Jeff Smith Posted October 30, 2013 Share Posted October 30, 2013 I wondered whether anyone had any experience with using an MRC/Gaugemaster Prodigy Express DCC starter set with factory fitted Bachmann DCC chips? I don't know if the same chips are fitted to British outline but I intend to get an MRC Prodigy Express to run US Bachmann On30 DCC fitted locos. I read a review on Amazon.com (US site) that a Bachmann loco was very speed sensitive with an Express but not so with the Bachmann DCC controller - is this likely to be a programming issue? Jeff Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
corax67 Posted October 30, 2013 Share Posted October 30, 2013 I run a lot of Bachmann Spectrum On30 with a variety of systems - Lenz, Roco, Dynamis and NCE - I haven't noticed any marked difference in response when I swap systems. They may be sensitive to the Gaugemaster unit but I haven't read anything to that end and I can't imagine why. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jeff Smith Posted November 1, 2013 Author Share Posted November 1, 2013 Broadening this topic a bit - there must be some Prodigy Express users out there - experiences? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
chillman76 Posted November 9, 2013 Share Posted November 9, 2013 I know from experience that Bachmann Spectrum On30 locos work fine with the standard Gaugemaster Prodigy so I can't really see why the Prodigy Express system shouldn't also work. I have just ordered an Express system myself for a new On30 project so should be able to update you on performance later next week. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jeff Smith Posted November 10, 2013 Author Share Posted November 10, 2013 Fantastic, for the time being I am wiring the layout for DCC but will be testing with DC. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jeff Smith Posted November 30, 2013 Author Share Posted November 30, 2013 I have what may be a silly question about using a programming track. I have created an isolated siding to be used for programming so presumably this will be permanently hooked to the programming track output from the booster. Can I run a loco into the siding - in other words during normal operation do the control functions feed both the main track and programming track? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sunnysa Posted December 1, 2013 Share Posted December 1, 2013 I have that exact set up with my lenz system. The only thing you may have to do is is connect your program siding thru a DPDT switch, as I have done. Center terminals on DPDT switch is connected to program track. Terminals on one end is connected to program output of DCC system. Terminals on other end of DPDT is connected to normal DCC output to track. Run loco on to program track, put switch to program, program loco, switch back to run mode and drive loco off program track. Cheers Ian Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jeff Smith Posted December 1, 2013 Author Share Posted December 1, 2013 Thanks - I am wiring for dcc but have yet to get the dcc system (torn between MRC and NCE). Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sunnysa Posted December 2, 2013 Share Posted December 2, 2013 I don't use either but if it was my choice between the two mentioned it would be NCE every time. Cheers Ian Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold Oldddudders Posted December 2, 2013 RMweb Gold Share Posted December 2, 2013 I'm a Digitrax person, but the principle of sticking with a specialist manufacturer always seems the best bet. NCE makes DCC stuff, that's all, so their reputation and future is entirely in DCC. MRC make all sorts of model controllers - I had a Varipower slot-car throttle from them in the '60s - and they sell very well in DC trains, so are much less of a specialist DCC concern. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lady_Ava_Hay Posted December 2, 2013 Share Posted December 2, 2013 - in other words during normal operation do the control functions feed both the main track and programming track? The answer is no they don't and if you allow a train to run into a siding that is connected to the programming outlets, you stand a good chance of ruining the command station altogether and irretrievably. I use a multi position selector switch (Maplins as i recall) which switches both rails of my isolated siding from full track power to programming to DC. First thing I do for a session is check the position of that switch. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Premium MickD Posted December 2, 2013 RMweb Premium Share Posted December 2, 2013 Hi, If anyone is after a Prodigy Express, It is on offer at Rails for today only at £99.95. MickD. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nigelcliffe Posted December 2, 2013 Share Posted December 2, 2013 I have what may be a silly question about using a programming track. I have created an isolated siding to be used for programming so presumably this will be permanently hooked to the programming track output from the booster. Can I run a loco into the siding - in other words during normal operation do the control functions feed both the main track and programming track? There are ways of doing this "safely" and there are ways of risking blowing part of your command station. So tread carefully. Lots of maker's manuals over-simplify this area and lead users into problems. Done correctly it can be almost idiot proof. With the NCE PowerCab, there is a single track output which is swapped internally by the PowerCab from "mainline" to "programming". This can lead to "oops, reprogrammed everything" mistakes, so needs some protection. NCE sell an "autoswitch" which splits the single output into two; mainline and programming (so get an NCE autoswitch to prevent mistakes on the mainline regardless of what you do about programming tracks). The auto-switch has the potential to work a programming siding, though still needs some extra switches added for protection from a mistake. The simplest protection is a double-pole double-throw switch, this will allow the siding (only) to be connected to the mainline or programming outputs. But this doesn't protect from the idiot who parks their loco across the insulating gaps. There are more advanced solutions with extra gap sections, four (or more) pole switches, etc.. But its still just-about possible to make an operating mistake with them. Its a lot simpler to not have programming "sidings", and fit a totally isolated programming track on a bit of spare board somewhere else ! But regardless, the NCE Auto-switch is worth having for PowerCabs and other makes of system which lack independent programming track outputs. - Nigel Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jeff Smith Posted December 3, 2013 Author Share Posted December 3, 2013 I am leaning towards the MRC/Gaugemaster Prodigy Express for a couple of reasons:- 1. I like the idea of separate programming track connections 2. the booster is separate from the handset - this should make it lighter than the NCE PowerCab which seems to be integrated into the handset (please correct me if I am wrong) The other contender is the Digitrax Zephyr, this has separate programming track connections but a fixed base unit (throttle). It can however drive one DC loco although not recommended for extensive use. Anyone got any comments about the Zephyr? By the way this is to drive a 2'x8' three loco On30 layout. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Adrian Wintle Posted December 3, 2013 Share Posted December 3, 2013 Given the choice between NCE Powercab and Prodigy Express, I would go NCE. I have both systems and I find the Express to bee too limiting and it occasionally doesn't talk to particular decoders*. It got relegated to being my bench-test unit, but has been recently retired from that task (got a decent deal on a second Lenz Set 100). My current primary system is Lenz, but we have NCE at the club, hence the Powercab. I do like the display of the MRC handset, though. *Note that mine is an older unit - I bought it about 5 years ago on clearout ($100). Adrian Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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