hey i was wondering if mrc is good and is it compactable with all dcc decoders or some or only MRC here i was looking at this to buy i want to go dcc and i was wondering if the MRC prodigy express dcc system is a good system thanks below is a link to it
http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXLCJ7&P=7
MRC makes very good stuff....with the notable exception of their sound decoder that goes into many of the newest upscale models that use them...such as some Athearn Genesis models.
Their DCC control systems are very good, but dozens of people have reported having trouble programming the sound decoders made by MRC, and in far too many instances, the decoders are simply defective.
If all you want is an MRC DCC control system, and you can get it at a good price comparatively, go ahead...you should be well served.
-Crandell
I really enjoy my Prodigy Advanced system. The only issue is the power switch is failing so I use a powerstrip to power up/down everything.
Like Crandell mentioned however, everyone of my n-scale decoders failed. They did replace them (thought it was a bit of a hassle) and eventually got a couple that remain working today. Comparing between Digitrax, you can actually see the difference. Solder joints and components look terrible. BTW, this was 2-3 years ago.
To sum it up, I would say it is good entry level stuff.
IMHO,
Peter
modelalaskaComparing between Digitrax, you can actually see the difference. Solder joints and components look terrible. BTW, this was 2-3 years ago.
Comparing between Digitrax, you can actually see the difference. Solder joints and components look terrible. BTW, this was 2-3 years ago.
Whose look terrible? Digitrax or MRC?
Sorry... MRC stuff looks terrible. The copper metal tabs were corroded, etc.
I just got a PA Wireless a few weeks ago and I love it. I'm still low on the learning curve but everything has been easy to learn so far and it is very intuitive. I'm sure MRC bashers can, make that will, find some fault, like it won't jump up and spit cider in your ear like some other brands, but so far it's doing the job for me.
i like my mrc steam decoders they work perfect for me ,and you cant beat the price. compared to the price of the tsunami ,i could buy another engine for the price of that thing. i think i will wait for the price to come down to try one out ,kinda like sixty dollars. they say that it will fit n scale engines but to me it just looks too big . and the best part about it it does not include a speaker.
MRC is/was the king of DC throttles going back for generations. My old "Golden Throttepack V" from 1971 lasted about 35 years. Their decoders are made for them by another manufacturer, and there have been folks who've had problems with them. I've used their "Sounder" sound-only decoders in a couple of engines and had no problems, apparently the sound and motion combo decoders are the most commonly reported to have problems.
so i should get the system i said before? and what sound decoders or any decoders for that matter are the best to use with this system? thanks
davidmbedard mreagant I just got a PA Wireless a few weeks ago and I love it. I'm still low on the learning curve but everything has been easy to learn so far and it is very intuitive. I'm sure MRC bashers can, make that will, find some fault, like it won't jump up and spit cider in your ear like some other brands, but so far it's doing the job for me. Let me be VERY clear here. No one on these forums has ever EVER bashed the quality of their DCC systems. So we need to be careful when you lump in MRC systems with MRC DCC bashing. Their systems are reliable, but their decoders are horrible. Their marketing is questionable and their customer service is poor. David B
mreagant I just got a PA Wireless a few weeks ago and I love it. I'm still low on the learning curve but everything has been easy to learn so far and it is very intuitive. I'm sure MRC bashers can, make that will, find some fault, like it won't jump up and spit cider in your ear like some other brands, but so far it's doing the job for me.
Let me be VERY clear here. No one on these forums has ever EVER bashed the quality of their DCC systems. So we need to be careful when you lump in MRC systems with MRC DCC bashing.
Their systems are reliable, but their decoders are horrible. Their marketing is questionable and their customer service is poor.
David B
Well, I was only commenting on what I've read over a number of posts, so maybe I'm off base.
Seems I remeber very dispariging comments about my MRC Command 2000 system which had served me well for a decade or more. Don't quite know how to fit that into the statement that "no one" and "ever" ( shouting edited for sake of politeness) having bashed the quality of their systems. I took it to be bashing, but maybe it was just constructive criticism without follow-up .
Are their decoders "horrible?" I have several first generation MRC decoders that continue to work fine after 10 or more years. It seems that other posters in this particular discussion like theirs as well. Perhaps we should set up a seperate fraternity of model railroders who like horrible products. Maybe we could get a group discount.
Advertising is questionable. That may be a reference to to their theme of being leaders in technology, or something like that. You're on target there. They clearly need to be held accountable for promoting their product. Let's start a write-in campaign to MRC insisting they adopt a slogan something like:
MRC -- WE'RE SECOND BEST SO BUY OUR PRODUCTS AT YOUR OWN RISK.*
*Don't call our customer service, they'll tell you your problem is your own fault.
Gimme a break!
I don't know much about their DCC contorllers but it does seem to be positive. As far as the decoders, I have one and it works as advertised. I am looking to replace it since it is extremely limited with ony 3 level settngs per sound.They need to get with the tims for sure.
Springfield PA
mreagant,Maybe you can come up with some specific anti-MRC DCC system quotes that qualify as "bashing", but until you do, my impression of the Command 2000 comments were simply about the lack of features, the lack of expandibility, and that it's been abandoned by MRC. All of which are true...so I don't know where the bashing comes in. But if you dig out the proper anti-MRC quotes, I'm willing to be corrected.
I can't comment on the original MRC decoders as I've never seen them installed nor have I used any. But, I can comment on MRC sound decoders. They are J-U-N-K, and are best avoided (and yes, that's bashing...I totally admit it). I have a lot of experience with them, as I'm the "DCC guru" for my 70-member, 10,000 sq. ft. HO club (www.ssmrc.org). We currently have over 850 locos on our roster, and I've installed or seen installed literally hundreds of DCC decoders. Believe me, nothing else gives us as much trouble as MRC sound decoders, nothing.
As for their advertising...I'm sorry, but they are bald-faced liars! Going to their website, I can see this quote: "Today, our model train controls & sound systems are the world's most popular." Really? Their sound systems are the world's most popular? How the heck can they prove that? Do they have sales figures from their competitors? Perhaps there's some government accounting agency that tallies up sound system sales that can prove MRC's outrageous claims...
Here's another: "As the world’s leader in model train control & sound system technology, we bring optimum realism to your railroad and maximum enjoyment to your hobby." C'mon, the "world's leader"? Do they have international sales figures, or do they just make that up, too? And "Maximum enjoyment"? How do they know what my "maximum enjoyment" in the hobby is, anyways? Are they now mind-readers?
"Our Tech 4 Series, featuring patented Accutec Technology, has revolutionized model railroading." Heh. Yeah, riiiiight. What was so revolutionary about it compared to the Tech II, or even the old golden Throttlepack? Momentum effects? Nope. A pot for a throttle instead of a rheo? Nope, not that either. How about LED's for various indications like, Power and Overload? Sorry, not that, either.
"MRC's Model Railroad decoders are world renowned for their highest quality, brilliant design and most importantly, their dependability." Dependability? Dependability?!?!? BWAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA! Oh, those MRC guys....they are sooo funny. They are the least dependable sound decoders I've ever had the misforture of seeing. They have, and I kid you not, a 50% failure ratio at our club. They only dependable thing about MRC sound decoders is that they are most likely to fail. They are so bad, the local hobby shop tells people not to buy them. Here's a guy turning away money so he doesn't have to deal with MRC and the constant returning of their product back to the company.
Meanwhile, let's take a look at other manufacturer's boasting from their respective websites. Please note the difference between the below from Athearn, Atlas, Digitrax and NCE and the above from MRC:Athearn: Athearn—Still Bringing You the BestWe know that you demand nothing less than the best in your layouts. That’s why, for more than 60 years, Athearn has delivered a wide range of top-quality trains that share the excellent detail, extensive features and extreme value that appeal to all modelers. Count on Athearn to provide the industry’s best blend of superior quality and affordable price.
Atlas:For 60 years, Atlas has been a leader in the world of model railroading. Atlas has its roots in model railroad track and accessory making through invention, innovation and ingenuity. Atlas has a proud reputation as a family-owned business and is well-known for quality and excellence. Between Atlas and our sister company, Atlas O, we currently manufacture track, locomotives, rolling stock and structure in N, HO, O and O-27 scales. No matter your scale, you'll find the products you need and that "You're on the Right Track®...With Atlas".
Digitrax:Digitrax is a full time professional company dedicated to bringing superior engineering, quality and affordability to model railroaders everywhere. The first time we ran a digital command control system we knew we couldn't live without one but, we couldn't afford it either. Digitrax decoders and command stations are our answers for model railroaders who want to enjoy the excitement of DCC without taking out a second mortgage. The system is affordable and flexible. You can get started in DCC for a small initial expenditure with our Zephyr, Empire Builder or Chief Starter Sets and then expand as your needs and interests dictate. Your system can be as simple or as complex as you wish, IT'S UP TO YOU!
NCE:NCE has been manufacturing DCC Products on an OEM basis since 1993. Originally we offered only “chip sets” that contained software enabling other DCC manufacturers to build DCC systems. As time went on some of those manufacturers asked us to first supply partial assemblies then complete assemblies in addition to the chip sets. This has helped NCE to grow into a full time electronic design and manufacturing firm devoted entirely to the development and sale of products for the control of model railroads. We build an amazing array of products for both our own customers, other DCC manufacturers and locomotive manufacturers. We keep labor costs low by utilizing modern automated robotic assembly for most products. Recently, we have more than doubled our manufacturing space and taken an option on an additional area to more than triple it. Paul A. Cutler III*******************Weather Or No Go New Haven*******************
Why is it that those who cannot substantiate their side of the story resort to ficticious "bashing" incidents that never occured.
a: I am yet to be converted to sound decoders (a personal thing) and
Hamltnblue I don't know much about their DCC contorllers but it does seem to be positive. As far as the decoders, I have one and it works as advertised. I am looking to replace it since it is extremely limited with ony 3 level settngs per sound.They need to get with the tims for sure.
I recently picked up my first Athearn Genesis sound unit with an MRC decoder. I was very dissappointed with the decoder, even though many other parts of the locomotive were great (i.e. details, running smoothness etc..). In comparing to other $200+ equipped sound units like Atlas, BLI, Broadway Limited Paragon etc.. the MRC decoder was subpar. It was the worst sounding sound unit in my fleet, including a number that I had upgraded myself with Digitrax Soundbugs. I saw it "was" because Athearn did a recall on the particular units due to paint errors. Athearn would be well served to move to another sound decoder manufacturer.
Engineer Jeff NS Nut Visit my layout at: http://www.thebinks.com/trains/
Steve_FWell as you have read from above most I could add has been said, but as an Advanced Squared owner and operator I would like to add; I like this control system, it is easy to use in all ways and to date there has been no reliability issues for me.
What is an "Advanced Squared"? Never heard of it. Do you have pics?
Sorry if my description was a bit vague, the link below is what I have.
Steve_F Sorry if my description was a bit vague, the link below is what I have. http://www.modelrectifier.com/search/product-view.asp?ID=7735
Oh....its an MRC Prodigy