I am exploring the possibilities of DCC, these 2 systems are the ones I am considering. Does anyone have experience with either? Thanks!! http://modelrec.com/ for the Prodigy http://atlasrr.com for the Atlas Master DCC [ 05 November 2001: Message edited by: sd9043mac ]</p>
Sorry, I don't have experience with either of those systems. My entry into DCC came via the Digitrax Chief II system. I am an N scaler and our club uses Digitrax components. I really love the freedom of the wireless throttles. Since our club uses the Digitrax system, I can use my throttles on the club layout, as well as home. This is a definate plus! Good luck in whatever you decide to purchase. Harold
I am not familiar with the MRC Prodigy. Is this the same system they have always had or is it an upgrade. I know that MRC's first system was rather limited. The Atlas DCC system is based on the Lenz system. From what I have seen about, it looks to be a very good basic system. Atlas is coming out with a handheld throttle soon and other upgrades. Personally, I have a NCE system that I am installing. The reason I bought this was because my club is in the process of installing a similar system and would therefore be a source of needed information. Overall, if I were you I would go with the Atlas System, provided that the MRC system is still their original basic system.
The new MRC system is not at all like the limited Command 2000. I listed the link for their website on my first post, if you want ot take a look at it.
I've read a little bit about each system and they both appear to be comparable. I would give the Atlas system the edge since their system is manufactured by Lenz thus allowing you to add Lenz Expressnet components as upgrades. The Atlas system has at least two users groups on Yahoo!. I use a North Coast Engineering PowerHouse Pro on my model railroad and have used Digitrax many times. The decision eventually comes down to finding the options you need/want, test driving those systems that meet your standards and then purchasing one. Drew
The one thing about the Atlas that bugs me is that I hear a lot that since it uses 18volts to power the track, it overheats N scale decoders. I read this on this board as well. Have you ever used the Atlas with N scale?
<blockquote>quote:</font><hr>Originally posted by sd9043mac: The one thing about the Atlas that bugs me is that I hear a lot that since it uses 18volts to power the track, it overheats N scale decoders. I read this on this board as well. Have you ever used the Atlas with N scale?<hr></blockquote> I would hope that it has an output control switch for N scale... my Digitrax unit does. Harold
<blockquote>quote:</font><hr>Originally posted by chessie: I would hope that it has an output control switch for N scale... my Digitrax unit does. Harold<hr></blockquote> Nope! Has no switch for output control and from what I can see with my DCC voltmeter, the output on a set I have access to is about 18 volts. I'm about to reduce this using a diode array.
The MRC system is 28 steps , and the Atlas requires mods to drop te voltage. Will stick with Cab Control until I build a large layout. Thanks for your help!
If you can wait a little while, you might want to consider the new Digitrax entry level system that is coming out. They displayed it at the NMRA convention.
I would not wait until you have a large layout to jump into DCC. I have two very small layouts (one N one HO) and I cannot tell you how much the enjoyment factor went up with DCC. It is far superior to cab control. I would get whatever Digitrax system you can afford. Then when you do build a larger layout, you will be ready to go, and have all the experience to go with it. I know it seems expensive at first to go DCC, but you could not possibily find a better, or more enjoyable investment for your model railroad dollar. You will think it is the best money you ever spent.
I also have a small layout (HO scale - 8' by 12'), and I have decided that DCC actually makes more sense! After I figured in the construction or purchase of 2 decent walkaround throttles, the switches to control 3 to 4 blocks, the extra wiring for each cab bus, and connectors etc., I figure I may as well put in DCC and buy a walkaround for it. I'll eventually add a second walkaround, which (along with decoders) will put the total price tag of the control system above that for block control. However, you get more with DCC (lights, infrastructure for adding sound later, better MU operations), so I think it's a fair trade. Besides, decoders and other components just keep getting cheaper. Just my 2 cents (1.2 cents US) Bentnose Willie
Well, my main concern about DCC is converting locos without messing them up. The Kato Mikado is one example, converting it to DCC is quite a task. Thanks for all the help though!
The problem with the Kato Mikado is that they can't be converted very well to DCC. I know I was challenged on this statement in the Atlas forum by a heavy user there in the N scale area about a year ago. However, after he did research, he too found out that the Mike's don't convert very well. Can't remember the reason why. Here in Vancouver, British Columbia, the busiest professional N scale decoder installer did 5 Mike's and said they all ran poorly.
