It's not the MRC DCC systems that are derisively written about, it's the MRC decoders that have earned a bad reputation over the years.
Thanks Larry. One thing I have noticed is that MRC seems to get talked down about when it comes to DCC yet everyone who has MRC systems love them.
Martin
If you shop for the best price's you may be better off to get an Advance Squared (if it does not have the latest software it can be upgraded for $40.00) then get the wireless conversion. What I did was started with the Advance Squared then added the wireless conversion. Then you you have the tethered throttle & a wireless throttle for about the same money or less than going straight to wireless.
Also with the straight wireless base unit there is only one throttle port for the charging cord. With the Advance Squared there is three. When in use the battery's last a long time. As Truck stated the battery's get charged when pluged into the base station. The throttle can be used while it is pluged in chargeing. That is the only reaseon for the cord. It cannot be used without battery's while being pluged in.
I love mine. Very happy with it.
Larry
Thanks Truck. in regards to the software updates I think that is why I am seeing variations in the pricing, I think some are the older systems that haven't had the updated software.
The handheld cab gets charged when it is tetherd with the cord to the command station. There is no charging base.
As far as over charging, I am sure there has to be a voltage regulator built in to the command station, so that once the batteries are charged it will cut off the charging. If not then the batteries would over heat and possibly catch fire.
Also if you buy a recently manufactured one it wil already have the updates to date installed.
Truck.
I am wanting to upgrade from my old basic MRC Prodigy DCC system to the MRC Prodigy Advance Wireless system. I have a few questions however.
Am I correct in thinking that the newer Prodigy Advance wireless have had a software update? if so how do I tell one that has been updated?
Regarding the handheld rechargable throttle, I assume it sits in some kind of base to recharge, will it be ok if it sits recharging for long periods of time between being used - say a couple of weeks or so. If it has to removed from the base, or unplugged, will it hold the charge for a long time.
I have heard lots of good things about this system and I think it fits my needs and budget. Are there any drawbacks I am unaware of?
Thanks for any assistance.