i currently run n scale and i am looking into getting a dcc system. i have the woodland senics senic ridge. and i am looking for a good starting dcc system. i am looking for one that has a walk-around. i would go with digitrax, but its too expensive. is the prodigy dcc system worth the money? has anyone had any problems with it?
UP& Santa Fe... The best system for you is a Digitrax Zephyr. You can buy one from Tony's trains with a power supply for $159.00. Tonys Trains - Digitrax Zephyr $159 Stay cool and run steam....
I have the prodigy and love it. I am probably going Lenz for the new layout, only because with a 17 x 40 train room, radio control is going to be a must. I found it to be super simple and easy, and with the instructions written on the back of the throttles, I was running (so were my guests) in about a minute. No bull. It is not a hi-tech system, but for a SIMPLE, easy - EASY - to use one it worked great for me. I looked at digitrax and didn't like any of their throttles, at all. My suggestion is that if you can, you try a couple of throttles out, maybe at a train show or something - the throttles are of huge importance to me. I am not into lots of techno-stuff, just want to run trains.
I also have the Prodigy on my 6x12 N scale. I'm pretty much the only one running the trains 2 to 3 and have had no problems. Easy and I picked up mine used real cheap.
I also love my Prodigy but plan to sell it soon to buy the new"Advanced" version as soon as they get all the bugs worked out of it.
Hmmm... Perhaps you could amortize your next system by selling your current one to the fellow who started this thread. You aren't that geographically separated. The new Bachmann EZ-Command DCC system looks pretty good. It's not exactly a "handheld" system, save for the fact that it's about the size of a video game controller.
The Prodigy Advance is a real step up from the original. It can do anything any of the basic systems can do, and most of what the advanced can do. If you don't need computer interface and aren't bothered by a tethered hand control, it's a sweet little system. And it's MUCH easier to program & run than many of it's competitors. $200 at Tony's, but I've seen it listed for even less at other internet sites. I'm running 4 HO MDC old-timers with it and TCS decoders, and am VERY happy with the decision.
I have a Zephyr and highly recommend it, but it doesn't meet the poster's original requirements of being a handheld. Personally, from things I've read about the original Prodigy, I wouldn't buy it unless it was real cheap. (this is not to say it didn't serve its purpose for many, I just wouldn't buy one NOW) From what I know, I would probably recommend the Lenz system, or the new Prodigy. I think either would be a much better investment.
My gut instinct tells me that you should be able to pick up a good used Zephyr unit cheaper than new. Better to get a system you can grow with, which you can do with the Zypher, and you can do hand helds with it, but you'll need to shell out some extra bucks (but you'll be able to use it until you get the extra bucks). Why do I say this? Well the Zypher is the entry level Digitrax system, and if people hold up to true in DCC as they do in anything else, some will want to move up, and I'm sure they do. Why not advertise anywhere you can including forum yellow pages, etc, including putting in your signature block "looking for used Zypher system" and I suspect you will get some bites.
Hey UPSF Nut, I too have a Zephyr set and would recommend it. For sure it is not a hand held but with a relatively small layout you mentioned you don't need a hand held. It was very easy to learn how to program the decoders by changinging cv's. I have since purchased a DT400 radio throttle and the appropriate receiver. Even I, , haven't had much trouble with the learning curve. I have run on NTRAK layouts using Digitraxx and Easy DCC and I think the problems of running a large set up are about equal between systems.
