TheK4Kid I was running two trais on my layout , both pulled by BLI steam engines with Quantum sound, and using my MRC Prodigy Express DCC sytem. Both trains stopped, but the sound systems kept working.,but neither engine would move.I turned off the power, and replaced the engines with two other BLI engines, both sound equipped.Same situation, sound, but engines wouldn't move. Next step was to disconnect my Prodigy Express system and hooked up my Bachmann Easy Command system I use for another small train layout I have.My BLI engines once again ran just fine, and all sound systems worked. Apparently my Prodigy Express system has had some kind of failure.I intend to send it in for repair through the LHS where I bought it, less than a year ago. Now I have another question. If I were to purchase a second Prodigy Express system, and my other system returns from repairs, can I use them together on the same layout?I would eventually like to run 4 trains on my DCC layout.Right now, part of my reasoning is this would also give me a second hand held to run a second train without having to change the adresss on the only handheld I have now. TheK4Kid
I was running two trais on my layout , both pulled by BLI steam engines with Quantum sound, and using my MRC Prodigy Express DCC sytem.
Both trains stopped, but the sound systems kept working.,but neither engine would move.I turned off the power, and replaced the engines with two other BLI engines, both sound equipped.Same situation, sound, but engines wouldn't move.
Next step was to disconnect my Prodigy Express system and hooked up my Bachmann Easy Command system I use for another small train layout I have.My BLI engines once again ran just fine, and all sound systems worked.
Apparently my Prodigy Express system has had some kind of failure.I intend to send it in for repair through the LHS where I bought it, less than a year ago.
Now I have another question.
If I were to purchase a second Prodigy Express system, and my other system returns from repairs, can I use them together on the same layout?I would eventually like to run 4 trains on my DCC layout.Right now, part of my reasoning is this would also give me a second hand held to run a second train without having to change the adresss on the only handheld I have now.
TheK4Kid
I find it rather amusing in this thread that it rapidly devolves into an argument about which DCC system is best rather than actually trying to help solve the problem.
Having said the above, let me ask you, is that the full extent of your trouble shooting efforts? It seems to me like you're giving up too soon. Did you read the user's manual or go to MRC's site where you can find the user's manual. Trouble shooting instructions start at page 3. http://www.modelrectifier.com/resources/trainsound/0001408.pdf
Questions:
1. When you substituted the Bachmann system, what did you do to acquire the locomotives?
2. Did you try to re-acquire the locomotives with the PE system? More to the point, why did you replace locomotives rather than try to use the originals after powering off/powering on?
3. Rather than using two locomotives, did you try to troubleshoot the problem one locomotive at a time on the tracks?
4. By sound systems working, does that mean that you could blow the whistle, ring the bell, turn headlight on/off or does it just mean that the engines made appropriate idling noises? If those functions worked, that would indicate to me that the cab was addressing the locomotive properly. If all you got were idling sounds, that's not surprising since all that depends on is voltage on the tracks.
5. How long were you running the locomotives before the problem presented itself?
6. Quantum sound systems (at least older ones) had a reputation for high current draw on startup. Could you be exceeding current capability of the PE?
Personally, I'd do a lot more testing before turning your system in for repair. I'm not saying that it's not defective, only that that I don't think that you've exhausted all possibilities.
EDIT: And then there's
Programming Broadway Limited/QSI Locomotives- Depending on the vintage of these locomotives, some program well on a program track, some program well on the mainline, and some need a combination of programming on both. These dual function, sound equipped locomotives come with a Factory Default address of #3, and as stated previously, it is better to run them first on address #3, to make sure everything works correctly. Programming a four digit address into them can be a bit tricky, due to the fact that as you program them, they talk back to you to acknowledge the programming inputs.
Programming a four digit address is a two step process automatically performed by your DCC systems programming mode. First the system inputs the correct values into CV #17 and CV #18, to assign the four digit address, then step number two, your systems inputs the correct value into CV #29 to activate the four digit address. Because this two step process is sent to the decoder in micro-seconds, the decoder misses the second step, while the decoder is talking back to you to confirm the first step. In my experience with trying to program a four digit address into them:
Place loco on program track
Enter the Program Mode on Program Track
Input in your 4 digit address, [By the way, any address from 128 to 9,999 is considered a 4 digit address in computer language].
Press the “Enter” button.
Wait a few seconds, or for the verbal confirmation from the locomotive to finish speaking.
Press the “Enter” button four more times to enter the CV Programming Mode.
Your display shows- “CV# Prog Track”, with “ _ _ _” underneath.
Input “29”, [for CV #29].
Your display now shows- “CV Prog Track”, with “_ _ _ Data”.
from:
http://ccv-on30.com/Files/ProdigyAdvancedTips.doc
Andre
I had to send my MRC unit back to MRC to have the software updated to resolve a similar problem. It's free and they send it back within a few days. Call them first, they are very helpful and ask if sending it back makes sense.