I recieved a MRC Prodigy system and I want to put it on the layout with a switch to keep the DC part intact so I can continue running my older equipment, but I'm not sure how to go about doing this...a DPDT switch is needed here, right? How would I wire it?
Another question...is this system compatable with LocoNET? I would like to get some extension panels for around the layout.
Thanks for your help guys...
Bob Berger, C.O.O. N-ovation & Northwestern R.R. My patio layout....SEE IT HERE
There's no place like ~/ ;)
Yep DPDT switch. One with center off position is also useful.
Track fed from center two poles of the switch, DC supply on two poles on one end and DCC on the two poles at the other end. Voila!
Also make sure that the switch is rated for at least 5 amperes.
Karl
The mind is like a parachute. It works better when it's open. www.stremy.net
I use NCE at home, and Digitrax at our club. I am currently installing signaling and detection on our club layout.
As I am seeing it, you can use most of the Digitrax modules with any DCC system. Particularly the detection, signal, and turnout boards. However, you CAN NOT connect them to any other DCC control bus except Digitrax LocoNet. What you CAN do is run a second control bus. This would be a LocoNet bus for your Digitrax boards. To control this bus, you would need to connect it to a computer via one of the Digitrax interface connections available. Control programs would have to be one of the programs that Digitrax recommends. Also, you should use all external power supplies and wallwarts for board power.
If you didn't want to go that route, CTI also makes a computer driven control system. With this system, you also have a separate control bus and have to use their hardware modules.
If your MRC Prodigy system has a computer interface on it, you may be able to also control your trains with the same computer and program. You will need to connect them together with a second interface / cable. Sorry, but I can't answer any questions about the MRC Prodigy system and what it can and can not do as I don't have one and have not even seen one.
Elmer.
The above is my opinion, from an active and experienced Model Railroader in N scale and HO since 1961.
(Modeling Freelance, Eastern US, HO scale, in 1962, with NCE DCC for locomotive control and a stand alone LocoNet for block detection and signals.) http://waynes-trains.com/ at home, and N scale at the Club.
larak..thanks. That's just what I wanted to hear. I'm going to move the turnout control over to a dedicated power supply and connect the two.... gandydancer19....I'm sorry...I meant XpressNET not LocoNET. great info to know however. I'll try again to present this question.
The question to the group.....Is a MRC Prodigy system compatible with XpressNET? I can't seem to find that info anywhere.
davidmbedard wrote:Be VERY careful. David B
Be VERY careful.
David B
David;
Could you elaborate on that?
From Digitrax, taken from the DCS100 manual.
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4.10 Using DC and DCC together on the same layout
When running between DCC track sections and adjacent conventional DC powered tracks, both rails must have insulating gaps. The DC supply used must have some form of current control.
A 5 to 10 Watt 12 Volt lamp placed in series with one of the DC power pack track leads will work for this purpose. This allows the DCC booster to drive the locomotive onto the DC track with minimum interruption and stress to the booster, decoders and locomotive wheels.
When the lamp lights as the locomotive bridges the gaps it acts as a "shock absorber" between the DCC and DC track sections. It is best to cross these gaps quickly and not bridge the DCC and DC sections for any longer than necessary.
So even with center-off you still run the risk of bridging the gap if someone forgets to center-off the toggle. And when the toggle is center-off'ed you have a dead track till you move the engine by hand. If you consist is also an issue.
Either put the lamps or run the risk.
luvadj wrote:...Is a MRC Prodigy system compatible with XpressNET? ...
...Is a MRC Prodigy system compatible with XpressNET? ...
No.