Guys, I'm new to the train world, and I need help, I'm going insane with this problem.
I have setup a basic track just for testing, one piece of flex track. Nothing complicated.
To that I've hooked up the MRC Prodigy Advance 2, running the two wires out of the main track connector on the unit, to the track. I turn it on, and when I put a train on the track, the train begins to move, lights, sound everything on.
I've tried a basic Bachmann train, as well as two MTH trains, running proto sound lights etc. All have the same problem. I've used a step down regulator thinking I might be putting too much power on the track, but no joy.
I have no control over the trains, I try to switch to the loco by selecting loco #3, nothing. I've tried to enter the programming mode on the main track to switch the loco from 3 to something else... nothing.
I know its probably something simple, but I can't figure it out. Again I am new so I'm hoping its just a basic issue I've missed...
Please help.
I have no experience with the MRC system you have, but it sounds like you're not getting a proper "DCC signal" to the track.
Most DCC decoders these days are dual-mode, in that they'll respond to a valid DCC signal when it's present, and will simply pass track power to the motor/lights/etc when they "think" there's DC on the rails.
The same behavior from all the locos makes me think it's an issue with the DCC system. It would be rare for a number of locos, especially from different manufacturers, to all have the same problem at once.
I'd start by going over the "quick start" guide in the MRC's owner manual. I assume it has one, most DCC system manuals do. Remove and re-connect everything if you have to, to be sure everything is connected properly.
A couple other things to try would be one of your locos on a known working DCC layout, and a known working DCC loco from another layout on your track.
Good luck! Post back with how you make out...
Have you set the cab number? Each throttle on a Prodigy system is assinged a number, throttle 1 is the master throttle. Perhasp the system is looking for that throttle and it's not there? The manual tells how to check throttle numbers and how to set em.
Is this all new equipment or used? Have the locos or cabs been assigned numbers already?
Modeling the Cleveland and Pittsburgh during the PennCentral era starting on the Cleveland lakefront and ending in Mingo junction
I have checked the Cab number and it is set to #1, which on the manual states its the master cab.
I'm beginning to think that it might be faulty MRC unit?
Everything was bought new and unused.
I may need to take the locos to a working track to rule out them being the problem also.
Without trying the locos on a working system, I can't see what other steps I can take to rectify the problem.
Is there a master reset you can perform on the Prodigy system??
Message deleted. What happened to the post delete function with this new forum software?
Hi NTT, and welcome.
Just checking, your MTH loco should have not problem running on factory set (3) on your 1 length test/programing track, it's the setup I've always used. Is your hand-set on same speed setting, 14,28,128 as the system and loco, that was my first problem using secondhand gear first time I set up. If it ain't, sorry for waisting my two penath.
Be in touch.
pick.
Thanks for all the replies, its great to know there is help out there.
So here's the update.
I ended up getting another MRC prodigy Advance 2... This time I had the issue of the Pilot light on the unit not turning on... A faulty product??
I was fed up so ended up purchasing a basic Bachmann EZ command system.
Guess what, everything works. Trains are stationary until I change to channel 3 issue the start up function, and away we go.
All I did was replace the two track wires that were going into the prodigy with the two wires that go into the EZ command system.
Does this make sense? Or did I do something wrong. How can a basic system like the EZ command work where as two (not cheap) MRC Prodigy Advance 2 systems fail??
I wrote to MRC and they've sent me a troubleshooting guide. I've looked through it, but doubt its anything I've done wrong. Its a simple setup, one piece of track, two wires, going into a unit that's it.
Anyhow, I was just wondering if the Bachmann system works because of the simplicity of my setup, or should the other systems work just as well as the Bachmann one regardless?
Cheers
Where you unit's new or used? If new they should have taken care of it under warranty. I have had my Advance 2 with wireless conversion for years with zero problem's and love it. I take it to the club layout hook it up and run, no problem. Take it back home hook it up and run, no problem. There are three other club member's also useing the Advance2 with no issue's. Evan Bob Grech is useing it.
You must have just got two bad apples out of the basket.
Newtotrains Anyhow, I was just wondering if the Bachmann system works because of the simplicity of my setup, or should the other systems work just as well as the Bachmann one regardless?
Although it is a basic and limited DCC system, the Bachmann E-Z Command works because what it can do it does well. I was happy with it for the year that I had one. There are pluses to simplicity.
I have no answer for the issues you are having with the MRC units though.
Tom
https://tstage9.wixsite.com/nyc-modeling
Time...It marches on...without ever turning around to see if anyone is even keeping in step.