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Help please...MRC Prodigy DCC cab controller went out...any suggestions

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  • Member since
    February 2008
  • 21 posts
Help please...MRC Prodigy DCC cab controller went out...any suggestions
Posted by imodelho on Saturday, March 8, 2008 2:33 PM

My Prodigy Express(and im sure that is my first mistake) controller went out...but anyway..buy a new cab controller?

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Posted by Robert Langford on Saturday, March 8, 2008 2:56 PM

I had the same problem with my Express. I sent it back to MRC. They repaired it for free, however a week later it failed again, I called them and they said to send it back to them and they would replace it. I did, they sent me a new one and I have not had any trouble with it sense. I suggest you do the same. I hope this helps.

 BOB

Sandy Southern RR

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Posted by imodelho on Saturday, March 8, 2008 3:05 PM

I wanted to add that I have only had it about 6 months.  Did everything in the troubleshooting section in the manual.  Is there any internal fuses, or are we not that advanced in the Prodigy Express price range.  I must upgrade.  I am thinking Digitrax or NCE, they are the two leaders?.. right....... how do u get into the computer as a dcc controller?  I might start a new post for that question... look out for it..

thanks....

 

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Posted by imodelho on Saturday, March 8, 2008 3:06 PM

thanks for the advice..yes, that is the best thing to do ..Ill try that..

thanks again..

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  • From: Orig: Tyler Texas. Lived in seven countries, now live in Sundown, Louisiana
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Posted by jeffrey-wimberly on Saturday, March 8, 2008 3:25 PM
There are no user servicable parts in the controller. You would have to send it back to have it repaired or replaced. I'm a self-trained computer tech and I know how complex these systems are.

Running Bear, Sundown, Louisiana
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Posted by cacole on Saturday, March 8, 2008 4:34 PM

There will be no user-serviceable parts and if you try to open it up you will void the warranty.  Contact MRC and send it to them for repair or replacement.

 

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Posted by imodelho on Sunday, March 9, 2008 9:25 AM

wow..I turned on my layout and the heldheld turned on and is working fine...very weird... but at least I can run my layout...

 

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Posted by imodelho on Sunday, March 9, 2008 1:32 PM
went out again....spoke too soon...
  • Member since
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  • From: Orig: Tyler Texas. Lived in seven countries, now live in Sundown, Louisiana
  • 25,640 posts
Posted by jeffrey-wimberly on Sunday, March 9, 2008 2:05 PM
It's definitely defective. Send it back. I'm definitely not getting an MRC system. I have my sights set on the Digitrax Zephyr.

Running Bear, Sundown, Louisiana
          Joined June, 2004

Dr. Frankendiesel aka Scott Running Bear
Space Mouse for president!
15 year veteran fire fighter
Collector of Apple //e's
Running Bear Enterprises
History Channel Club life member.
beatus homo qui invenit sapientiam


  • Member since
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  • From: US
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Posted by jondrd on Sunday, March 9, 2008 3:36 PM

 imodelho,

      Definitely send it back. You're probably going to wind up with a replacement. I've had a MRC Prodigy Advance for some time now and I can't see what the fuss is all about vis-a-vis the pricer DCC units. My layout is about as big as it's ever going to get and the P-Advance does everything it should do across a wide spectrum of locos and decoders without any problems.

      Sometimes a manufacturing problem occurs and if the manufacturer will back their product there's no problem other than inconvenience.

  Jon

"We have met the enemy and he is us" Pogo via the art of Walt Kelly
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Posted by Anonymous on Sunday, March 9, 2008 5:10 PM

Annoying aint it?

Ship it back to MRC.

User servicable parts were obselete with the passing of replacement vacumn tubes 40 years ago.

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Posted by imodelho on Monday, March 10, 2008 6:52 AM

yes I must say that so far the prodigy express is fine for my layout, and worked well up until now.  I ahve always used MRC dc controllers.  I just couldnt spend the money for the digitrax or nce at the time.  And to be honest, I think it is alittle much to spend for a controller, but I might be forced to get one down the road....we all know you get what you pay for...

Thanks again for all the posts....

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    April 2003
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Posted by Anonymous on Monday, March 10, 2008 10:07 AM

Work on saving a little at a time. Before you know it, the funds are there. Or file and get Uncle Sam's money lol.

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