MRC Prodigy Advance - Difference of 'Program' and 'Main' Track

[mitcher]

Hi all! Complete newb to DCC. I have a 13"x96" switching layout and would like to use DCC.

I only have two blocks: the 'mainline' through the town and the other block is all the other sidings. The mainline is power routed via double pole switch and currenly has no power - at some point I thought I would connect the layout to an oval and have through trains interrupt switching by parking the switch locomotive on a siding, flip the switch routing power from another power pack to control the run through then flip it back to give mainline power to the switch engine.

I ran 16 guage wire for power and ran feeder wires about every 16".

I'd like to use DCC for my two DCC equipped locomotives and was looking at the MRC Prodigy Express. The manual indicates to connect two wires to the 'Program Track' and two to the 'Main Track' and I have no clue what they are and need some guidance.

Thanks! Bob

[RR_Mel]

To program a decoder from the Prodigy controller you have to use the “programming track” terminals.  If you tried to program your layout and had several DCC locomotives on the track it is possible to ding them.

 

I only use the “Main Track” for my layout.  I remove the controller and program my locomotives and decoders at my computer workstation using the “Program Track” terminals.  It’s much easier to program decoders using JRMI software than using the Prodigy handheld.  

 

 

 

Mel

 

Modeling the early to mid 1950s SP in HO scale since 1951

 

 

My Model Railroad   

http://melvineperry.blogspot.com/

 

Bakersfield, California

 

I'm beginning to realize that aging is not for wimps.

 

[mitcher]

Thanks, Mel! Don't know why they didn't make that clear in the manual.

What I can do when running DCC is to connect the 'Programming Track' wires to the now empty terminals on my double throw switch. Throw the switch and the main track can be used for programming.  Flip the switch back which will be connected to the 'Main Track', put more locos on the layout and have fun!

Regards, Bob

[RR_Mel]

Using the Prodigy handheld to program is a bummer.  Randy got me into using JMRI (freebee) and it not only makes it real easy to program but you can save the parameters so if you need to reprogram a decoder it’s a breeze.  The MRC USB adapter is a bit pricy but to me well worth the investment.

 

 

 

Mel

 

Modeling the early to mid 1950s SP in HO scale since 1951

 

 

My Model Railroad   

http://melvineperry.blogspot.com/

 

Bakersfield, California

 

I'm beginning to realize that aging is not for wimps.

 

[tstage]

Bob,

FWIW, I would suggest look at DCC systems more capable than the MRC PE.  Digitrax or NCE would be better choices for purposes of expandibility, features, and reliability.  Both systems can also be used to program in Programming Track mode or Programming on the Main (POM) - with or without JMRI.

Tom

[RR_Mel]

Tom

 

It depends on what one wants.  I’m quite happy with my 10 plus year old Prodigy on my 14’ x 10’ layout.  It will do everything I want and I don’t need any of the costly expansion add-ons that everyone talks about on the forum with other systems, less to go wrong too.

 

My layout isn’t large enough to run more than a couple of trains at one time so the Prodigy is perfect for me.  I run several different brands decoders and haven’t found anything I can’t do with the Prodigy controller.

 

The 3½ amp power pack is more than enough to power as many locomotives as my layout will permit and I’ve never seen the current higher than 3 amps.

 

 

 

 

Mel

 

Modeling the early to mid 1950s SP in HO scale since 1951

 

 

My Model Railroad   

http://melvineperry.blogspot.com/

 

Bakersfield, California

 

I'm beginning to realize that aging is not for wimps.