I currently have a Bachmann E-Z command system, but I haven't gotten to use it (no layout). Lately, I've been thinking that I'm going to want something with some more kick to it but that isn't much more expensive. I came across Prodigy Express then, and it looks like it could work for me.
I have two main questions for anyone who has used this system. First, how easy is it to use? Second, is it easy to upgrade to more power and more throttles? I know there are expansion parts out there for it, but I don't want to spend a year trying to wire everything together. Thanks in advance!
I own the MRC PE and personally I love it, it was my first and only DCC system. It was extremely easy to setup, only problem I had was a faulty ethernet cord (it connects the cab to the powerpack) so I just replaced it with one of my many ethernet cords I have lying around my house.
Although it does not have a whole lot too expand too it is easy too expand, the system is fairly straight forward and gives you what you need.
I only ever used this system so my opinion is probably a bit bias...
You could consider the Digitrax Zephyr as well. It's easily upgradable and has CV readback capability, something the MRC system doesn't have if I remember correctly. It also has more power. 2.5 amps to the PE's 1.6 amps.
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David B (or anyone, for that matter), have you used the NCE power cab system? What's it like? It looks like it has some more features than Prodigy Express (fast clock?). I'd be using this on a fairly small layout (10x10) so I'd only need a few locos at a time.
Gotta agree with David and Jeffrey. Either the Zephyr or Power cab are a better choice over the PE. Prodigy Advance squared is a better choice. The PE is yesterday's system. Not that it won't do, but why spend money on obsolete equipment?
My take on the PE - it's an acceptable solution at the right price. It can do what all the more-featured systems except read back CVs or provide a computer interface at a reasonable price. Both the missing items are considered highly desirable by many (but not all) and are available on the Zephyr and PowerCab priced in the $150-$160 range.
Reading back CVs lets you know what you have programmed in the locomotive. Without readback, you are blindly writing values to the CVs (or course, this is what happens with MRC decoders anyway since they don't have readback). The PE is a serious step up from the Bachmann in that it does allow writing CVs, and has a lot more functions.
The computer interface allows you to program the decoder using a computer rather than your DCC system. Decoder Pro, a free software package, makes this very easy.
For the Prodigy Express, the workaround is to record your CV values as you write them. However, this does not guarantee the values were actually written as you intended.
Another workaround is to add a Prodigy Advance throttle (not system) - about $70 street. This gives you a second throttle, and all the features of the PA (when using that throttle) that are not on the PE - including readback of CVs.
You mention more power, and I have to ask why? How many locomotives are you trying to run at once? This drives how many amps your system needs to have. I don't know about you, but in my disaster-prone mind, I'm reluctant to try to run more than 2 trains at once. Any of the entry level systems provide enough power to do that.
The other limitation on the PE that should be considered is the maximum number of throttles that can be added. Make sure the throttle maximum and power are what you forecast for the future.
My bottom line is that the PE is worthwhile - a better purchase than the Bachmann - if priced about $100 or less. Much more than that, and I would spend the extra for Zephy or PowerCab. And if you really want the features not included on the PE now or later, than it's not worth another system trade-up and replacement later.
my thoughts, your choices
Fred W
I'll have to agree as well. I have a PE, and it does everything I need it to. I have enough power to run 2-3 engines at once, and I can change my CVs and eventually use sound decoders when I add them. I got mine for $90. For the price you can't beat what you can do with it.
The reason I asked about upgrading to more power is that I'm also hoping that the system I get will be able to transfer to an eventual larger layout sometime in the near (few years) future. For now, though, 2 (3 if I'm adventurous) engines at once will be more than enough, though a second cab would be nice.
Thanks everyone that's responded . I'm probably going to go with the Power Cab, once I have money and can find a good deal on one.