Using the handheld Cab Prodigy Advance FAQs Advance User Manual Express User Manual Back to Railway page
The MRC Prodigy "Advance" and "Express" DCC systems each includes a handheld controller, a control console and a power supply. All you need are DCC equipped locomotives and off you go!
Installation was quick and easy. Just connect the transformer to the command station, connect the cab to the command station with the included cable then connect your track to the “Main Track” terminals. You are ready to go! A second set of terminals can be connected to a separate program track if you desire.
The Prodigy Advance/Express are rated at 14.5 volts at the track with a rated current capability of 3.5 amps for the Advance & 1.6 amps for the Express. They can handle up to 99 cabs (may require cab bus extension with additional power) and will cover both 2-digit (1-127) and 4-digit (1-9,999) address modes. They can be set to 14/28/128 speed steps on a unit-by-unit basis, and will control up to 20 function outputs on your decoder. The Prodigy Advance/Express supports Advanced and Universal consists, although they will only allow one Universal consist active at one time. Standard programming track operation is supported along with programming on the main. On the program track, both CV read and write are supported.
In today’s DCC market, most systems have the same basic features. In my mind, the two areas that distinguish one system from another are power capability and human interface. Let’s see how the Prodigy Advance/Express stacks up in these areas. Lets have a look at the human interface first, the power capability I will deal with later on the page.
The short answer is that the MRC Prodigy Advance & Express have one of the better (in my opinion) human interfaces on the DCC market today. I particularly like the fact that most functions are directly addressable and do not require a series of arcane button combinations to get to the function I want.
If I want to throw a switch, I hit ACCY, I enter the switch address, and then button 1 or 2 to operate the switch. Once selected, I can continuously operate the switch until I leave the selected address. On other systems I have had the problem of suddenly realizing that a switch is in the wrong direction. The train crashes before I can remember the correct sequence to change the switch. With the Prodigy Advance, the ACCY button is right there ready to operate at a moments notice. The system also has the ability to store up to 32 sets of up to 8 accessories each. This allows you to pre-store a switch route that is operated by a single button operation. If you want to access one of the switch routes, you press the ROUTE button, enter the route address (0 – 31), and activate it.
Similarly simple actions using the LOCO button or the CONSIST button allow quick access to a locomotive (or pre-established consist) or quick set-up or break down of a consist.
The MRC Prodigy Advance also keeps track of up to 25 locomotive addresses that you have used previously. These are stored in a stack that is easily accessed by the RECALL button. Each recall brings up the address of a previous engine. When you see the one you want, hit enter, and you have control! Speed control of your engine is either via a rotary knob or an increment/decrement pair of buttons, whichever feels more comfortable to you. There is also a yard mode that operates with a center off feature for situations in which the locomotive is constantly changing direction.
One minor thing I did not like about the cab is that it defaults to the 28 step speed mode at power on. If I wanted the 128-step mode, I had to set it each time I powered up the system or selected a particular locomotive.
In addition to easy to operate controls, the MRC Prodigy Advance uses a very human friendly display. Most information is displayed with an English language label that tells you what the number is or which feature is active. For example, if the locomotive is set to reverse, the legend “REV” is displayed with a backward-facing arrow. Other labeling is equally concise in allowing you to gather quickly the status of your train by a quick glance at the display.
Is MRC Prodigy system easy to use?
Yes. Most beginners who have never run a model railroad can operate multiple trains using Prodigy by only reading the quick start instructions located on the back of the handheld. In fact, we have seen most people operate and program Prodigy without reading any instructions. This is truly the world?s easiest DCC system and yet it has chock full of advanced features.
What is included when I buy an MRC Prodigy system?
When you select MRC Prodigy as your new DCC system, you get a complete package. It includes a handheld controller that provides an ability to walk around the layout while operating your trains, a control console and a power supply. All you need are DCC equipped locos and off you go.
How many people can use MRC Prodigy?
With the MRC Prodigy, you can operate with up to 4 handheld walk around. All walk around will allow you to build consists and operate independently of others. You can also pass a loco from one person to another. Just dial in the address of the loco you wish to run. Once you move the throttle, you are in control of the loco.
How many trains can I control?
You can operate up to 32 locomotives. You can also control 32 different accessory decoders using our special dispatcher handheld controller.
What is a dispatcher controller?
The Prodigy system will offer an optional walk around that operates accessory decoders, which will be able to activate switches, turnouts, lights or remote sound systems, all from the convenience of a handheld.
How many locos can actually run simultaneously?
You can run about 6 or 7 HO scale locos at one time. If you wish to run more, MRC offers the Power Booster 8, an 8-amp booster, which comes with its own built-in power supply. With this powerful addition, you can operate up to 20 locos at a time.
Will MRC Prodigy work with other DCC Systems?
Yes. It is compatible with most DCC systems so you can have friends bring their locos with other brand decoders and run them on your layout.
What scales (gauges) will MRC Prodigy operate?
The Prodigy can run most scales including N, G and HO. MRC decoders are available for all three scales. MRC Prodigy is not intended for AC operated trains.
What if I have small HO switchers that cannot accept a standard HO decoder due to size restrictions?
Use an MRC N gauge decoder, which is smaller, yet has an ability to operate moderate current draw locomotives. You can also use address 1 on the Prodigy system. It will accept any DC operated train without the need for a decoder.
I have blocks in my layout. Do I have to rewire?
No. You can leave the blocks in place and just turn all block switches to ?on?.
Are reverse loop layouts hard to wire?
No! Isolate the track going into the reverse loop and connect the MRC reverse loop accessory unit and thats it. No more switches to operate. The loco will simply enter a reverse loop and leave without you doing anything.
What programming adjustments can I preset on the decoder?
You can preset the start voltage, top end voltage and adjust the level of momentum you require for the loco. Our handheld can also control up to 4 accessory functions if your decoder has them available.
Can I use the sound decoders made by other decoder manufacturers?
Absolutely yes! In fact, MRC handheld walkaround is set up to operate sound decoders. The buttons are clearly labeled on the handheld controllers.
Will the Prodigy deliver slow speed control for precise coupling?
Yes. In fact the Prodigy system provides smooth transition from low speed to highballing.
Does MRC offer DCC equipped locomotives?
Yes. Other train manufacturers also offer locos with decoders installed.
Are all commercially available decoders compatible with Prodigy DCC?
Yes they are.
I am having trouble acquiring a loco. How do I switch from one loco to the next?
To acquire a locomotive;
For the operating and programing instructions of either system go to the top of page.