The more I read about this new system the more interested I get. I have seen it listed for as low as $119 and others are waiting for first delivery. Has anyone got a Prodigy yet? Please let us know of any experience you are having with it. Thanks
I'm "test driving" one at the moment. It is typical MRC when it comes to power and smooth operation. Decoder programing is very simple. The short comings if you will are: - only 32 addresses. - limited function availability - consisting uses one complete address - only space for 4 throttles w/primary (#1) default I think it would be perfect for the small railroad with limited motive power.
Thanks for the info Dewain50. It looks good for the price. Now if MRC would only come out with a radio hand held for more efficient walk around.
Here is a link to the Prodigy if some one wants to check it out. I looks like a good entry system. For those who are new to DCC, the entry systems are getting better and better. It seems to be the level where there is the most competition between manufactures. But this is a good time to be coming into DCC as compared to even two years ago. http://shops.trains.com/product.asp?mscssid=P42BGBQPH27Q9HL451GDWARG0CVE0QDA&idMerchant=1042&idProdCat=&idProduct=25187&Size=
I just ordered mine from Trainworld.com for $99.99! Tried to order it at the hobby shop that I work at through Walthers, and was told that it was on back order until May 5th (Typical Walthers). This will be my first experience in DCC system.
Got a decoder installed this evening and tried the system on a test track. It's very easy to use and understand. If I can figure it out, it has to be easy. I will hook it up to my layout sometime this weekend.
There is a walk around throttle in the works as well as other "improvements" to this basic system. I'm pleased with the system I have been using on my test track. Still working on the plans for a comlete layout.
I ordered an extra Prodigy hand held controller yesterday. I am very excited about getting this system up and running on my layout. My only problem is locating plug-&-play decoders for my "fleet". Anyone know of a reliable supplier of Digitrax and Lenz decoders?
Howdy! Long time lurker, first (well maybe third or fourth by now) time poster! I posted a topic over in the HO forum and got great feedback. I recently took the plunge into DCC after about 10 years of block control. I bought the Prodigy, figuring it would be a good system for a newbie to DCC like me, plus my layout isn't too large, and I'd only be running about four trains at any one time. I really didn't have to change too much to my block wiring. I just switch all the blocks on and run! About the only change I did was to make one of my spurs into a programming track, by wiring a resister in series. I've got the system hooked up and have one DCC loco up and running (a Proto 2K, B&O SD7). So far I have to say I'm VERY impressed with the ease of hookup and control. The only question I have is about slow response (i.e. the loco gradually gets up to speed, or gradually slows down). Is this typical? My next adventure is to make an attempt at wiring decoders into my Athearn and Kato locos...wish me luck!
Hi Jerry, Glad you like yours. The jury is still out on how much I like mine. The Prodigy is very simple to use. Maybe too simple. Some of the locos that I have installed decoders in, just plain don't respond to this system. And being so simplified, one has no way of knowing whats wrong. The ONLY decoders that have worked right from the start, are the ones made by MRC. I am especially having problems with the Digitrax DN146A and 147A decoders. They do nothing to respond to speed or momentum settings. I hope you have a friend who has a better system so you can program your locos with theirs and then run them with the Prodigy.
Herman, There are several places on the web where you can get good prices. I haven't dealt with Loy's Toys and have dealt with Tony's. I don't think I can give a good endorsement with Tony's, especially with their policy that if you have a problem with a decoder, you have to send it back to manufacturer. Contact me off list, and I can clue you in on what is being alledged. [ 05 March 2002, 15:46: Message edited by: ajy6b ]
Herman: Sorry to hear about your bad experience. So far, I've been pleased with mine...perhaps my view is a little jaded since this is my first experience with DCC! I wired my first Athearn loco for DCC...and it worked! (maybe just beginners luck?!) I used an older GP35 that I didn't mind messing up if things didn't go well. I was also able to figure out why the locos didn't respond right away to the throttle, I fogot I had programmed momentum...der! So far, so good.
