MRC Command 2000 DCC system with handheld remote

[krump]

I need some feedback on this item - one of the local club members is upgrading his DCC.
knowing that I intend to go with DCC now, he has offered the above noted system to me for $65 Cdn ( approx $55 USD), - a way to start with DCC as I redo my layout... I think that the price is right, and I probably will use it for the next 10 yrs, but I know very little about it. This Particular item has been slightly modified so that you can control as many as 10 locomotives with it - with one remote (rather than 2) - I trust the seller - club president, he knows this kind of stuff, and he doesn't settle for inadequate items. He is buying a newer, better DCC
it's probably more than I will ever need, and my budget is a legitimate consideration for me. I just don't want to buy an item that is too outdated, or of mediocre reputation - that noted, the alternate choice for me at this time would be a starter level DCC option
my questions are:
1 how good is this system?
2 how old is it?
3 how is the price? compared to other DCC entry level systems
4 should I consider it, buy it ? or save more an get a newer, better, and more costly DCC system?

[Anonymous]

Availability and price are both found in this offer. It seems to me a good way to get into basic DCC.

[Anonymous]

Good Morning Krump:

If you buy this with the idea that it's a stop gap measure, it's probably a good deal. Remember that he used it as a starting point and is now moving on to something else. You will probably be doing the same thing. The locos that you put decoders into wont have to be changed nor will the wiring when you move up. If you want a system to build on, I don't think this would be the way to go, but it is a cheap way to get into DCC.

Let the coffee clubbers know what you decide.

Have a blessed day and remember SANTA FE ALL THE WAY
Bob

[bcammack]

I'd buy it for that price. Any more and I'd start looking at a used Atlas Commander or a new Bachmann EZ-Command system.

[jwmurrayjr]

For that price it a good way to get into DCC. Many folks have used the MRC 2000 for many years and some still do.

See this web site for some info and ideas:

http://members.shaw.ca/sask.rail/dcc/c2k-mods/c2k-mods-index.html

Have fun!

[ksax73]

I say don't depend on this system for too long. I've got two and both have failed me. One is just barely working.

[Anonymous]

Sounds great. Its an inexpensive way into dcc. As one who has been there and done that with MRC 2000, my only suggestion is the decoders you use. Use decoders that are capable of 4 digit and 128 speed. When you upgrade you won't be hindered by the decoder. Still replacing my MRC 310's.

[Budliner]

I have a few command 2000's and say get it its a good deal to get your feet wet
but watch out for the lights on your locos dcc is a bit more pwer and zaped a few proto bulbs on me but I still use dc most of the time


K-

[PennsyHoosier]

If you don't want it, I'll buy it. [;)] Seriously, from all accounts it's a good system. And if you need to upgrade in a few years--well, that's happened before, hasn't it. [(-D]

[Anonymous]

I own two Command 2000 systems. One for my wife's N scale layout and one for my HO layout. We are both extremely pleased with the ease of operation and set up and for a system that only needs 10 loco addresses or less it works great.

I have the walkaround throttle on mine and it works good since I run 5 to 7 loco addresses at the same time (some are multiple units and run on the same address)

For my HO I have a Digitrax Power supply and for the N we use the MRC power supply so we can switch to twelve volts and not overheat the passenger car lighting. This is not an issue on the HO.

Anyhow, for the price, sounds like a good deal......... I got both ours on Ebay at $50 each and $15 for the handheld. Power supplies also came on Ebay with some decoders and stuff....

If you aren't into sound or a lot of extra functions, they are very good units. I run the heck out of mine all the time. When I decide to upgrade to sound or get more locos, I would probably go with the Prodigy Advanced. My $.02 worth.

[Anonymous]

I just wanted to agree with some of the posts above that mention to buy decoders that allow 128 steps and 4 digit addresses. They will work with both the modest control units and will be ready for 'full function' in the event you upgrade to a more capable front end. Mike and I choose a Lenz system and so far have used Lenz decoders, which we find work just fine. Digitraxx deciders are very popular in our geographic area and work very well for our friends who use them. The very slightly higher cost of the decoders will easily pay forthemselves in NOT having to replace them when you upgrade. 128 step decoders will also allow to run your lococ at most any location with great performance. Some of the latest decoders DO have integrated sound chips, buts thats kinda of a luxury. If you have the room, specialized sound cars can be added anytime in the future.Jennifer

[krump]

this is great info - esp the decoder details (hadn't thought about that), I had believed that all DCC decoders were the same actually. thanks for the info everybody...

one further question - the MRC Command 2000 indicates a selection for HO/N and another selection for G, I would like to know if this System will also work for On30 ? if so, would the G selection be best?

[Anonymous]

On30 is based on using HO track and loco mechanisms. Of course the bodies of the locos and cars are 1/4 inch to the foot [ 1/48 ] but the great cost savings compared to accurate scale On3 is that mass produced, low cost, well developed and trouble free mechanisms can be used by the manufacturer, hence a low cost to the consumer. Since the whole 30 inch gauge thing is based on HO mechanisms, AND the typical trains that you will find in On30 will be short weighing less than a typical HO freight or long passenger train, your best setting would be HO. The G scale trains are very heavy, and take a lot of currrent and voltage compared to the tiny HO and N, the settings that are optimesed to give you good control with such a big load, will probably result in poor operating if used on much lighter/smaller trains.

Glad to see you thinking about O scale. I've been in narrow gauge O scale for decades and love the old-timey aspects to it.
Jennifer

[Texas Zepher]

I own two of the units and found them to work just fine. Hard to beat for a starter set. The kids used one for shows with their HO modular layouts at Youth In Model Railroading. That way they could both run trains at the same time. The other unit is serving Christmas tree duty on the G-scale side of the house.

There are only 14 speed steps so newer generation decoders must be programmed accordingly.

Also note that to run 10 locomotives you have to switch back and forth between channel A and B. Not fun, I always forgot which was which. So we run 5 trains simultaniously and let the other 5 sit at the roundhouse. That way we only had to switch channels when we switched locomotives. Practically though we only really ran 3 locomotives at a time.

Since my kids are out of YIMR now, and I now have a Digitrax Zephyr sitting idle most of the time, I should probably assign it to Christmas tree duty and sell the MRCs off.

[krump]

more great info - thanks
I handn't heard of the 14 steps and the newer decoder "adjustments" - good to know
I think I'll take this deal