Hey guys, I am going to buy a new DCC system this Christmas and I wanted to know if the MRC Prodigy Express (the cheapest one) is still good. I have 2 Broadway Limited Locos with Digitraxx decoders so I need to know if it supports CVs and 128 speed step and how many functions it has, just general things. Thanks, Travis
Travis Malek Hey guys, I am going to buy a new DCC system this Christmas and I wanted to know if the MRC Prodigy Express (the cheapest one) is still good. I have 2 Broadway Limited Locos with Digitraxx decoders so I need to know if it supports CVs and 128 speed step and how many functions it has, just general things. Thanks, Travis
This is based on studying the market rather than personal ownership.
The MRC PE is a full-featured starter set except for being able to read CVs. You can write CVs, but you can't read back what value is in the CV. This may or may not be a big deal depending on whether you use a programming track or not. In general, CVs cannot be read except on a programming track.
The other drawback (in my eyes) is the inability to easily add a computer interface that works with Decoder Pro. You can add a stand-alone programmer/computer interface such as a Digitrax PR3 or a Sprog 2 and use Decoder Pro that way. The available MRC computer interface uses MRC proprietary software that does a good job with MRC decoders, but not the universe of decoders like the open source Decoder Pro does.
I understand that you could/can add a Prodigy Advance 2 throttle to a PE set and gain the extra features of the PA2 for a very reasonable price. However, unlike NCE and Digitrax and Lenz and CVP, MRC keeps the details of their system proprietary. So how long this cheap upgrade path will survive in MRC DCC software remains an open question.
My bottom line opinion - at the right price (around $100 or less), the PE is a good deal, and a significant improvement over the Bachmann EZ DCC unit. Above $120, you are getting too close to the price of an NCE PowerCab or Digitrax Zephyr that don't have as many limitations.
my thoughts, your choices
Fred W
In addition to fwright comments, here are a few points when compared to a Prodigy Advance :
No universal consisting, therefore you can't consist MTH locos.
No routing capability.
No accessory functions.
No fast clock.
Only 16 funtions.
Poor support of advance consisting.
I think a Power Cab or a Prodigy Advance or a Zephyr to be a better option.
Jack W.
FWright and Jack, thanks for your input, although it may not be as complex as the Advance, I think it will work great for me, because im only running a small 4x8 layout but i have 2 blueline locos with good decoders so i want to have a little more control over them, now when u say i cant read the cvs what do you mean? like, can i adjust the acceleration, deceleration, volume, just simple stuff like that? im not really into the total customizing of locos and running them together... yet. Since like i said i only have a small railroad
Travis Malek FWright and Jack, thanks for your input, although it may not be as complex as the Advance, I think it will work great for me, because im only running a small 4x8 layout but i have 2 blueline locos with good decoders so i want to have a little more control over them, now when u say i cant read the cvs what do you mean? like, can i adjust the acceleration, deceleration, volume, just simple stuff like that? im not really into the total customizing of locos and running them together... yet. Since like i said i only have a small railroad
The PE will let you adjust the CVs (configuration variables) by writing new values into them. In other words, you can write a new value for momentum, volume, start voltage, top voltage, etc. But you can't read what value is stored in the CV. So you have to write down what value you wrote in a notebook to know how to adjust the CV to get the desired result.
Decoder Pro software makes CV adjustment very easy. With a suitable interface to your computer, the decoder is identified, as are the purpose of each CV and its current value (without using the decoder manual). Graphical sliders on your screen adjust the desired CV, and then the appropriate value is written to the decoder. Decoder Pro keeps a record of the last written CVs by locomotive for recall at any time.
Travis Malek im not really into the total customizing of locos and running them together... yet. Since like i said i only have a small railroad
Travis:
I know where you are coming from, having been there myself so I'll offer you some advice to take or leave. Model Railroading and DCC is like a progressive disease - once you have it you will want to keep doing more. If you limit yourself now you will be sorry later when you have exhausted all the simple things and want to progress to another level. You may not think that you will want to tweak CVs, run consists or play with sounds but, I bet you will. So get the best you can now and enjoy it later when the bug really bites. Just my obviously slanted opinion.
Joe
Travis, if it works for you that's all that matters. For the layout you have and the amount of loco's, you're all set. If you want to know more about your system there is a Yahoo MRC group. I don't know the address but you can google it or I'm sure someone here will chime in wiht it.
Good Luck and welcome to the forums.
Springfield PA
fwright Travis Malek FWright and Jack, thanks for your input, although it may not be as complex as the Advance, I think it will work great for me, because im only running a small 4x8 layout but i have 2 blueline locos with good decoders so i want to have a little more control over them, now when u say i cant read the cvs what do you mean? like, can i adjust the acceleration, deceleration, volume, just simple stuff like that? im not really into the total customizing of locos and running them together... yet. Since like i said i only have a small railroad The PE will let you adjust the CVs (configuration variables) by writing new values into them. In other words, you can write a new value for momentum, volume, start voltage, top voltage, etc. But you can't read what value is stored in the CV. So you have to write down what value you wrote in a notebook to know how to adjust the CV to get the desired result. Decoder Pro software makes CV adjustment very easy. With a suitable interface to your computer, the decoder is identified, as are the purpose of each CV and its current value (without using the decoder manual). Graphical sliders on your screen adjust the desired CV, and then the appropriate value is written to the decoder. Decoder Pro keeps a record of the last written CVs by locomotive for recall at any time. Fred W
Except - DecoderPro does not work with any MRC system as MRC has decided to keep details of their interface proprietary. All of the other major brands, plus most of the European systems we rarely see over here all work with JMRI.
--Randy
Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's
Visit my web site at www.readingeastpenn.com for construction updates, DCC Info, and more.
I have a Prodigy Express that was upgraded to an Advanced squared and I have relegated it to programing decoders and test track duty. I only paid $39.00 for mine form an LHS that was going out of business but when you can buy an NCE now a days for the same or in some cases less money it's hands down NCE Power cab. Even if the MRC unit was a little cheaper I would still go with NCE. This may sound strange but cost should not be what drives yo to purchase your dcc system. If your only going to save lets say $25 or $30 how much will you loose by not having a system that offers more and has the ability to grow with you as your needs may increase.One thing I can say on MRC behalf is that the Express is a very user friendly system. Heck if my brain dead teenager can operate it anyone can.
rrinker Except - DecoderPro does not work with any MRC system as MRC has decided to keep details of their interface proprietary. All of the other major brands, plus most of the European systems we rarely see over here all work with JMRI. --Randy
Randy
Please read all my posts in the thread before telling me I'm omitting key information. I pointed out in the beginning of the thread that MRC used proprietary software for their computer interface, and that the MRC software on the MRC computer interface only had equivalent functionality for MRC decoders.
I also pointed out that the only way to use JMRI/Decoder Pro in conjunction with MRC was to purchase a SPROG 2 or PR3 to program independently of the MRC system.
In the post you quoted, I was pointing out why JMRI/Decoder Pro was an easier solution than the notebook writing/decoder manual/writing individual CVs from the MRC Prodigy Express. But if you are only going to tinker with a few CVs on a couple of locomotives, the JMRI/Decoder Pro with a SPROG or PR3 may well be overkill for the OP. He seems set on the MRC PE - at the right price I think it's a fine way to get started. And definitely an improvement over starting with a Bachmann EZ Command.
As a PE owner I believe that it's just fine for a small layout. The cost is right and it's very easy to use right out of the box. If one has a larger layout with more than say 10 locos then there probably better choices.
But for a 4x8 with 2 or 4 locos I vcouldn't justify any way to use JMRI, I simply don't need it.
Getting the PA throttle is a cheap way to upgrade and makes sense especially if you intednd to have other operators.
Some bemoan the fact that MRC is keeping info propriatary and the upgrade path limits you to using their products. So what? IF you are really hardcore in playing with your DCC system AND know what fits what and how to make em fit then go ahead and run stuff from different manufacturers. OTOH if you want stuff to plug in and work as expected without a lot of headscratching then let the manufacturer do the thinking and use their system as a system.
The PE will suit me fine while I build my dream layout and if/when I ever do outgrow the PE, DCC will likely be obsolete technology.
Modeling the Cleveland and Pittsburgh during the PennCentral era starting on the Cleveland lakefront and ending in Mingo junction
It's not just about the use of third party equipment like signalling controlelrs and block detection. It's about makign it easier to program decoders. And making dispatcher panels, and maybe automating some operation. With almost every other system on the market you have free software from JMRI or commercial software like RR*Co. Neither of which will work with an MRC system thanks to MRC's attitude. Sure, MRC has their own computer software for programming - but does it have decoder definitons for QSI decoders? Does it have the new BLI Paragon II? How do you add definitions for that new SuperAmazing Mark 3 sound decoder that comes out next year? Simple: you don't, and you can't. Not so with JMRI and the commercial programs. It DOES matter.
The wider choice of options for other things like signalling and detection are just icing on the cake. MRC doesn't even have a proprietary option for that.
JoeinPA i know exactly what u r talking about, but like i have said, i am only runny two locos and a tiny layout, and im still in middle school so obvioisly i wont be rebuilding a new layout anytime soon, thanks though.
hey guys, i went to the lhs today and since it was my birthday my dad put in some money and i got the advance squared, i havnt played around with it, it is still in the box, but ill tell yall as soon as i get it runnin
Travis,
You are going to love the PA2. It offers so much more than the PE so if one can afford it then that's the best way to go. Have fun.
Jerry
Rio Grande vs. Santa Fe.....the battle is over but the glory remains!
yeah, i havnt done anything except for read the instructions like 5 times and im already excited
Travis, your going to love your Prodigy Squared. I have one, and I love it. You said your locos where DCC, are they sound also?? If there sound, you should figure 1amp for ea loco. So, you need a system with at least 2amps power it your running two 1 amp locos at a time. The Prodigy Adv. Sq. has 3.5amps, so you will have plenty of power.
yeah, two bluelin DCC locomotives, sound and dcc ready :)