MRCs new Prodigy Advance DCC system looks tight!!

[Anonymous]

I was highly intrigued by the MR review of the Advance too. I just ordered the Dec. back issue of Model Railroad News which had a 4 page review to get another perspective, since alas I don't trust MR to report any significant flaws in their reviews.

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by ereimer

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anyone have any ideas on how hard it would be to rig something like that without the manufacturers support ? or which DCC systems interface easily with a computer ?

You can get the starter Digitrax Zephyr system and use a Palm PDA as a throttle. Interface cable is $30 and software is $25. Much less bulky than lugging a laptop around.

[rrinker]

Without support fromt he manufacturer? Downright impossible. You need to know the electrical specifications of the control bus, and you need to know the format of the data that gets sent and received on that bus to be able to construct a computer interface that can do what the throttle does.
Digitrax, NCE, Lenz, and Easy-DCC all have computer interfaces, either built in or as a simple accessory.

--Randy

[ereimer]

the PA system has a lot of featires i really like and i was seriously considering it until i emailed their tech support dept to ask if they had plans for a computer interface .

my plan is to use the computer as a programmable throttle to run one train around my (as yet unbuilt) layout while i control the local switcher making it's rounds .

their answer was they aren't currently considering a computer interface . (they did answer quickly , which is always nice to see)

anyone have any ideas on how hard it would be to rig something like that without the manufacturers support ? or which DCC systems interface easily with a computer ?

[Anonymous]

Digitrax Zephyr for me.

[Anonymous]

I bought the MRC PA because of the list of features. All the features that mattered to me were supported on this system, and it came with everything I wanted (except decoders), including the power supply. Several competing systems in the same price range did not include the power supply. The features I particularly liked were the handheld throttle (extra cost on some other systems, not available at all on others), 20 function capability, Yard Mode, 14-28/128 speed steps, four digit addressing, support for multiple throttles, etc.

The disadvantages of this system were things that did not matter much to me, such as lack of wireless throttles, lack of DC control, no PC connection, not user upgradable, etc. Of these, the feature I would most like to see in the future would be for the system to include an upgrade port, so you would not need to send it back to MRC to upgrade it.

The PA is a good system that is easy to use, and I would recommend it for anyone looking to get into DCC, unless they are looking for something with one or more of the unsupported features. The best thing anyone should do when looking to get into DCC is to look at all the features that are important to them, then compare the systems that offer those features. For some, like me, they will find a "starter" system that offers all the required features. For others, they may end up with a top of the line system, like the Digitrax Radio SuperChief or NCE Power House Pro Radio.

[knewsom]

I have had the Prodigy Advance since October as well. I agree with RDG1519 that this is a very well thought out system. The biggest concern people have with the PA is will it be compatible with other products released by MRC in the future, since the PA is not compatible with previous systems produced by MRC. Since I am using it for my home layout, and I don't require a wireless handheld, this was not a worry of mine. I have been extremely happy with it. If you buy it from Tony's you can get a 3.5 amp power supply for it separate so that it will operate more locos.

[streettrains]

I am going to go with the ADvance. I was indecided, but then did some research, read the review in MR and think that it is the one for me....

[RDG1519]

I have had this system since last October, advance reservation from Tony's. I am very happy with it. Tony's indicates a limitation on power, it is 2.5 amp. I have had up to three QSI equipped engines idling and/or running with no problem. Large layouts may require the larger power supply, I am not sure if this is standard yet. Don't forget to use large guage wire to make your bus to handle power feeds to track.

The one drawback cited by Tony's is setting the speed steps each time you re enter a loco #. This is very quick and not a problem for me, you can also use the recall stack of already used loco #'s and you avoid this.

I just enterered the CV 3 and CV 4 to the number 15 reccomended on another forum for my Broadway SW-7, I read the instructions and did it in about 30 seconds. It is that easy. My experience is DigiTrax Big Boy and I had to get the instruction book out each time I wanted to do anything, including selection of loco's. I am not bashing DigiTrax, this is good equipment, the MRC Advance system has it all over DigiTrax from an ease of use standpoint. I have two handhelds, they are large enough to see and the feel of the push buttons etc is very good. A lot went into designing this.

It is true it will not support an analog DC system. That is not a problem for me.

You won't go wrong with this equipment. Chris

[HoosierDaddy]

I'm going to be purchasing an entry level DCC system in the next few months. The ones that I've considered are the Digitrax Zephyr, Atlas Commander, and the MRC Prodigy Advance. I will probably go with the Zephyr due to expandability and the ability to use DC throttles through the jump port. One of the things that turned me off on the Prodigy Advance is that you can't run any DC locos with it. Now, I could make sure that I install decoders in all of my locos, but if any friends come over that have DC only locos, their out of luck. If it weren't for the lack of DC loco operation then the Prodigy Advance would probably be my first choice due to the nice trottle design just as you have noted.

HD

[Anonymous]

I saw their new Prodigy advance DCC system in the March MR magazine and I like the look of that handheld controller and those options. That systems looks tight!! If I just was going DCC I Would definitely go that way. Any new owners of this system yet? I like all the options and the display face with the info in it. Dont get me wrong I do really like my Lenz system I just think that the MRC looks as if it incorporated all the other manufactures Lenz including great stuff and put it in one. They handheld is like the NCE a little. I like the throttle control. It is just tight. What do you guys think?