Hi, I am in N scale but am looking at a small switching layout in HO using dcc just so I can explore the wonderful world of dcc. I am currently looking at the MRC 1420 Prodigy Express 2 which is a hand held, and MRC Prodigy Explorer, which looks like a power pack. Has anyone here had any experence with these? How easy are they to hook up and use? The price difference between the two is $40. Thanks, Ralph
Ralph,
How many locomotives do you anticipate operating on your layout at a giving time? Will others be switching with you? Will you be experimenting with sound?...or lighting effects?...or CVs (configuration variables) to make your switchers operate like the prototype - i.e. slowly?
While the MRC Prodigy Express 2 (PE2) is a decent system, there are better and more functional DCC systems on the market for about the same price: NCE Power Cab and Digitrax Zephyr - to name a couple.
Tom
https://tstage9.wixsite.com/nyc-modeling
Time...It marches on...without ever turning around to see if anyone is even keeping in step.
I would go with the MRC 1420 Prodigy Express 2. Plenty of current to run two or three HO scale locos. No idea about sound locos but that could be another story.
I have an NCE Power Cab starter set and I like the cable connected hammer and I run three sound locos but that is tough. One or two at a time is the best I can do so don't let anyone tell you a better system can handle 99 locos. lol
I can upgrade easily with the NCE Power Cab which you might consider. They sell a booster which is reasonable.
My first DCC was the MRC 2000 control box with three throttles. It also had a cable two channel controller which gave me more flexibility.
I believe you will like the flexibility of the system. Get a longer cable. You can find the manual online quite easily since you now use a computer. Just take your time. There is a learning curve with any DCC system. Terminology you might not be familiar with. You can Google the different terms and get all kinds of links to store in your PC.
If the price is right, go with it.
Rich
If you ever fall over in public, pick yourself up and say “sorry it’s been a while since I inhabited a body.” And just walk away.
Hi Ralph:
My understanding is that the MRC systems are a bit limited in what programming functions they can perform.
My suggestion would be to look at the NCE Power Cab. It is capable of doing any and all programming without the need of boosters etc. It is expandable should the DCC bug bite you hard enough that you want a bigger layout. It is also easy to figure out and operate.
Dave
I'm just a dude with a bad back having a lot of fun with model trains, and finally building a layout!
Just Google NCE Power Cab. The manuals are there.
Thanks Rich and Dave. I really have limited space and was wanting a small switching layout that could run maybe 3 locomotives at most. My daughter was wanting an idea of what to get me for Christmas and I thought one of these or even a Bachmann EZ Command starter system would work and cost the least, but maybe the MRC would be better. Thanks for the input and info on the NCE Power Cab, I will check it out also.
Ralph
The EZ Command is a very basic DCC system that will operate lights, horn, direction, and speed - i.e. basically CVs 1-8. It works quite well but it is limited. If you do decide to go that route I wouldn't pay more than $40 for one.
Because of limited funds I started out with the EZ Command and enjoyed very much before moving to the NCE Power Cab. Most [Edit: EZ Command units] come with a locomotive include so the price is usually $100-$150.
Ralph:
Just to clarify Tom's post, I believe he was referring to the EZ Command when he suggested a price of $100 - $150 with a locomotive included. The NCE Power Cab is available throught Tony's Train Exchange for $155.95 but it doesn't include a locomotive.
http://tonystrains.com/shop/?s=NCE+Power+Cab
hon30critterJust to clarify Tom's post, I believe he was referring to the EZ Command when he suggested a price of $100 - $150 with a locomotive included... Dave
Thanks for catching that one, Dave. I edited the post to make it clearer.
Sorry it's taken so long to get back, but I just got home from work. I first just want to say a big thank you to everyone who responded. I only plan at most at having 3 locomotives on the layout at once, two mu'd together and I would like to try sound. I think I will go back and do some more looking including the NCE Powercab. Thanks again, Ralph
I would tned to shy away from the EZ Command. Cannot do much of anything with decoder CV's. A few in the Bachmann forums use the EZ Command but they can live with the limitations.
Last I knew, they were about $50 on ebay.
Without wishing to repeat myself too much, the NCE Power Cab will do everything you want and you will not run up against the limitations of the Bachmann or MRC systems. In short (well, hopefully you won't actually have any shorts) it can do whatever you want with DCC. NO limitations given your planned layout with three locomotives running. Why risk frustration with the 'cheaper' systems? "Penny wise and pound foolish!" OK, now I'm lecturing. Sorry, my bad, but I'm sure you get my point.
I've had my Power Cab for nearly 10 years and it has been terrific for me. The one thing that I thought I would miss (a knob for controlling speed) was quickly eclipsed with the speed buttons and thumbwheel, which gives me finer control.
And, since you will be primarily using your layout for switching, Ralph, the Power Cab can be easily programmed to "Yard mode", where the thumbwheel automatically changes direction for you when you bring your speed down below speed step zero. That's described in the Power Cab manual, which you can either read online or download onto your computer.
Personally, I would stay away from the Explorer as you need two hands on the control. When I run trains I like to have a free hand. When switching, it is a must.
I have a NCE Power Cab for a few years now and I am very happy with it.
Guy
Modeling CNR in the 50's
The NCE Power Cab it is! All the information I received here and the link to Tony's Trains that Dave gave in his post was most helpful. It too also gave a really good indepth review that covered all the capabilites of the Power Cab and other systems they sell so you could really compare them. When I get everything up and running I will let you all know how it goes. Again thanks to everyone, this is where a fourm like this so valuable, even with what information you find on your own on the internet, it does'nt beat long the time personal experience of others.
Good choice Ralph!
You won't be disappointed.