Does the Prodigy Advanced Squared really deserve it's bad reputation? Everyone I talk to at Model railroad shows says it lacks quality.
No. It's a very good system, especially the wireless version. But it depends on many factors as to whether it's the right system for your situation.
Jerry
Rio Grande vs. Santa Fe.....the battle is over but the glory remains!
Thanks!
There's only two thinks I don;t liek about the PA system, the first has already been covered - no computer interface for a long time now, although they have annouced one, it will not work with the more popular software, per their ad touting proprietary software as a 'plus'
The other one is probably not a huge deal, but I think it would confuse people. After thrir third or fourth try, MRC finally has a DCC system that you can start out small and grow with - each time they came out with a new system before, it was not compatible, throttles or otherwise, with their old system. Not so anymore - hurrah! Someone at MRC finally 'got it'. However, take alook at the pictures of the throttles with each system. The physial layout of the buttons on the controlelrs is the same, but the functions assigned to those buttons changes from system to system! Assuming the upgrade path is for real - meaning if I styart with the Prodigy Express and later upgrade to Prodigy Advanced, I can still us emy PE throttle along with the PA throttle, it would be maddening to pick up one controller and press the top left button to play a grade crossing whistle sequence, and it be the second row from the bottom, right most button on the other. (sorry, I don't have a magazine handy with their picture ad in it so I can give an exact example of the F assignments). Granted, probably a small point, but a very odd issue with ergonomics and usability. Or maybe I'm way off and once you upgrade to PA you can no longer use the PE throttle - that would be worse if its true.
--Randy
Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's
Visit my web site at www.readingeastpenn.com for construction updates, DCC Info, and more.
Quote: The other one is probably not a huge deal, but I think it would confuse people. After thrir third or fourth try, MRC finally has a DCC system that you can start out small and grow with - each time they came out with a new system before, it was not compatible, throttles or otherwise, with their old system. Not so anymore - hurrah! Someone at MRC finally 'got it'. However, take alook at the pictures of the throttles with each system. The physial layout of the buttons on the controlelrs is the same, but the functions assigned to those buttons changes from system to system! Assuming the upgrade path is for real - meaning if I styart with the Prodigy Express and later upgrade to Prodigy Advanced, I can still us emy PE throttle along with the PA throttle, it would be maddening to pick up one controller and press the top left button to play a grade crossing whistle sequence, and it be the second row from the bottom, right most button on the other. (sorry, I don't have a magazine handy with their picture ad in it so I can give an exact example of the F assignments). Granted, probably a small point, but a very odd issue with ergonomics and usability. Or maybe I'm way off and once you upgrade to PA you can no longer use the PE throttle - that would be worse if its true. Unquote
Randy
One of the improvements (to me) of the Prodigy series over the NCE PowerCab is the separation of the throttle from the command station. What this means is that you can hook a Prodigy Advance (or Advance 2) throttle to a Prodigy Express system, and gain the extra functions of the PA2 throttle. It also allows unplugging the throttle without causing system shutdown. To be fair, all these same improvements are added to the NCE PowerCab by adding a Smart Booster - but that drives up system price.
I concur about the computer interface. It's expensive, but is wireless. I question not so much the proprietary software - which is supposed to be a reasonable equivalent of Decoder Pro, but whether MRC has the resources to maintain it over the long term. The folks at JMRI have lots of contributors who are willing to code the parameters of new decoders as they are introduced. I don't see MRC being willing/able to do that for all the non-MRC decoders. Thus my disappointment with MRC's direction - and probably what will drive me into the NCE or Digitrax camp.
But MRC has always marched to their own drummer. They never used the MR-popularized transistor throttle designs, and still to this day keep their DC power pack designs proprietary. Their only concession to public demand for knowledge was to ensure that they inserted separate transformers in their dual and triple power packs to enable common rail wiring - but even then, MRC didn't acknowledge the mulitple transformers; they just advertised their products as common rail compatible.
my thoughts, your choices
Fred W
I haven't heard anything bad about PA except the lack of computer interface and there is now one available. I had a Prodigy Advance (not squared) for a long time and just recently upgraded it to the wireless version and its great - no problems.
I agree with Fred. The lack of compatibility with JMRI will have my PA showing up on eBay soon. The proprietary software idea was a horrible decision on their part. JMRI is quality software, runs on any operating system, and is free!
I never considered computer connection when I bought my DCC system - didn't think I would ever need it. But as the number of locos in my collection grows, it is a pain to find the right manual to program the right CV in the right engine, and then keep a log of what I just did in case I have to undo it. With JMRI, it's easy.
I can only hope MRC realizes their mistake and decides to open their code to the JMRI developers.
Scott