MRC Prodigy Express DCC starter systemProdigy Express is a solid entry-to-intermediate-level DCC system. It provides the most commonly used features including 16 functions, 128 speed steps, advanced consisting, and easy-to-use component-style installation and expansion. The difference between the Express and Advance systems is that Prodigy Express offers fewer advanced features and lower power output (1.6 amps vs. 3.5 amps).
As shown above, the Prodigy Express system is a tidy package. It includes the handheld throttle, a small base station, and a 15V, 1.6A power supply. It also includes a 20-page instruction booklet. Setting up the system took less than 5 minutes. The throttle plugs into the base station with 8-conductor data cable and RJ-style connectors. The base station then connects to the layout’s track bus using two screw terminals on the back of the unit. There are also two terminals for a separate programming track.
Like the Advance model, the Express cab features a large liquid- crystal-display (LCD) screen, a proportional control knob (the faster you turn it, the bigger the jumps in speed steps), and clearly marked buttons.
Unlike the Advance, the Express has no route-control feature or built-in adjustable fast clock, but perhaps the most noticeable missing feature is being able to read back decoder information when the locomotive is placed on the programming track.
The Prodigy Advance buttons not used with the Express system have been reassigned as additional function buttons. By doing this, MRC has provided single key-stroke activation for all of the system’s 16 available functions (F0-F15), eliminating the need for a shift key command. Printed on the back of the Express cab is a handy list of instructions.
You can upgrade your Express system to include all the extra features found with the Advance system by simply adding a Prodigy Advance cab to the Express base station. Since you’d need to have more than one cab to add a second operator anyway, this is a very easy upgrade; however, for the throttles to work properly, be sure to assign each cab its own address, as explained in the owner’s manual.
Speaking of upgrades, Prodigy Express is fully expandable with options for extra boosters, up to 20 additional cabs, and a throttle bus and plug ports for walkaround control. The last page of the instruction manual offers some suggestions for adding components to the Prodigy Express.
I put the system through its paces over several weeks in Model Railroader’s workshop and was pleased with its performance and how easy it is to use.
Price: $179.98
Manufacturer
Model Rectifier Corp.
80 Newfield Ave.
Edison, NJ 08837
www.modelrectifier.com
Features
Advanced locomotive consisting
Compatible with all Prodigy
Advance components
Expandable to 20 throttles
15V, 1.6-amp power supply
Knob and push-button speed controls
Large LCD screen
Meets NMRA DCC standards
Plug-and-play installation and expansion
16 DCC functions
Uses 14, 28, or 128 speed steps
Walkaround throttle
Soooooooooo do you think it is worth the extra money to purchase the advance system to get the higher amps?
No, the decoder rating is for the _maximum_ motor current. If your locomotives only draw .4 amperes each, then you could operate four locomotives at the same time with your 1.6 ampere system.
This is a great system to start with, I have been using it for about 3 months now. The only complaint I have is that the documentation needs to be clearer on consisting. With the PE you cannot reverse the direction of any of the locos, they all must be traveling in the same direction. The manual is not clear on this unfortunately. To get around this you have to modify CV29 on the loco you want traveling backward. Other than that, the system is great and I highly recomend it to anyone who wants to get started in DCC.
I have a question on the amps. Decoders are 1amp or larger,does this mean that you can only have 1 train operating on the 1.6 amp system? Larry.
I purchased the prodigy advance in spring of 2006 after careful consideration of other systems including prodigy express.I agree with other users comments that it is user friendly and like it very much. I have although had some minor problems that keep me from giving it a 5 star rating.The first being that shortly after purchasing it the control knob does not work all the time.The second (which possibly may not be mrcs fault) is that when using old consist other locos will not operate until old consist is cleared out.Overall I am happy with prodigy advance, but plan to contact mrc about these issues I am experiencing.My main reason for picking advance over the express was the extra power without buying a booster.
I, and the group of RR enthusiasts have discussed the subject of DCC for some time. In every case,with the large number of locos owned,(I have 45, my close friend,an expatriot of the USA, has 280+) prevents the change to DCC from a financial point of view. With the rest of the installation, unaffordable. We have experiencesed the system to be fair and are not that enthused. Two of us in the group are ex-employees of NASA and would have no problems with installation. It is also an "eye openner" to go into the local dealership and see stacks of new locos fitted with DCC and sound just laying on the shelf because they're not selling. At $A350+ each they are too expensive by far.The same unit in plain DC is about $A130+. The end result is DCC is not worth it. Sound units have also been tested and the general opinion is the quality is lacking because the speakers are far too small for the ouyput to be convincing. As for the article in the MR I was most impressed in the technicalities and say thanks for a good one. Keep up the good work.
The articles and features are just wonderful, great for a new entry to model railroading,Keep it coming
Jerry Gosewisch
Maploe nPlain Mn.
Love the way you incorporate beginner and more advanced information into the magazine and how to articles. I find that reviews such as this and others offer a great way to learn about model railroading and help me plan for my future layout.
Hello- I just read a comment that the MRC dcc unit will not allow the running of a DC loco with a 00 adress. Apparently ony two manufactures wil let this be done. DIGITRAX is one of the two. I found this on a DCC forum.
I am interested as I want to build a "TIMESAVER" from MR for HO. This was why I was interested. It looks like an ideal way to run a puzzle.
Adress: Directly to hager4u@hotmail.com——–
i bought the Express sytem back in the spring and I love how well it works for a small layout. I don't need too many features so this is perfect for turning on the power, addressing either the BLE NW2 or the Bachmann 3-truck with the Soundtraxx module and running a little.
I had written MR a couple years ago saing I didn't want to switch to DCC, but I am so happy I did. the control and sound add so much to the fun of the railroad.
I have just started using the Prodigy Express and it is just great for the small home layout. Easy to use and available at an affordable price. MRC is quick to assist with problems or questions.
If your readers can read this, save your money on the Prodigy DCC system. Too many bugs and it is not worth it. You will not be satisfied with it performance and be turned off to DCC. DCC with sound decoders is fantastic and adds a whole new demention to the hobby. But it will only cost a few dollars more for a good system. I have a Lenz, which is great and a fantastic warrenty and factory backing. Also have the first prodigy DCC system. Few features but it worked well. Bought the Prodigy Advanced and completely dissapointed with it. Didn't work right, many problems and then it locked up. Factory did not back it up and I have a worth system that doesn't work. My advise, spend a few dollars more and get a good system. Tom.
so far so Good my son and i love the PA dcc sys its great easy to use and we are just getting into Trains so i don't have a lot of DC loco's
I have found the MRC Prodigy DCC systems the easiest to use of those I with which have been in contact. I use the MRC Prodigy Express system in my repair business to program decoders and check others for problems. I recently updated the MRC 2000 DCC system that I installed several years ago on a friend's layout with the Prodigy Advanced system along with the 8 amp booster. He was satisfied with the operation using the MRC 2000 system and I'm sure he will be overjoyed with this one.
I have the MRC Prodigy Express and have been very pleased with it. It is very user friendly for this DCC Newbie. It may be a little shy on amperage for operating an huge railroad empire but it should be more than adequate for the average home user. As well it appears to offer the opportunity for expansion in the future.
The Prodigy Express is an excelent starter set. Just all around good enought. Easy to handle and program, easy to instal and operate, good priced and reliable. One of the best features for me is the recall buton, an usefull tool while runing trains clise toghether in the same mine. I had many frontal colisions with other sistems …
I just got the MRC Prodigy Express system three days ago, and I already I have it operating on my brand new layout. My layout is 12×8 feet, and it works perfectly fine. But, if you have something like a 30×10 foot layout, it isn't the greatest thing ever. I am planning on getting a wireless conversion kit for it for Christmas so I don't have to keep pluging it in and taking it out during an operating session. I love that I got it new from Trainland for only $129.95 and that is so easy to set up out of the box. I may only be 12 years old, but I already know a lot about the hobby. I am modeling the Southern Pacific line in 1975 as a freelanced version of the Cincinatti, Ohio line where my mother grew up.
Two friends of mine recently purchsed the British 'Gaugemaster' version. Two facilities I am not keen on are the need to turn of the system when a short circuit occurs, and the system will not run a DC loco.
Why are not all systems compatable when they are all supposed to conform to an NMRA standard. The majority of decoders do conform.
I am currently useing the PE on my 11×12 room size layout. I have run 3 steam locos all at the same time with no problems, (non sound)yet.A friend brought by one of his deisel's with all the bell's & whistle's. He own's another system, he was very impressed & i loved the noise. I plan to add a PA cab in the futher. I love my PE very easy to use.