports addresses 1-32 only, so it can get tricky remembering which locomotive has what address. Atlas supports addresses 1 through 99, so you can more easily match the address to the last 2 digits of the locomotive number. Prodigy also can’t grow much, whereas Atlas can be added to using Lenz components (Atlas is actually made by Lenz and sold as “Lenz Compact” outside North America), or be used as a throttle in a larger Lenz system. The Zephyr can similarly be expanded using DIgitrax equipment.
If you have a small layout and/or a small fleet of locomotives that isn’t likely to expand, Prodigy is worth a look. If you might want to expand later, Atlas or the Zephyr might be better. I’d encourage you to consider whichever manufacturer is most common near you, so you can readily get “in-person” support.
I went ffrom DC block control to DCC with the Prodigy system. I read all the up and down sides regarding the Prodigy system, and what people are saying is true.
The Prodigy system is not expandable as the other systems. True. I don’t have more than 32 locos on my layout anyway, so it works for me.
The Prodigy system is easy to use. True. I had it up and running in under an hour. The programming is strightforward and intuitive (one button programming).
My thoughts are like other in this forum. Look around and see what others in your area are running and what they have to say. I must add that this is your decision, and don’t let yourself be swayed by negative comments by others (other than someone saying it doesn’t work).
If you are going to expand greatly in the near future (3-5 tears), look for a more expandable system. If you are stable with your layout and fleet, I can recommend MRC as it works well, is simple to use, and is relatively inexpensive.
Editorial comment: I think the indutry has learned from the video game people. The console (control system) is fairly inexpensive, but they get you on the games(decoders).
The above comment is my own and not necessari;y that of anyone else in this forum or of the adminstrators. If this offends anyone, get over it.
I’d rate it at the bottom, low cost basic entry system. Atlas a touch more expensive but a few more features. Unless you just want the bare bones, you’d be better off with one of the entry level systems put out by some of the other DCC manufactures.
i don’t have one, but i plan to get one. I saved up my money, went to the train show with enough money, but no one had them. now i have no money again:(
i only have 15 engines so this would be fine for me.
I have had Prodigy for about 8 months now. It suits my needs just fine. Very easy to use and program. I didnt want nor do i have a need for advanced features. It has plenty of power, and is able to program all my decoders from various mfg. I have no complaints about it. Relative the 32 addresses, I use the last to digits of the engine number. Personnaly recommend for the average lone train layout setup. It can run several engines at once, but try that by yourself without wrecking, does consists very well, and has never left me wishing I ad bought something bigger. I set up a programming track according to thier directions,but the way the set includes a programming track resistor, and it works great.
At the time trainworld.com had the best price for them.
None…
If you ever plan on using sound and want to completely control all of the sound functions; the MRC system will not do it.
If your budget is really tight, wait for the forth coming Bachmann DCC system, like Atlas it is made by Lenz, giving you an upgrade path…
I have Digitrax.
I’m Just curious, for all of these systems can you interchange parts? Can you use an atlas decoder with a digitrax system or an Digitrax decoder with and MRC throttle [?] [%-)]
Just wondering, Noah[:P]
I’ve got the MRC system on my layout also & haven’t had any problems yet… Although I don’t plan on having 30 some loco’s either[:(] I also run a couple p2k SD60’s with Digitrax decoders without any problems. Good luck in your choice !
Noah, from my understanding if the decoder says it meets NMRA standards then the decoder should be compadable with any system. I think, I can’t find my DCC book.
Any others please confirm. Thanks.
Every DCC manufacturer has his own “internal” standards for how data is exchanged. DCC has “loco net”. The only thing that is universal, covered by NMRA standards, is the interface to the decoder. That’s why you can use Soundtraxx decoders with Digitrax throttles.
Found the above in Layouts and dcc part of forum.
Correct. Any NMRA certified decoder will work with any system. However, in other forums I see complaints of MRC decoders have problems on occassions with programming on other systems. Myself, I have not expirienced any problems.
I’ve used the Prodigy system and like the ease in which you program the engines and consists. I think it’s a good system for a small layout. However, that being said, if you have a larger layout and want to expand the system by placing jacks (outlets) a regular intervals around the layout, you may run into some problems. A buddy of mine wired in the Prodigy system with an 8 amp booster on a 20 x 60 layout with jacks every 8 feet and we ran into control and consist problems. After thinking that we wired the layout incorrectly, we replaced all of the wiring and still had the same problem. After 2 calls to MRC (something we should have done before ripping all of the wire out) and talking with the engineer who designed the system, we were told that the Prodigy system wasn’t meant for a layout that large. He said that the signal that is carried on the 8th wire is the weakest and it would be lost over 50 foot. We found that if we wired the jacks in a daisy chain, that the signal was lost at less than half that. I know of 2 or 3 other users of the Prodigy system that use it on small layouts and they are please with how it works. It just didn’t have enough horsepower to control the trains on the size of layout we are working on. We are now switching over to a wireless system. An education is expensive (and I ain’t talkin’ about college.)
Jeff
I am also interested in stepping up to DCC and just today read about Bachmanns new up coming DCC for $95.00 retail. I would be most interested to find futher information, details and who will be selling it and when. So if anyone knows were to find this let us know. I did check their web site and could not find any info.
Hootcher