I have installed an MRC Extension box, with the intent of using both of my throttles ( Prodigy Express that came with the package 5 yrs ago, and a Prodigy Advance2 that I purchased separately; power is provided by the MRC express system except the power supply is an upgraded MRC 4 Amp power supply.) Each throttle works fine when plugged by itself into the extension box. However, when both are plugged in at the same time, neither seems to work, or works just barely. I have two locomotives on the layout, and neither responds, or only slightly, when both throttles are plugged into the extension box. Looking for some suggestions so that I will be able to use both throttles at the same time.
Sounds like there is insufficient power to drive both throttles. MRC has a somewhat 'hidden' item which is an extension box with power supply. That's part of the 'technical' information they leave out of the manuals. That's the 1502 Extension Box. Supposedly only needed when you connect 5 or more cabs.
Did you make your own cable between the base and the extension box? If so, maybe it's not crimped properly, as 2 of the wires in the cable are used to carry power to the throttles.
Ouch at the prices when looking at these things.
--Randy
Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's
Visit my web site at www.readingeastpenn.com for construction updates, DCC Info, and more.
Does each throttle have its own cab address? If I remember correctly, some of the throttles MRC has produced over the years require that you set a cab address for the throttle when you take it out of the box and use it the first time.
If each of them thinks that it is throttle #1, they'll fight each other.
-Fritz Milhaupt, Publications Editor, Pere Marquette Historical Society, Inc.http://www.pmhistsoc.org
I seem to remember something about cab numbers - but at the time I only had one cab. I checked, and both cabs were "001". I changed the Express cab top "002", left the Advance2 cab as "001", (it has more functionality) and that fixed the problem! With both plugged into the extension box using the provided 6 ft flat cables, they both work as they should! Thanks for the solution!