MRC Prodigy Wireless

[jwils1]

K4Kid,

If a computer interface is really important to you, and cost is not a major factor, then a choice of either NCE radio or Digitrax radio would no doubt be a wise decision.  I’m a huge Digitrax fan but until their duplex radio is available NCE duplex radio looks very good.

However, I would like to put in a plug for MRC Wireless.  If one wants a terrific duplex radio system, and a computer interface is not important to you, and if cost is a major factor, then MRC wireless is really a good solution.  MRC will have a computer interface in a few months.  The jury is out as to whether this will be a really worthwhile interface, and some feel the cost may be too high for what it will not do.  Don’t know where David gets his $280 MRSP.  MRC reduced the price on their website at one time and now it’s not listed at all so we don’t know what the actual MRSP or street price will be.  But whatever it is, for the budget minded person, who doesn't neccessarily want the interface, MRC Wireless could be a very good choice.

But, never-the-less, considering that NCE radio includes a built-in computer interface, it makes their system hard to beat if one needs to purchase duplex radio today, and the cost is acceptable.I currently have a dual system, and can run either Digitrax tethered or MRC Wireless.  My original intension was to use the MRC until Digitrax duplex is available and then upgrade to that and sell the MRC.  But the more I use the MRC the better I like it.  I will wait until their interface is available, see exactly what it can or can’t do, and then make a decision.

 

But I have to admit, that for the serious modeler who wants to enjoy all of the amazing possibilities that DCC can offer, NCE or Digitrax radio systems are the way to go.

[TheK4Kid]

 rrinker and David,

 Thanks for the replies.
I think I'll try an NCE, been doing some research, and NCE and Digitrax seem to rate the two best systems.
I am talking to the LHS about trading miine back in and getting credit for either an NCE or Digitrax, probably will go with a wireless sytem. I don't mind paying for quality.

TheK4Kid

[rrinker]

 Announced but not yet released, and per their ads they say it only works with their proprietary software, not the free JMRI or other commmon commercial software like Railroad and Company. Go with the NCE or Digitrax, far better support from those companies for the community and vice-versa. I don;t think anyone has more third party compnents made for it than Digitrax. You have all the 'genric' components that work with pretty much any DCC system plus Digitrax-specific products from RR CirKits, Team Digital, CML, and others.

                                --Randy

 

[TheK4Kid]

 Does anyone know if the Prodigy  wireless system has a computer interface?
The LHS doesn't have one I can look at.

I have a Prodigy Express, but keep having problems with the power supply, it's been replaced twice now, and this makes three power supplies that have failed.
I am leaning towards purcashing an NCE wireless system instead, but wanted to look at all my options.
I may go with a Digitrax wirelss also.

 

TheK4Kid