MRC stepping up to the plate with new DCC system

[Anonymous]

Has anyone heard anything about the New MRC advanced DCC system? On their webpage they have it advertised as and advance DCC with LCD screen with a late summer release. I have an order for their prodigy system but if this one is going to be better I'll cancel my order and get this one. The list price is 289. Any info would be greatly apprecaited. Could this finally be MRC producing a nice mid range dcc system?
Andrew

[fmilhaupt]

Tony's Train Exchange (http://www.tonystrains.com) has a blurb with some initial specs and photos.

The throttle resembles a smaller, stripped-down version of an NCE ProCab, except with a large knob at the bottom for speed control.

The new system corrects a number of shortcomings that had put the previous Prodigy system on my "wouldn't even consider it" list. It supports up to 32 throttles, four digit addresses, programming either "on the main" or on a separate programming track, up to 19 decoder functions, will allow you to program any CV now (with read-back capability), and supports 128 speed step operation.

It looks to be a far superior system to the previous Prodigy system. It looks like it could be a viable mid-range competitor.

[dave9999]

I bought the Prodigy a couple of years ago and returned the next day. I ordered the
Digitrax Zephyr and have been satisfied with it. Since then I have always told anyone
thinking about buying the Prodigy to beware of the shortcomings of this system.
But, after reading about the Prodigy Advanced, it's seems MRC might have gotten
it right on this one.

I've always use their DC power packs and they are IMO some of the best for the price range. But I'm a little concerned about the price of the Advanced. At $289, does it
really offer enough to justify the cost?

On the other hand, the Advanced system offers one full amp more (3.5) and will
handle 32 trottles (Zephyr will handle 20).

The Advanced system will control 19 functions
The Zephyr controls 10 functions.

Now you could compare it to the Empire Builder at $349
But the Empire Builder does not allow decoder feedback while programming.
And you have to purchase a power supply seperately.

Confused yet?? Yea, me too. Dave

[earlfrye]

Do a search on the web I found wholesaletrains.com has Prodigy Advance for $169.99

[knewsom]

I have the Prodigy Advance and have been extremely pleased with it. In order to power it at the full 3.5 amps, you have to get a separate power supply that it comes with is only 2.5 amps. I highly recommend Tony's if you have any questions ( and for purchasing).

[jdolan]

How long are the hand held cords on the prodigy advanced? that is not list anywhere that I can find.

[Anonymous]

MRC has been an outstanding suplier of DC power packs for a long time. I have one that was purchased in 1988 that still is good as new. Their initial entry into DCC was not very impressive so I'm glad to see they are bringing up the quality, features, etc.. DCC would appear to be the wave of the future and I would hate to see a reliable long time suplier like MRC drop by the wayside.

[tstage]

Andrew,

Tony's Train Exchange (http://www.tonystrains.com/) has the PA DCC system on sale through the middle of January for $199.95. (See direct link: http://www.tonystrains.com/products/mrc_components.htm)

The PA system is indeed available from wholesaletrains.com (link: http://www.wholesaletrains.com/Search2.asp?Search=Prodigy&scale=HO&Submit2=++Search++) like earlfrye mentioned. That's a terrific price but a word of caution: They may not offer any technical support for the product like Tony's Train Exchange would. Something to keep in mind...

Tom

[Pennsy58]

The cord for the handheld is about 4 feet long.

[streettrains]

Does MRC have wireless too? Getting ready to make my digital purchase.... so this is all new to me...

but learning slowly...

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by GrandFunkRailroad

Does MRC have wireless too? Getting ready to make my digital purchase.... so this is all new to me...

but learning slowly...

I sure wouldn't buy without looking very strongly and Digitrax. You can't beat their "upgradability". I started with the Empire Builder and moved up to Chief. If you started with Zepher it will up grade all the way to Chief as you need it. Their customer support is the best I've found.

Bob

[Ibflattop]

When it comes to DCC I think Digitrax would be the way to go. It seems to have everything and once you know how to do it its easy!!!!!!!!! Kevin

[Paul3]

The Prodigy Advance is certainly a lot better than the old Prodigy. My hesitations relate to past experience with MRC. While their powerpacks remain the standard, their later offerings in sound and models are lacking, to say the least.

For example, they made the sound board decoder for the new Athearn Challenger. A fellow club member tried out two of them, and neither would program on our layout at all. In fact, they stopped working entirely. This is not good.

A friend of mine bought two B&O F7's from MRC. One of them is missing the black paint for the stripe, while the other one has it.

Finally, the new Prodigy Advance is not compatible with the old Prodigy.

IOW, I'll withhold final judgment until I get to play with one.

GrandFunkRailroad wrote:

QUOTE: Does MRC have wireless too?

Not that I've seen. And since they've never bothered to do a wireless DC throttle, I seriously doubt they'd do a wireless DCC system.

Ibflattop wrote:

QUOTE: When it comes to DCC I think Digitrax would be the way to go.

While I am a Digitrax user and owner, and I highly recommend them, it's not for everyone. If price is the most important feature, there are cheaper systems like Atlas, and if one wants the most features, there are systems like Zimo. The thing with Digitrax is that you get the most "bang for the buck", and it's a leader in new technology (one gets features with Digitrax that other companies take years to deliver).

For me, wireless control is very important. I can't imagine going back to tethered throttles now. Sure, it wasn't cheap, but the freedom to move around is worth it.

Paul A. Cutler III
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Weather Or No Go New Haven
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