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Hey all, Thought I would relay some information to you about the Prodigy DCC system from MRC. This is a newer unit and not much has been written about it, at least I never heard what users thought of it. Its an entry-level system but being NMRA compliant, it can handle some sophisticated DCC operations. You get a throttle unit, base command (3.5 amps max), a power supply (4 amps) and now another throttle that controls turnouts and signals (you will need to purchase decoders separately). The base unit and handhelds seem kind of cheaply made. They do not feel robust or have any "heft" to them. The system retails for about $140 at mail order shops, so you basically get what you pay for as far as quality materials. Once you get over that, the system DOES work as advertised. Programming is a snap! You switch the unit to "Program" mode and select the decoder number and then press "Program decoder" and wait 5 seconds. You can program main features of the decoder like this incl. momentum, top voltage, reverse polarity,etc. You can instantly switch back to "RUN" mode on the console and test out your programming. Once I had hooked up the wires, I had programmed and run the decoder loco in less than 5 minutes. Now, the programming being easy is great, but also has a drawback. It only allows programming of basic features--you'll need a pc programmer like the PR-1 from digitrax to get all the CV's programmed (however, the PR-1 retails for about $40!) Maybe MRC will come out with a "super throttle" that does everything with an LED display.....??? I purchased this for LARGE SCALE. In order to run even one (LGB) large scale train without having the system shut down for overload, you will need to purchase the POWER STATION 8 booster. This is a huge 8 amp booster for only about $150 and is compatible with ALL dcc systems (good when you want to upgrade). The POWER STATION 8 is NOT cheesily built like the Prodigy--the BOOSTER is up to great MRC power pack standards that we have come to known; it seems to be made of quality materials and has a metal casing with power switch and powerful cooling fan. Now that I have this system, I can run several trains at once on my indoor LGB layout. I can run a Krokodile locomotive (2 motors) for the "standard/DC" loco and the decoder-equipped loco,too. I only have one decoder installed, but I plan to get my Krok installed with decoders soon. The decoder I purchased is a MRC AD321 with Fx1-4. I thought since this had 128 speed steps and 4 digit addressing that this was a "next generation" decoder. However, it is NOT a "silent" running decoder, unfortunate! The noise was really bothersome at first. But I can control light functions. Its great to have control of the cab light separate from the headlights. I am told that maybe I can reduce this noise by programming a certain CV register, but I have to wait until I get my Digitrax PR-1 unit that is coming...stay tuned... All in all, my first entry into DCC via the Prodigy is successful and for the most part satisfactory. Its amazing that this low-end system can power the big boy trains I have and I have the ability to expand (you can add several POWER STATION 8 boosters to extra track blocks). Regards, Tom M.
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