MRC's Prodigy DCC

[BRAKIE]

Donald,Being new at DCC I will state what I know to be true.You judge for yourself.Remember I am new at DCC but,a fast learner.
I recommend the Digi Trax Empire Builder II.This system has about everything you would need on your home layout.It comes with the DT3 throttle that has 2 controll knobs.You can program and has the basic consisting.Also by adding a UR90 and battery you can run your trains tetherless.
You can run up to 22 throttles and 22 locomotives and has 5 amps of power,2 and 4 diget addressing,Plus many more features.I think this wouild be all the DCC you would need on a home layout.I highly recommand it.

[Anonymous]

I'm running the Prodigy. The only major problem I've had is that the programming really stinks. Wait . . . what programming am I talking about...? :) You can only program the address. What I do is I use Digitrax DH-142 decoders so I need to program the CV's for special effects. I bought the Digitrax computer-driven that just plugs into the computer and programs any CV's with just entering the value. The functions all work very smoothly. The speed control, in my opinion, is sub-par but it gets the job done. I just load speed tables on the computer (another advantage of the program, drawing your own tables) and save them and put them on every decoder. So far, I've been quite happy for an entry-level system. I have three walk-arounds that all work well and I don't have any serious complaints.

[Anonymous]

Probably because no one knew of the problem before *some* (not all) decoders blew.

BOTH systems meet DCC standards (because of the "range" of values allowed), so WHO is at fault? Some on the Atlas Forum say that SOUNTRAXX is at fault, not ATLAS! Afterall, it isn't Atlas decoders (or anyone else's other than SOUNDTRAXX) that have this power/heat problem. And even SOUNDTRAXX states there is only damage after "prolonged" use of the sound system (their word), and were among the first to suggest the diode solution.

Frankly, I think it is easier to change the power supply than the chip, but should Atlas foot the bill for a Soundtraxx chip problem?

[greendiamond]

George:

The Atlas voltage problem is a REAL problem and has been cooking decoders! The whole point is that if this is an entry level system. The novice should NOT have to come up for a fix as a result of a design flaw of the manufacturer. The manufacturer should allow the units to be sent in "recalled" to correct the problem. A lot of DCC people are very electronics oriented and most of the newcomers are NOT and have no business applying a fix to a manufacturers problem. They want to run trains and not mess with the electronics.

You are correct that someone has come up with a "fix" for the manufacturers product, but why don't they stand behind the product and correct it themselves.

The whole point is to encourage novices and the technical people alike to enjoy DCC.

Mike

[Anonymous]

As discussed on the Atlas Forum, the problem with the Commander voltage is easily fixable by adding some diodes. The "how-to" is shown both on the Atlas web site and Tony's TTX site.

On the Atlas site, we are waiting for a person who acutally HAS a prodogy to run some tests and get back to us. He runs a model RR store, and is currently busy with inventory, but will be doing the tests asap after this task.

I would monitor the Atlas forum for the "real" story! I think both the Commander and the Prodigy are good entry systems for non-club members (face it - how many locos are you REALLY going to run at the same time on a small at-home layout??). With the "extra" functions now available with these two systems, they will give the Digitrax Genesis system a run for the money, IMHO.

- George

[greendiamond]

1) the MRC Command 2000 is a "very basic" entry system. The slide controls for speed control DO NOT allow smooth slow speed control

2) the design of the new hand control for the Prodigy, in my opinion, was not given enough though. Take a close look at it and you'll see that the majority of it is devoted to locomotive selection and not running your train. The speed control is toward the bottom of the unit. Not very comfortable to manipulate.

3) the Atlas product has had several problems since it has been released. The latest is the fact that it puts out 18volts and has been frying Soundtraxx decoders and N-scale decoders and locos.

4) I would seriously recommend looking into a Digitrax, regular Lenz, or Northcoast system.

Mike

[Anonymous]

Hi about a year ago I got a comand 2000 and I have been disappointed since and sometimes think about going back too my Chicago international with old wiring. The plus of the Super Blue power It was like running a real trainyou had full control at the lowest speed and the only thing good about the comand is the fact you can run more than one train but I find the running so inconsistant and I don't have near the control . Anyone has diffrent view about comand 20000 i would like too know why they thinks its that grreat? Thanks

[Anonymous]

Check out Atlas' DCC forum. There is a discussion there about the Prodigy system.

It sounds like it is very limited - can't program anything but basic address, only 32 locos, you must assign locos to specific throttles (can't be used by any other throttle), and it's not expandable.

If you're looking for entry level go with the Atlas or Digitrax entry level systems. Many more features, better useability, and expandable/upgradable.

Scott
http://www.halfnuts.pcs.tj

[Anonymous]

I have a couple of thoughts--first check out http://www.ttx-dcc.com/productcompare/dcccomparison.htm.

Also, Dave Lloyd at DLA is very knowledgeable about DCC systems in general and the MRC Prodigy system in particular. DLA has a website and an 800 phone number.

[Anonymous]

Great site charles - thanks

Returning to donald's orignial question; I'd also like to hear from anyone who's got any experience of using the new MRC unit; as I want to buy an entry level DCC unit and its between the new MRC Progidy and the Atlas Commander - any views anyone?

Also is Model Railroder planning to review the Progidy in the near future?

[Anonymous]

I'm not DCC but while you are waiting, trip over to www.ttx-dcc.com/
It's a great page, Analysis, comparisons & tips.

[Anonymous]

I am interested in getting feed back from anyone who is currently running MRC Prodigy ie: setup,performance,and in general use. I am currently running Command 2000 and looking to upgrade, or if anyone has a preference of any other DCC products. thanks