MRC Prodigy Advance system

[Anonymous]

I've seen a couple of sites (including Walthers) indicating that there is a new incarnation of the MRC Prodigy system coming out sometime in May. It appears to (at least try) to address many of the complaints about the current version's limitations of 2 digit addressing, 4 cabs limitation, and 28 speed step programming.

I did not even see it mentioned on MRC's homepage (www.modelrec.com).

Does anyone know anything about this product?

[Pennsy58]

I am waiting to see this new system myself. I too have only seen listings for a TBA in the spring. My only limitations to date have been the 32 address limitation. I only hope they dont turn around and make it complex to use. Guess we both have to wait for future news...

[Anonymous]

Pennsy,
If you want MRC around in the future, they will have to come out with more complex systems in DCC. Here is a company that dominate the power pack market for decades, and now isn't taken that seriously by many DCC advocates. They need a full featured system if they are to survive in the DCC market.

MRC will continue to dominate the power pack (DC) market, but that market is beginning to dwindle. I predict that over time you will see less models of power packs being offered by MRC.

[tomytuna]

Wow.....i use the current MRC dcc system and i love it!!....I'm not a computer geek,,,just want to run trains,,,and this sytems works great for me.....cannot understand wht MRC gets the disrespect for this system.....it's simple and it works!....period!....tried another system and was ready to throw into ocean i wsa so frustrated.....traded for mrc and it is what they say it is..USER FRIENDLY....oh well that's my 2cents woth...tom

[NevinW]

While I understand the appeal of a DCC system that is extremely user friendly, the limitations of the MRC system will soon become apparent if you have a layout of any size. MRC is a puzzle to me. They have been the DC electronics kings since I was introducted to the hobby in the 1960's. Their response to DCC reminds me of the Detroit automakers and their response to the Japanese- always one step behind and not really understanding what the problem is.

I have not bought one MRC DCC component since I switched to DCC because the technology and the features do not compete with the other brands like Lenz, Digitrax etc. The MRC sound decoders are a perfect example. An inexpensive decoder with steam or diesel sound and speaker, even if not as sophisticated as Soundtraxx, would be very welcome on my layout. But when I read the TTX reviews it becomes apparent that it is not as good a decoder and you can't even control the volume of sound. I really hope MRC gets their act together and produces a competative DCC system. They are squandering their good reputation. - Nevin

[cacole]

As they say, different strokes for different folks -- the MRC Prodigy may be just fine for someone who has only one or two locomotives, thus never needing more decoder addresses. If that person never intends to own a QSI or SoundTraxx equipped engine, then they will never need more than a headlight on-and-off function, either. Personally, I can't understand why MRC is sullying their reputation by marketing such a poor product. Their decoders are pure crap. Of the five MRC decoders I purchased, four were bad. A locomotive with an MRC decoder already installed also had a bad decoder. If you want cheap, MRC may be fine for you, but in the long run you're wasting your money because eventually you may want a better system when you discover what DCC can really do for you.

[Anonymous]

I talked to MRC this past week, from what they told me it will look very close the the current system with a digital display on the hand controller. You will be able to program cv's with this one, while keeping all the easy features of the current system. I'm waiting to check it out too.

[dragenrider]

Well said, NevinW! [bow] "Their response to DCC reminds me of the Detroit automakers and their response to the Japanese- always one step behind and not really understanding what the problem is. "

I have not heard a better analogy in a long time.
[tup][tup]

[Anonymous]

I was just wondering is this new Advance System going to be something that can be added to the base system(MRC Prodigy) or are you going to have to buy the whole new system?