MRC PA2 user

I read Bruce’s column with interest because I’ve used MRC’s Prodigy Advance 2 for years and I’ve come to see it as a reliably good system for my needs. I’ve operated with several other systems (EasyDCC, Digitrax) and found them to be solid systems but, IMO, not as simple when it came to operating the throttle. 

I think the PA2 throttle is comfortable in the hand and its controls are easy to understand and navigate. Of course, Bruce makes a valid point in that whatever system one is accustom to using will more than likely feel the best. I’ve not had a problem operating the speed knob with one hand. My thumb can rest comfortably on the top of the knob while my hand covers most of the lower half of the throttle. And, with the improved performance of DCC decoders along with modified speed curves, I actually don’t use the knob anymore and prefer to use the -1/+1 buttons to control speed. 

I also agree with Bruce that the PA2 system may be a good fit for operators of small layouts. My layout is a small branch line which will never see more than three units and I simply don’t need the power or features that larger layouts require. 

It seems that the PA2 system has always been considered the *little brother* that just doesn’t have what the big bros have, but for the right layout application I think the system has a lot to offer.

I agree

My layout is a small single user point to point bi-level system. At most I'll run a two loco consist and a computer controlled commuter shuttle. The MRC Prodigy Advance 2 will probably be all I'll ever need.

Unfortunately I feel slighted by the article. All I obtained from the article was it aint what the big boys want and it's not what I bought. Sorry, But that's how I feel.

Nice Review

I have heard that one of the big complaints with the MRC DCC system was lack of a JMRI interface. I am glad to see that corrected.  I am a Digitrax user, but like Bruce I have used JMRI to the point that I would not know how to program a locomotive using throttle buttons without re-reading the manual.

Before converting to DCC I had used/owned MRC DC power packs for years.  I liked them and they were very reliable.  Had MRC jumped into DCC sooner, I would probably purchased a MRC DCC system rather than Digitrax, based upon my experience with their DC systems.

Nice review,  thanks Bruce.

MRC PA2 and Express

I have both the PA2 and the Express systems.  Very reliable as far as running locomotives with very good control of all the functions I need to use.  My only complaint is that the knob function after a while tends to "jump speed steps" rather than increment smoothly.  (I use it 99% of the time in 128 speed step mode).  I like the fact that standard Cat 5 Ethernet cables can be used as I have replaced the flat cable they come with. (used cables can be had for pennies at local thrift shops!)  Really glad the hear about the JMRI support.  It was just a matter of time if MRC wants to be able to compete in the DCC market.  Overall, I'm quite happy with this system.  Used NCE and I think it is very comparable to MRC.  No experience with Digitrax systems and have no desire to try.  20 page users manual vs a 200 page manual discouraged me from Digitrax right from the beginning.  

P.S.  I you are considering getting into DCC, my advice is to go to the manufactures websites and download the users manuals and read them before making you decision.

Liked the review

Not having dcc experience, I am leaning towards the MRC after this article.

Thank you

Terry

Right on

MRC always gets knocked, "its not up to par for a large layout or a club layout" etc.. Doesn't the MRC elite address that issue. MRC claims the Elite can handle ON30 and O scale which I have a feeling it can. Maybe the author doesn't realize that the average the O scale layout runs 1-3 engines.

MRC may not be NCE or Digitrax. Having used Digitrax in what I consider to be a antiquated and a not user friendly system just my opinion on my freiends HO layout.  Many people don't realize is that MRC is the 800 pound gorilla, they could probably buy NCE. For me MRC is affordable and reliable now that it can utilize JMRI. I really do not feel like spending $500 on a NCE system that's the same as a MRC system which is 1/2 the price.

George

MRC and consisting

This may be a really

This may be a really interesting poll for a future date, Joe: How many people move beyond a single locomotive consist, and for those who do, how often do they run a multiple unit consist versus a single unit.

It's an interesting thought to say the least.

And Radio Control too?

For many years, MRC has included a radio control remote for the decoders built into Athearn steam locomotives.  Similar remotes have been included with decoders made to drop into some Walthers diesel locomotives.  These remotes are one-on-one with the decoder and allow the decoder to function without DCC track power.   Multiple locomotive operation is not possible with the remote, but the decoder will respond to DCC operation when available.  This is a great way to get started with DC and move on to DCC.  So, how many big operations are out there?  Seems like most model railroads are small operations for one or two operators.

Interesting report

When Bruce owned Litchfield Station, the only MRC item I can recall in stock was a speaker and after he retired, even that went away for a while.

I recently noticed Litchfield as stocking more MRC stuff so things are changing.

Rich

I had several MRC systems in stock over the years,

at Litchfield Station. I had MRC decoders, too. When they were moving, I stocked them. When they didn't move, I sold them out and didn't reorder.

I sense that Rich is implying that I am against MRC systems. Not the case. I can see why some folks want them, as well as I can see why some folks don't.

The surest way to loose money in a hobby shop is to only stock only what you like. Customers vote with their wallets. What can be sold quickly and profitably will be stocked by a prudent businessman.

Running MUs...

I think you'll find that varies significantly with scale, with smaller scales running larger and more frequent MUs.

I run 2-4 unit MUs all the time in N scale, and know some that have run as many as 9 locomotives in a single MU as distributed power over a 150 car train.  Sometimes I'll even do yard switching with 2 SW9s nose to nose. (Did you know that 2 Lifelike N scale SW9s will haul a 40+ car train on the flat?) I've even been known to run a freight with two Mikados, then get to the yard and break the consist to work both ends of the train at once with the two locomotives. In fact, I think I (and the other N scale modelers I know...) run MUs significantly more often than single locomotives.

Why?

BECAUSE WE CAN. 

We have the locomotives, we have the room, and we have the control systems. Why WOULDN'T we do it?

I think MRC had an attitude in the past

From the beginning of dcc, MRC seemed to have the attitude that we are the "500 pound gorilla" in the industry and what we decide to build is what the public will buy.  They made low end starter sets and sets that could be added on, but no compatibility with JMRI.  They did not offer "tuneability" in their product.  You got what was in the box, and if you didn't want what was in the box, you had to go elsewhere. 

It looks like MRC has decided to make a product to compete with the other manufacturers rather than continue to try to force the customer to buy what they want to sell.  Since they waited 10 years(?) to try to bring out a product that would compete with Digitrax, E-Z DCC, and NCE, I think it is reasonable to expect that they may have missed some of the fine points that others offer.  I think given time and the feedback from the market, MRC will probably make the necessary improvements to be fully competitive with other brands.

I don't think that citing deficiencies in the product in the review is any indication of bias against the product or product line.

A few years ago I was introduced to JMRI at a clinic in a local NMRA meet.  The opening line from the man giving the clinic was a question.  "Does anyone here use MRC?" The second line was "If you use MRC, you might as well leave now, there is nothing here for MRC users!"  It looks like MRC is finally realizing that they better compete if they want market share.

...

The problem right now is the fact that you can build your very own DCC "command station" buy building a DCC interface between JMRI and the layout with relatively very little hardware and a little soldering.

This may be the driving force, whereas why buy a DCC set that cannot interface with the main freeway in the hobby [JMRI]?

MRC system review

Hello, I have a Prodigy Express 2 System and two of their 5 amp boosters.  Two more tethered throttles and 4 wireless, using the Prodigy Wireless conversion set.  Then when we operate here, 3 more Wireless throttles are added.  These come from others who also have MRC systems.  In the beginning, we did have some issues like losing control of the train.  This turned out to be the engineer hitting the recall button and not realizing it.  Once someone set the "cruise control" speed to zero on a locomotive.  But now that we are used to the controllers these issues no longer happen.  For 2 hours we run up to 9 trains, some consisted without any issues with the system.  While I am sure there are layouts that more operate on, this is not too small either and this expanded starter system holds up.

Take care, Chuck

mrc review

I feel because someone is not familiar with a system it should not be considered user friendly. I purchased prodigy advance over 5 years ago, upgraded to wireless, and just recently purchased prodigy elite. the only problem I have had is with one of the throttles where the speed control knob makes poor contact with the rheostat but using the + and - buttons lets it still work OK. I run 2 or 3 freights at a time plus passenger train some with mu and myself and other operator have a good time. I have 2 wireless throttles, 2 of the non back lite throttles and 2 of the back lite throttles and do not have any problems seeing the throttles. I'm 64 yrs old and although my eyes aren't the best in the world I have no problems seeing the readings on the throttles. I'm looking into upgrading to the JMRI patch and I'm sure I will have a learning curve to get use to it but with everything new you have a learning curve.

...

There is a learning curve with everything new, but the size of that curve is very important.

MRC "test drive"

I bought the MRC Wireless DCC controller, as my first DCC system. It is great, no issues what so ever!! I would highly recommend the MRC Wireless system to anybody. The fact that there is no wires, and a full 3+ amps of current, how can you go wrong?!!

Bruce, you heard of the MRC Wireless? Just curious cause you didn't even mention it!! Sure "all systems can be upgraded to wireless", but what about the "out of the box Wireless"system?!! You obviously need to get with the program on this stuff. Your ignorance to the MRC system is obvious!

Maybe now that MRC talks to JMRI, you will spend some more time with the MRC Wireless system, and see what you been missing!!

Drew

MRC "test drive" 2

I just wanted to say that Bruce is obviously not ignorant to DCC systems!

Totally a bad choice of words! Sorry Bruce.

And in fact, he received very little support from MRC in preparation for the article.

Drew

...

Now that MRC talks to JMRI, it is five years behind where the market is right now, which is on the cusp of brandless/nonexistent command stations and universal throttle busses that let you use any throttle you like, regardless of the manufacturer.  Maybe another five years, perhaps, but we're close.

..."actually don’t use the

Before the buttons wear out…

Me too, Paul. Hopefully before my buttons wear out I plan to build one of these:

Already been talking to my future son-in-law who’s a computer engineer on how to tie-in the PA2 throttle with the control stand.  

Wish me luck!​

Scott

That looks like a lot of fun! Good luck indeed!

Just tried JMRI

With my MRC PA2 system.  Works!  Now I need to play with it a lot more to understand it.  Much more info than MRC's software program which was quite limited in scope. Might be why it never made it past V 1.1 as JMRI was eventually going to happen.