I am using the MRC prodigy wireless system on my all DCC layout. Once in a while, quite often actually, after a train has been running, I try to stop it and the throttle does nothing. I turn it all the way to zero and the train just keeps moving along. The bell, horn, and every other function key does not work either. It's like when your PC locks up and gives you a message "program not responding". I have to turn off the handheld unit and then turn it back on and then it seems to respond. Of course, the train stops rather suddenly because the throttle is set to 0. Has anyone had a similar problem or know if I am doing something wrong? It happens if I have one train running or several. Thanks.
Is there any symptoms before it stops responding that might hint on its iminet failure? Like is something getting overheated? Does it only happen when you do certain things for a certain amount of time?
Since it operates wirelessly it can be susceptible to outside interferences from things like wireless phones, microwaves, radios, ect... I know every once in awhile my wireless phone will take out my wirelesss internet signal...
conrail92 Is there any symptoms before it stops responding that might hint on its iminet failure? Like is something getting overheated? Does it only happen when you do certain things for a certain amount of time? Since it operates wirelessly it can be susceptible to outside interferences from things like wireless phones, microwaves, radios, ect... I know every once in awhile my wireless phone will take out my wirelesss internet signal...
Although I'm not now using my Prodigy Wireless, I have had this happen occasionally. But since I got their Version 2 upgrade it happened much less frequently. I assumed that it was some type of interference but don't really know. You may want to run it by MRC Tech support to see what they say.
Jerry
Rio Grande vs. Santa Fe.....the battle is over but the glory remains!
the same thing happens on my digitrax wireless empire builder and my clubs superchief. it happens usually to one controller at a time and very randomly. even if several controllers are in use at the same time. plugging the controller back into the loconet corrects it. then unplugging it works ok. it helps to have several loconet ports around the layout. it doesn't do any damage if the train is running around a loop but it also happens when switching cars and they get pushed off the end of a track before you can grab it.
There are no warning signs. What I do now is blow the horn occasionally to see if the loco is still responding. If the horn works, then I know the loco will stop when I turn back the throttle. If it doesn't, I turn off the hand-held unit and turn it back on. We rarely use a wireless phone but I will try to make a note of what is going on in the house the next time it happens. Thanks.
I use the wireless system on my HO layout and also on a G scale DCC system outside. I have run into the same problem at different times like you. The train would keep running but not respond to the controller. If I turn it off and back on then everything works again. like you when selecting the loco, the speed will be zero. I just crank the speed up quickly to keep the engine from stopping. I purchased the wireless conversion from Tony's Trian Exchange and it does not have a sticker for version 2 upgrade but since it was back ordered at time of purchase I was told it does have the upgrade done. Other than that I enjoy using the system.
In the case of your Digitrax wireless losing control, check the following:
Jim Bernier
Modeling BNSF and Milwaukee Road in SW Wisconsin