So many ways, and so many different problems

[Anonymous]

I have watched and read a lot of posts, that go back and forth, about the best way to get into DCC, and what unit to use. As with other hobbies I have started during my life, I have always started at the bottom or entry level, and took that level to it's maximum. Then with all the information and knowledge I had gathered, from this entry level, I transferred to the next level. I felt very secure moving up, as I knew all the shortcomings of the entry level unit, and what features I wanted on the next level unit. I felt very secure moving up, as I knew all the shortcomings of the entry level unit, and what features I wanted on the next level unit. From what I can tell about DCC, you won't have to start all over again, as some of the decoders will work with others you might purchase. Also, all the work on the track and switches won't be lost...

Now, with all this history in mind, I enter into the land of DCC with Caution. Being retired and on a fixed income, I can't afford to make any mistakes. From what I have heard and read, you just about get what you pay for in DCC. The more bucks, the more features, and the more knowledge required to use it. I am a big fan of "KISS, and I don't mean the rock group. "Keep it Simple Stupid".
Personally I am thinking of going with the entry level Prodigy from MRC. I have owned many MRC products over the years and have been very happy with them.
They are not a Mom and Pop operation, but a large corporation who has been in business many years. The only problem I have with the Mom and Pop or One owner operation is, what if the owner should pass away? Will someone take over for him? Will you be able to get parts and service anymore? I know the answer to all of this from personal experience. Either the company no longer does business or it is tied up in the courts forever, and you are STUCK
If there are some problems with the Prodigy that I haven't heard of, I would appreciate a post on it. I know it has limitations, but I have not heard of any major problems with the unit. Once I have mastered this unit and have increased my knowledge of DCC, I will probably move up to a Digatrax.
Or, Maybe not. I have a very small HO Layout, with no room for further expansion. This entry level unit just might be the thing for me?

Bob

[dave9999]

There have been epic discussions on this topic, to which I stand firm on Digitrax. I have use MRC products
and have been please with them. That is until I tried the Prodigy. Now that is only one mans opinion.
I purchased a Prodigy and returned it do to programming ability and expandablity. If you have no reason
to program your decoders and simply want to run trains with their factory default settings, then Prodigy may
be for you. But if you ever decide to add sound decoders for instance, I promise you this, you will kick
yourself for it. Something as simple as adjusting volume is done though changing CV values, which is
an easy process, but can not be done with the Prodigy. A Digitrax Zephyr system can be picked up for
about 30 to 50 dollars more and IS worth it. Again this is only my opinion, and before I start another DCC
battle royale, I will leave it at that. I hope this helps. Dave

[ndbprr]

I concur. The additional features are well worth the cost.

[CP5170]

I understand your dilemma. I purchased Digitrax because I didn;t have to move up. It is a forward thinking company that is always adding features that work with your system. While you may not think that you will want some of the advanced features, as I moved along I wanted them.

Good luck...Ken

[Anonymous]

Dave and Ken,

You mean to say that with the Prodigy, you can't even install their own AD370 Sound Decoder? As you can see, I don't know much about DCC. I am trying to read everything online that I can. But, not one article tells you the "True" story, as they want MRC's business. This is why I have turned to this forum.

What exactly do you mean about running trains at their factory settings? Please don't hold anything back; I need to know before I buy a DCC system. As I said before, I have a small shelf layout with about 20 switches. No room to run more than 3 or four locos at a time, and that would be a handful.
I know that what you guys tell me is from your personal experiences and I appreciate all the information.
Do you have to be a rocket scientist to use the Digitrax?
Can you tell me just what limitations there are to the Prodigy over the Zephyr?
The sound statement you made does get my attention. I would like to have sound, and I thought that would not be a problem with the Prodigy, but I guess I am wrong. As far as expending this layout, it is not going to happen. I paid the wife dearly for the space that I have now, and there will be no more. The last thing I would want to happen is to see a battle royal over DCC, so if you would rather E-mail me, that would be ok.
Thanks
Bob

[CP5170]

Bob: I am not familiar with the MRC system. The Digitrax system is very easy to install. I ran two 14 guage wires under the benchwork and attached the track with feeder wire 22 gauge. For the Loconet, I ran telephone wire ( 6 wire) to telephone jacks situated around the layout.

You establish a separate programming track for programming the decoders. I used an electrical switch and wired it so that the power either goes to the layout or the programming track. Programming decoders is not difficult.

I purchased "The Digitrax Big Book of DCC" which is full of useful information.

When I mentioned expanding, I was not meaning necessarily in size. For example, you may want to use the transponding feature which tells you which engine is where; you may want to expand to using a signaling system; you may want to control the turnouts from the throttle; you may want to set up a CTC panel on a computer and run your trains from the computer; with block occupancy detection, you could have some feature animated that starts when a train is in a certain location. The possibilities are endless.

I use a mobile decoder to operate my turntable that way I can limit its speed. Speaking of which, I limit the speed on all my locomotives and particularily the ones that my grandchildren use.

Keep asking the questions...Ken

[CP5170]

Bob: I more thing. I'm not trying to talk you into any particular system. I am happy with mine but it will be quite expensive to purchase one system then move up to another. Do your research and buy the best that you can afford.

Ken

[Anonymous]

Bob:

Like the other members here I don't want to start a system war. CP5170 makes some very good points. I have a very complex Digitrax system but bought a Zephyr to take to train clubs. The main advantage is that you will never have to replace it as you move up to more advanced systems.

You might want to look at the Digitrax web site and read about LocoNet. That's what makes Digitrax different from other systems. Loy's Toy's also has lots of information on different systems. So does Tony's Train Exchange.

Ken

[Anonymous]

Why fiddle around buying additional systems?

But as much system as you can afford.

I would reccommend NCE. It will do about anything you want to do with DCC (it won't run a non-DCC engine on throttle 00).

Dave H.

[Anonymous]

See ttx-dcc.com. They carry both MRC and Digitrax systems at below the "MRSP" - in fact, the two systems are only $10 apart. As others have stated here and in other threads, there is basically a reason that DIgitrax is the choice of clubs, and individuals with big and small layouts.

If I was to start again, I would go Digitrax Zephyr from the start.

Andrew

[Anonymous]

You yourself are your own best argument against buying the Prodigy. I don't pretend to know a lot about the Prodigy, but I do know I've seen criticisms levelled against it that would make me not buy it.

You yourself have said you kind of nibble your way into knowledge and skill until you become reasonably sophisticated at it. If this is the case, then you want a system that will allow you to nibble as far as you want to nibble, yet stop when you want to, and even further, be somewhat simplistic to start with.

The Digi Zephyr is all those things; you can nibble as far as you want to, then stop. Its design is made to mimic a traditional power pack so that you feel relaxed with it. I have the Chief but if I were starting out now, I would start with the Zephyr. In fact, you can buy the throttle for the Chief with your Zephyr and you will have a pretty sophisticated system.

I had a smaller layout like you have and DCC makes more sense with a smaller layout. I don't have to tell you how many times you are throwing blocks to run multiple trains, but lots. Imagine not having to throw a block ever again.

And with the Zephyr, if you ever move and inherit a large space for that "dream" layout, the Zephyr will grow with you. Forget the Prodigy.

[Anonymous]

Thanks guys for all the input. I have made up my mind to go with the Digitrax Zepher. I found one for just a few more dollars than the Prodigy. After reading everyone's comments, and reading a lot on the net. I think this is the best move for me.
Thanks again for all the help.
Bob