Would anybody like to share their experience with the MRC #1414 Prodigy Advance Squared 3.5 Amp DCC System? I'm thinking about getting this set and would like to get some info from users before taking the plunge.
There are three of us in Big Bear Lake that have the MRC Prodigy Systems. None of us are experienced enough with them to know the pitfalls so, we can't speak to that. The upside is we are able to run trains, consist (lash-up) locomotives, turn lights off and on. We have one set of locomotives we even have fun with the sound. Pretty good for a hick town that just recently got in flush toilets....LOL. There are other system I believe are better, NCE and Digitrax to name a few. We like our systems and I'd encourage you to move ahead.
My current club uses prodigy 2 with wireless. It occasionally has some lag problems on the big club layout with lots throttles, but in general it works well. It's super easy to use. My previous club used NCE which I generally liked better, but not enough to upset me.
DrifterNL, I have had the MRC #1414 Prodigy Advance Squared for a little over a year and it does everything I need. I have run consists, multiple trains, and sound locomotives with ease. The system is easy to install and understand. I like that it is a hand held system and bought an additional handheld controller so guests (and grandkids!) can have fun with me. BarstowRick narrated his introduction to DCC on this board a while ago (search for "DPDT 22 gauge" and you'll find it) which helped me see how easy it was to set up the system and have trains running. http://www.trainboard.com/grapevine...auge-Wire-Cab-A-Cab-B&highlight=dpdt+22+gauge I say go for it and have fun!
I've been using a Prodigy Advanced for several years, on a fairly large, home layout (around the walls in a 16' X 32' room.. 300 feet of track.. 29 turnouts). I've never used decoders for layout functions (turnout/route-control, etc.), so I cannot vouch for that aspect. I have three throttles .. two wired, handhelds, and a laptop via the USB interface, which is mainly for for advanced decoder programming.. but works well for running continuous traffic, while to other locals or switch jobs are going.. regularly having four locos in motion at the same time. Their free (though you need to buy the USB interface) proprietory software is pretty darn good. My first complaint would be that MRC is highly proprietory.. I'd like to try the freeware, JMRI stuff (I use it for operations.. very impressive). The only other complaint would be the catch-22. Prodigy is not popular, because it's not popular.. ie.. visitors using their own throttles and such. Overall, it's a sound choice for even a large, home layout.. Be pretty tough to, "outgrow" it's usefulness. For a club, or highly visited home layout.. I'd try to go with something more "universal". ANYway., I'ts ease of use, flexibility and durability would leave me readily recommending it.
