hornblower...One of the biggest advantages to the MRC system is that the display prompts are in English and a working knowledge of hexadecimal is not necessary...
A working knowledge of hexadecimal is not necessary for any DCC system on the market.
I have owned the older MRC Prodigy Advance (not squared) DCC system for several years and have found it to be very user friendly and reliable. This system is currently powering my 10' by 19' double deck layout. I currently own only two tethered throttles but will eventually add a couple of wireless throttles. I don't know what kind of user support or service is offered for this system simply because I have NEVER, EVER needed either. Expansion is a matter of adding throttles and boosters are available from MRC for separate power districts. No, this system will not operate DC locos or interface with JMRI Decoder Pro. However, I have personally added decoders to all of my locos (none were originally DCC) and I don't find any "need" (yes, I admit it might be nice) for the programming power of a computer since programming with the Prodigy Advance is so darn easy. I have several older MRC sound decoders (no failures yet) plus a few Digitrax, Lenz and older Atlas non-sound decoders (sorry, no Soundtraxx) and all seem to play well with the MRC system. Consisting is quick and easy and instructing certain locos in the consist to operate in reverse is a breeze! The MRC Prodigy Advance systems come complete with a power supply and include built-in fast clocks, automatic train routing and other great features. Best of all, the DCC throttle bus on my layout was fabricated using CAT5 cables, RJ45 jacks and face plates purchased inexpensively from a local electronics store. I was able to purchase four two-jack faceplates, eight RJ45 jacks, two 25 foot finished CAT5 cables plus the wire insertion tool all for under $40. As the CAT5 items are all color coded, installation was rather easy, too.
I would expect the MRC Prodigy Advance2 system to be every bit as good as the older system while adding a few more features. One of the biggest advantages to the MRC system is that the display prompts are in English and a working knowledge of hexadecimal is not necessary. I guess if I really had to have access to DecoderPro I could purchase a Digitrax PR3 or Sprog II to create a dedicated programming system. Besides, I don't have a computer anywhere near my layout anyway (its in my garage).
Hornblower
Don7 made a very good point. If you are NOT going to convert those brass engines to DCC, you will not be able to use NCE systems - They do not support DC 'Zero Stretching'. Even with the ability to run DC engines on a DCC layout, the performance is usually not good and one can damage the motor if the engine is left parked for some time.
Older brass engines have a reputation for not running good through turnouts due to the rather poor electrical pick-up(RH drivers pick up electricity, and LH tender wheels return it). I have seen(and owned) a lot of brass steamers that perform smooth/slow in a 3' piece of flex track, but just start/stop/short out on a layout that everything else operates on. Make sure you test them before commiting to any control system. Most of the newer brass steam has multiple wheel pick-up/return, insulated brake shoes, and good can motors.
Jim
Modeling BNSF and Milwaukee Road in SW Wisconsin
I have the CVP Easy DCC system. I'm going to write up a review on it. Keep an eye in the forums (probably the DCC & Electronics forum)
Brad
EMD - Every Model Different
ALCO - Always Leaking Coolant and Oil
CSX - Coal Spilling eXperts
If you are running DCC and sound and Brass DC locomotives you will need a system that allows DC engines to run. Not all systems allow both DC and DCC to run.
Digitrax does allow a single DC engine to run at one time.
Note if you had two dcc engines on the layout both locomotives would move, hence you need to control each DC engine on your layout separately. I park each of my DC engines that are on the layout on a different track, when I want to use one I use a toggle switch to activate the power under that one engine.
Never leave a DC engine unattended, if you left the power on and did not use it, you may find that you fried the motor.
I also found that if you are running DCC and you have reverse loops you should never run DC engines on the layoutl
I'm currently cutting my DCC teeth on a Digitrax Zephyr (after decades of dabbling with N scale DC). The system works well and is easy to understand, though someone else will have to preach on its expandability (I'm not there yet). Any problems I've run into are due to recalcitrant engines or RTFM issues on my part; the Zephyr itself has yet to be an issue.
Go Digitrax, you won't regret it!
Stu
Streamlined steam, oh, what a dream!!
Both systems will do what you want. The Zephyr Xtra will cost less than a Prodigy 2. The Prodigy does have a walk-around throttle included.
What you need to be looking at is support and expand-ability - Even though you say you will only run 3-4 locomotives at a time. The other item to consider is a possible computer interface - You might not even have considered that, but you will find it quite useful. Programming from the throttle is tedious and you cannot 'save' your work. If you 'fry' a decoder, you can just re-load the info into the new one and you will be ready to go. The Prodigy systems do not support the JMRI standards for a computer interface, They support a MRC only interface/software package.
One system you did not mention is the NCE PowerCab system. It is less expensive than either of the above and like the Digitrax system, it has a computer interface option that supports JMRI. It includes a walk-around throttle that is compatible with the larger NCE systems. It will support your engines, a second throttle can be attached and a computer interface.
Here are some basic 'street' prices:
MRC Prodigy Advance 2 - $300 3 amp output
Digitrax Zephyr Xtra - $180 3 amp output
NCE PowerCab - $150 1.7 amp output
I have a Digitrax Zephyr Xtra for programming in my study. I have a Digitrax Super Chief on the layout downstairs. I got the Zephyr 'cheap' when a LHS went out of business. If the Zephyr system would have been available in 1997, I would have bought it. The Chief systems were the only full featured Digitrax system available at the time - Sort of overkill for a home system.
A friend has a MRC Prodigy Express system. They are widely available at a pretty good discount. How-ever, expansion is expensive. Part of the LCD display on the throttle has gone blank, and he really does not want to invest the money to upgrade the system and fix the throttle. He can buy a used Digitrax Zephyr quite cheap, and he has a Digitrax throttle as he is a member of our club. Another $70 for a PR3 computer interface, and a couple of $15 UP5 face plates for the walk-around and he will be good to go. Even if he had to lay out the $180 for the system, it is cheaper than repairing/upgrading what he has.
Why are those the only two systems you're considering? There are others that offer the same or even more features for about the same price.
Personally, I would never own MRC because it is made in China, with questionable service and support.. Digitrax, NCE, and EasyDCC, among others, are made in the USA.
Missabe Modeler
I am relatively inexperienced with DCC. I have several DCC with sound locomotives & brass DC locos. I am trying to decide with system MRC Prodigy 2 or Digitrax Zephyr Xtra is most user friendly & works well with Soundtrax decoders. I would operate at most 3-4 locos at a time on a 16 x 12 layout. Any information would be greatly appreciated.