Handheld Walkaround Only- Prodigy Advance 2 DCC. If i got that controller, is that all i need to start my layout? Im trying to say what else do i need to get for that controller to work because it is wireless, where is the reciever? do i need to get a reciever for this controller to work?
A wireless throttle on its own is useless, you need a complete PA 2 DCC system plus the wireless upgrade for that to be of use. I thought you wanted to do this for little money? Adding wireless to the system increases the price considerably.
Here is the link to the complete system http://www.modelrectifier.com/search/product-view.asp?ID=6454
Simon Modelling CB&Q and Wabash See my slowly evolving layout on my picturetrail site http://www.picturetrail.com/simontrains and our videos at http://www.youtube.com/user/MrCrispybake?feature=mhum
The problem I see with the Prodigy wireless system is the non compliance with the NMRA. Non of their decoders or DCC systems follow NMRA standards. It may be a good system and you may get long life and enjoy using it,but the NMRA sets standards for a reason so each manufacture can operate on any DCC system. While there are a lot of their decoders out there most of the ones I have had contact with are just plain garbage. If the decoders are sub standard I always wonder about the DCC control systems. MRC made some great DC power packs and I have a few that are almost 30 years old and still work great.
I think in the long run you would be better off with the expandable Power Cab from NCE or the Digitrax Zephyr system. Both of them are easily expanded as your layout and hopefully budget grows.
Just my
Pete
I pray every day I break even, Cause I can really use the money!
I started with nothing and still have most of it left!
locoi1saThe problem I see with the Prodigy wireless system is the non compliance with the NMRA. Non of their decoders or DCC systems follow NMRA standards...
Like I wrote I do not have experience with their systems but I do with their decoders. None of the DCC products systems and decoders do not have the NMRA compliance stamp. It may be a great system,I do not know. To me if it does not have the stamp of compliance then I will not take the chance. It may work for their decoders but some other manufactures decoder may have programing or other unforeseen problems. Why it does not have the NMRA compliance is beyond me. Perhaps they would like to do things a little different? MRC does come out with some innovated stuff. I believe they were the first to go to 28 functions. The sound bug worked its way into the market around the same time as Digitrax sound module. I personally will keep to companies that strive to meet the NMRA stamp.
locoi1saTo me if it does not have the stamp of compliance then I will not take the chance... I personally will keep to companies that strive to meet the NMRA stamp.
This is off the Digitrax web site.
http://www.digitrax.com/faqinterop.php
The box my Power Cab came in has the NMRA stamp on it.
locoi1saThis is off the Digitrax web site. http://www.digitrax.com/faqinterop.php
locoi1saThe box my Power Cab came in has the NMRA stamp on it.