I am looking at getting the Prodigy Wireless system for my Ho layout. My layout will be roughly 9'x14' and running mostly 2 trains but possibly 4 at the most to start with in phase 1 which I am currently on. My main line will be continuous without a reverse loop, I believe. Would the 3.5 amps that the Prodigy Wireless system have be enough for that and with the size of the layout should I have more than 1 section or should I break it down to more than that? I am still working on the final details of my layout but will consist of 1 mainline, 1 or 2 sidetracks for meeting trains, several spurs to elevators and businesses and a yard. Just to let you guys know I am not very handy when it comes to electricity, so I hope you guys bear with me. I will have a main bus line with feeders off of that every 3-6'. Thanks Brad
For my HO layout, I have the Prodigy Advance Squared that is also rated at 3.5 amps. I don't have any boosters. The layout is a converted DC layout, roughly 10 x 10 with a small three track yard. Total running trackage is probably 100' or so. Technically, I probably have 15 feeders ranging from 2' to 12' (all running from the central control panel of the original blocks). Voltage readings are consistent throughout the layout and the quarter test passes everywhere as well. I have no problem with two trains on continuous running. I have also had one train running around while using the other to switch in the yard. The bulk of my Christmas list is more decoders, so I'll find out how it works with a couple more trains in a few weeks. I think the Prodigy Wireless should work for your plan.
Emman
3.5 amps is plenty of power for 4 trains.
The Prodigy wireless system is a very easy to use start-up system for beginners. It offers more flexibility than Bachmann's EasyDCC.
However it is not as easy to expand as other systems like Digitrax Zepher Xtra, or NCE's Power Cab.
If you ever expand to a larger layout you'll probly want to upgrade to one of the systems above.
Just food for thought.
Don - Specializing in layout DC->DCC conversions
Modeling C&O transition era and steel industries There's Nothing Like Big Steam!
Thanks for the reply's guys.
emman, if I did choose MRC and expanded my layout or decided to run more trains couldnt I get a booster and put it inline with the power supply of the MRC? Or couldnt I just purchase their 8amp booster and put in a circuit breaker as they recommend.
I do have somewhat of a budget and for what I want and need now the MRC Express Wireless fits into that and pricing what I would need via Digitraxx would run me more $$$ than I can spend. I would really like the Wireless controller and I couldnt find a system from Digitraxx that would be cheap enough.
I have the Prodigy wireless , my 1st DCC system , and i love it. It is ez to use and program. My layout is about 10x12 , i have wired it into 3 sections, though not with any circuit breakers. I run 2 engines and have had no problems. And the walk around with the wireless is just way to cool.
Going by MSRP, a Zephyr Extra plus DT402D plus UR92 would be ablut the same as the Prodigy Wireless and you'd have effectively 3 throttles - the DT402 has two knobs, plus the Zephyr console. And support by ALL the model RR software makers - free JMRI plus pay programs like RR&Co, and a wide open expansion with compatible equipment offered by at least a dozen manufacturers.
Just saying...
--Randy
Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's
Visit my web site at www.readingeastpenn.com for construction updates, DCC Info, and more.
Thanks for the reply. I have found a new MRC Prodigy Wireless for $340+ shipping, and the cheapest I have found for that setup for the Digitrxx is $380+ shipping. Pretty close in price though.
Yes, you are correct. That's my plan as well. As you probably know, MRC also offers a computer interface if that's something you're interested in.
rrinker Going by MSRP, a Zephyr Extra plus DT402D plus UR92 would be ablut the same as the Prodigy Wireless and you'd have effectively 3 throttles - the DT402 has two knobs, plus the Zephyr console. And support by ALL the model RR software makers - free JMRI plus pay programs like RR&Co, and a wide open expansion with compatible equipment offered by at least a dozen manufacturers. Just saying... --Randy
BDPThanks for the reply. I have found a new MRC Prodigy Wireless for $340+ shipping, and the cheapest I have found for that setup for the Digitrxx is $380+ shipping. Pretty close in price though.
BDP Thanks for the reply. I have found a new MRC Prodigy Wireless for $340+ shipping, and the cheapest I have found for that setup for the Digitrxx is $380+ shipping. Pretty close in price though.
Assuming those prices are accurate, you're leaving out the fact that the Zephyr has a (single) throttle and that the DT402 can control two locos at once (not talking recall stack here, but two locos at the same time). So the Zephyr combo, which can control 3 locos out of the box, would seem to be the better deal over adding another throttle to the MRC.
Plus, the Zephyr can also handle two jump throttles. So even if you don't have any old power packs around, and have to assemble your own jump throttles from 9v batteries and a couple of potentiometers for maybe another $20 or so, now you can control 5 locos at once. That Zephyr's looking even better.
emman Yes, you are correct. That's my plan as well. As you probably know, MRC also offers a computer interface if that's something you're interested in.
Unfortunately, though, MRC refuses to release their interface's protocol to anyone, so you're stuck with their software. And in my opinion, their software really pales in comparison with JMRI (I've tried both).
Brad, something is not clear to me, are you looking into the Prodigy Express wireless or the Prodigy Wireless?
Jack W.
Brad,
I think you did leave out the UR92 in your pricing. For example, John's Hobbies has the ZephyrXtra/DT402D/UR92 for $487 plus shipping, and their prices are usually pretty good.
The Prodigy Wireless should work great for your situation. It's a fun system to use and very easy to learn. I personally use the Zephyr/DT402D/UR92 and love it, and think it's the better system in the long run. However, if you are on a tight budget then the Prodigy Wireless would be a good choice.
Jerry
Rio Grande vs. Santa Fe.....the battle is over but the glory remains!
CSX Robert and jwils1, yea I did leave that out so it would add more cost to my previous quote.
jalajoie, I am looking at the MRC Prodigy Advanced 2 which is model# 1410 and is wireless that has an output of 3.5 amps.
My layout is going to be somewhat small and only running 4 loco's at one time at the most in the near future. It will take me a few years to get it completed (if there is ever a completed layout in MRR) so it will be small for awhile. If I need to run more trains then I can possibly add more power to it with inline power booster.
I appreciate all the responses, it help out tremendously.