MRC Prodigy Any Good for 1st DCC?

[Anonymous]

Hi! I am in the process of building a new HO layout, after 3 years of down time (I moved from my folks' house, and the layout I had for over 20 years was not moveable!). I am thinking of going DCC. Problem: NONE of my motive power is DCC equipped.

I was looking at the MRC Prodigy system. Does any one have experience w/ it and MRC decoder installations on older engines???

Also, can a DCC system operate non-DCC locos at all? I plan to wire the new layout for DCC, but also plan to install some blocks to make finding shorts easier, etc, if they occurr... Thanks for the help, as always! Matt

[Stevert]

Matt, for maybe a few more dollars you can get a Digitrax Zephyr starter set. It will give you more initial features and abilities, but the main attraction is that as your layout expands, the Zephyr can expand with it. The Prodigy, on the other hand, is more easily outgrown.

As far as decoders, if your DCC system meets NMRA specs, you can use any decoders which also meet those specs. This gives you the advantage of being able to shop for the right decoder for your loco instead of a decoder that will work with your DCC system. That's the real beauty of the NMRA Standards and RP's.

Lastly, yes, you can run a non-DCC loco on most DCC systems by using address 00.

HTH,
Steve

[Anonymous]

As a best suggestion, think about an older used system as a first. There is always the possibility you may not care for a dcc system. I have used a MRC system for the last three years. It's true that you could possibly out grow this thing very fast.I have also found that you can always run at least one nondecoder engine with others and even work it through a reversing loop.The reversing loop needs to be wired like it would be for straight dc. Other than that it opens a whole new world of train operation and control.

[cmrproducts]

Matt

The MRC system will only let you run 2 digit addresses and is very limited in its abilities. You will not be able to access many functions of a sound decoder if you would ever decide to get one. The Digitrax system has the abilities to grow with you as you built your layout. And the price is about the same.

Once you have experienced DCC you will never go back!

BOB H Clarion, PA

[Anonymous]

Thanks for the help, guys!