i have been looking at the posts here and when ever the question is asked on what to get , I never see MRC Wireless. is there a problem with this unit? I am looking to have a small DCC HO layout with 2 cabs with maybe a couple consisted together so the 3.5 Amp rating should be plenty..
Thanks for the input
MRC Wireless is an excellent system that work very well and easy to learn and use. The only drawback I know of is that you cannot use JMRI to program locos. MRC has their own program that does not provide the features of JMRI and for me that rules out MRC.
Jerry
Rio Grande vs. Santa Fe.....the battle is over but the glory remains!
Let's separate control systems from decoders and decoder programing tools.
The MRC controls are first rate, I think I have S/N 1 of the Prodigy Advance. It has been a great control system for me.
MRC controls do not support JMRI decoder programming tools and for some that will use the JMRI software than this is a big issue as discussed above.
I use LokSound, and QSI sound decoder programming tools. I do not use JMRI. My SoundTraxx sound decoders are the only ones I would like to have some better decoder programming tools but I do not think they will work with the JMRI. Anyone who knows differently please let me know.
MRC decoders and sound decoders have a less than "stellar" reputation with some of the forum members.
JMRI has decoder definitions for QSI, Loksound and Soundtraxx decoders, so yes, it does work with them,
The other thing missing by MRC keeping their computer interface proprietary (that's really not the right word, Digitrax's, NCE's, and Lenz's are also all proprietary, difference is those companies provided support to the JMRI project as well as commercial software like RR&Co) is the ability to built CTC panels and so forth. It's not just JMRI, if you prefer a commercial application there's RR&Co among others, but unfortunately not for MRC users.
--Randy
Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's
Visit my web site at www.readingeastpenn.com for construction updates, DCC Info, and more.
mokenarr,
After making my earlier comment I must say that there are some who just don't really need JMRI and for those the MRC Wireless would be a great system.
Since I've converted to a smaller N scale layout, with non-sound Digitrax decoders, JMRI is not really that valuable to me. But, based on my past HO experience, with numerous more complicated sound locos, JMRI was a huge benefit. And, I was running a Digitrax system and JMRI has nice features relating to that system.
For my 3'-6" x 15' N scale layout I couldn't justify the cost of MRC Wireless, and not being sure of future features that I may want to get into, I decided against MRC and went with a NCE Power Cab. As much as I like wireless I just don't really need it as my 7' cord easily reaches all areas. And just in case I ever do want to get into some features like Randy mentions, I have JMRI. As it turns out, JMRI now allows me to run wireless via my iPod Touch. I don't really need it but it is convenient and fun. With MRC I wouldn't be able to do that.
So, it all depends on your scale, individual likes and dislikes, future plans, etc. If you don't really see the need for JMRI then MRC Wireless would be an excellent choice for you.....a full-featured 3.5 amp wireless system for a very reasonable price.
Soundtrax makes a program track booster #PTB100. I use it with my Prodigy Adv.Sq.2. And I have no
problems programing or reading back CV's on any of the top brand sound or non sound decoders.
I take that back I have not tried a QSI decoder yet
Out of curiosity, what do you mean by "small"?, and why would you need wireless on a "small" layout. I have a 15x19, and while wireless would be nice, I am quite happy with the easy to make "RJ45" connectors and tethered walkaround with memory of my standard PA, and can't justify the extra $200 plus for the luxury.
I also have at least 50 locomotives, and don't see JMRI as being absolutely necessary, partially because I have standardized on LokSound and QSI decoders, and have the programmers for both, although I still use the PA for the most often adjusted values, and to get a loco running "out of the box".
I actually wish that MRC would not have integrated their computer interface with the "wireless" component, but, I'm not sure I even need the interface, after reading the capabilities, as I already have most of them with the proprietary decoder interfaces.
This is not to say I wouldn't pick up a wireless upgrade throttle or two if the price was right.
Doesn't MRC also make a wired PC interface?
Yes they have a wired PC interface. I am using it and no complaits here.
I have a small HO layout in my garage with MRC Advance2 for control. I also use a wireless upgrade with the system. and it works quite well. i can walk around the layout without worrying about tether hookup. I also have a G Scale system outside that I am using the MRC wireless for control of those trains. Overall I'm really happy with the system and the decoders can be programed easily. Hopefully this will give you something else to think about.
Chuck
this layout will be in a 10x12 foot room , i plan to have an island and around the walls , i also want for 2 people to operate it... i suspect having tethered throttles in this type of layout would at times get tangled