1st generation MRC Prodigy DCC system

[B&Onewguy]

Hi : I'm new to the hobby but have been aquiring parts and pieces for several years and purchased the above mentioned system complete with dispatcher walkaround. At time of purchase the advertizing implied that this system would be completely upgradeable as progress was made. But now it appears as if this unt has been dropped altogether and different models are being sold as upgradeable. Have I purchased a white elephant or is there any way to upgrade to their newer models with more features?  any help with this matter would be greatly appreciated.

[cacole]

Unfortunately, you cannot believe half of MRC's advertising claims.  If everything they said was true, you'd even be able to use the Prodigy to wash the dishes and do the laundry.

[simon1966]

I am afraid you are stuck without an upgrade path other than complete replacement.   Folks who purchased the predecessor system, the MRC Command 2000 were likewise left with an orphan when the first generation Prodigy came out.  MRC gets rightly slammed for their poor quality decoders.  I think they deserve as much criticism for failing to support their legacy DCC systems.  Even though there new generation Prodigy is actually quite a good system, I for one would never recommend it as I don't trust that the company will always be there to support it.

[edkowal]

B&Onewguy

Hi : I'm new to the hobby...  ...and purchased the above mentioned system complete with dispatcher walkaround...  ...now it appears as if this unt has been dropped altogether and different models are being sold as upgradeable. Have I purchased a white elephant or is there any way to upgrade to their newer models with more features?  any help with this matter would be greatly appreciated.

Hello:

What I would suggest is to sell what you've got currently to someone, telling them clearly what it is beforehand, and use that money as a start on another system with an upgrade path.  Many of the DCC systems support legacy equipment.  Unfortunately, yours was not one of them.  As you gain experience in this hobby, you'll learn what to avoid.  Everyone makes mistakes.  I do for sure.  That's why I maintain my appointmet book in pencil, and always carry an eraser.

Hope this has helped some.  Live & learn.  Enjoy this hobby.  It's one of the best there is.  I've been "playing with trains" as a hobby for 46 years now...

-Ed K

[edkowal]

Hello again!

As an example of my immunity from infallibility, check the spelling of "appointment" in my previous post.

-Ed K

[rrinker]

 Unfortunately you are stuck with MRC's second (or was that third) white elephant. Witht he current Prodigy line they seem to have wised up to the fact that people do not want to toss their old DCC system to get something newer - a strategy that seemed to work for DC power packs. You can get the Prodigy Express and later upgrade it to Advanced ^2 or Wireless capabilities. There is an announced new 10 amp system for large scale use, I wonder if it will use the same handhelds or it will be a totally different and incompatible system.

                          --Randy

 

[jwhitten]

edkowal

 

What I would suggest is to sell what you've got currently to someone, telling them clearly what it is beforehand,

 

Heck, if he does that, he'll never sell it!

John

[rclanger]

I have upgraded and so have others. From their web site:

When you're ready, you can upgrade Prodigy Express to wireless DCC...                                                                                                  All you need is MRC's Wireless Conversion Set (0001412)

[jrbernier]

Bob,

  I beleive the man has the 1st generation Prodgy.  Yes, you can upgrade the PE as you mentioned.

Jim