featured system, Model Rectifier Corp. offers the Prodigy Explorer. This no-frills DCC system makes it easy to get a taste for DCC operation and decoder programming. Using other Prodigy components, it can also be easily
expanded into a more advanced system.
Easy setup. The Explorer command station/throttle looks similar to the MRC Tech 6 direct-current (DC) sound controller. The plastic case measures 1″ x 4″ x 5″. There are pushbuttons for programming and controlling locomotive functions as well as a throttle knob. Light-emitting diodes indicate the locomotive address (1,2,3, or 4) as well as the locomotive’s direction of travel.
There are two screw terminals and a socket on the side of the command station. To set up the system I attached the track leads to the screw terminals and the barrel jack of the 1.6A power supply into the socket. I then plugged the power supply into a wall outlet.
With its 1.6A power supply, the Explorer can handle up to four HO scale DCC-equipped locomotives (three if the locomotives are sound-equipped). If a modeler wants to run more trains with the system, he can send it back to MRC for an upgrade to a 4A capacity. The upgrade costs $59.
Simple operation. Running trains with the Explorer is almost as simple as using a DC power pack. The throttle knob and direction button respond without any delay. The system supports 28 functions. I used the SHIFT key to trigger functions 10 to 28.
Four locomotives can be run at the same time, but they must have addresses of 1, 2, 3, or 4. Out of the box the system will not recognize any other addresses. Regardless of its address, any locomotive can be easily reprogrammed to an address of 1, 2, 3, or 4 using the Explorer. I simply placed a locomotive on the track, pressed the “P” button to enter programming mode, followed by the “LOCO” button. I then entered “1” to change the address. From then on, when I pressed LOCO followed by 1, the model responded to the system.
The Explorer can also program any other decoder configuration variables (CVs) For example, I used the system to add momentum (CVs 3 and 4) and turn up the volume (CV128) of a SoundTraxx decoder-equipped locomotive. However, the system cannot read back CVs, which makes it difficult to troubleshoot a misbehaving decoder.
The system doesn’t have separate programming track outputs or programming on the main capability. The
Explorer will program any and all locomotives placed on the layout. A modeler must remove all locomotives except the one being programmed from the layout, or set up an isolated programming track section using a toggle or rotary switch.
A system that grows. One of the best features of this “starter” DCC system is that it isn’t a dead end. The throttle jack on the front of the command station can be used for a tethered Prodigy Advance2 Throttle, a receiver for a Prodigy wireless throttle, or an input for a Prodigy computer interface. Extension ports can also be added so that up to four throttles can be used at the same time. These components are sold separately by MRC.
The limitations of the Explorer disappear when the system is used with any one of the above Prodigy components. Using a Prodigy throttle with the system a modeler can set long addresses, read back CVs, run advance consists, and program on the main.
Easy to use and expandable, the MRC Prodigy Explorer is a great way to start running trains with DCC.
Manufacturer
Model Rectifier Corp.
80 Newfield Ave.
Edison, NJ 08837
www.modelrectifier.com
