I have run my MRC prodigy express for about 2 years now. Simple, cheap, and I liked it. it does fine with my small door sized layout. But, I have been pondering starting to buy some decoders to control my turnouts, and crossovers. Does anybody know if the Prodigy Express can control turnout fuctions? Or am I gonna have to upgrade? I don't have huge switch yard operations obviously, but do have a cross over, outer loop, inner loop with a couple industry spurs and a small yard. Nothing major so not allot of intricate switching and routing..
If you add an Advance Squared handheld you can. Adding an Advance Squared handheld extends the functionality of your system. As stated on page 1-2 of the manual: "The following chart is for Prodigy Advance Cab only. If you add a Prodigy Advance Cab to your Prodigy Express, it will automatically upgrade to Prodigy Advance DCC System. So this manual also covers Prodigy Advance."
From page 2 of the manual(just below "Specifications and Features"): "If you add a Prodigy Advance Cab to your Prodigy Express, it will automatically upgrade to Prodigy Advance DCC System. So this manual also covers Prodigy Advance." From section 2-11: "Accessory Decoders (Prodigy Advance Cab only) The Prodigy Express will handle most NMRA compatible accessory decoders..." In other words yes, the Express will control turnouts, if you add an Advance Cab(if you get the PC interface, the on screen cab counts as an Advance Cab).
Well.. After doing a little digging. I think I found a pretty good solution. I think I am going to buy the "Wireless Computer Interface" from MRC. For about $90, I can add a wireless module to the Express and a USB wireless module on the laptop, download the software from MRC, and it will take care of it all. It will convert my Express to an Advance wireless, and give the ability to connect and control/program everything with the laptop. I can also add a wireless handheld if I choose to later. The only thing that will be lacking then is the power output of the Express, but for my small layout, it is fine for running 2 or 3 trains at one time, which is pretty much all my layout will permit anyway. I might be able to add some power too though if I need to.
I think you found the answer. I like the MRC Prodigy. Would have brought it instead of the Digitrax Zephyr if I had researched it better. I didn't so it's OK. The Zephyr is doing the job for me just a little less friendly. Have fun with it
I started with the Prodigy Express and have an upgraded power supply and then I got an Advance Squared Handheld. I like the Prodigy system. I am planning on going to the Wireless Computer Interface also at some point in the near future. I have downloaded the software and checked it out. I liked it. I am going to have to send my system in to have the software upgraded to make it wireless capable, though.
From what I have seen, and read, you don't have to send your system in. The MRC part #0001515 will give you wireless on the express and advance systems. That part number gives you a wireless module to plug into the system, and also a USB module to plug into your computer. You can also then either use your computer, or you can purchase the wireless handheld later if you want to. The 0001515 costs around $80 for that set of modules. I am getting mine through Mike and Robin Fifer. I am also getting the 0001501 expansion panel which will give me two jacks. that way, I can plug the wireless module in one, and my express wired hand held in the other, and use the hand held cab control, and the laptop at the same time as "cab1, cab2, & cab3". The hand held will be cab1, and the laptop software cab2 & cab3, as well as route control for the turnouts. By the way. How did you amp up your power supply? That is the only thing I might want to do pretty soon...
I talked to Frank at MRC and he said that I would have to send in mine with $25 to have the software upgraded to work with the wireless. You send in your old power supply and some $$ and they will send you an Advance power supply. You can do it all at the same time. You can email rrtech@modelrectifier.com or call 732-225-6360 and talk to Frank. He get's back to you pretty quickly and he will tell you the deal and what the current costs are.
Yes, the Advanced Throttle will bring turnout control to the Express pack, but the Express Throttle will still be unable to control turnouts. So basically you are replacing the throttle instead of upgrading it. You should still be able to use the Express Throttle as a backup or second hand held, however you will still be unable to control turnouts from it.
Yeah, I saw that. that is fine, I am going to be using the laptop anyway with the handheld as a 2nd controller. I did email Frank, and he confirmed what you said about the upgrade. Looks like I will be sending in my base unit for an upgraded software. I think I am gonna go ahead and fess up the $50 total for the software upgrade and power upgrade. I assume this all will get me up to speed and will be the Advanced system after it all said and done.. With the wireless modules, still saving some money over replacing the whole thing..
I really can't complain about having to spend $25 to upgrade mine. I bought it NIB for $60 from someone who decided he could not use it with an upgraded power supply and two Express handhelds. I added the Advance Squared handheld and three extension plates. So now I just have to send it in and have the software upgraded. I am going to do that as soon as I finish installing and testing all of the decoders I have on hand and installing and testing my autoreverse modules on my two wyes.
That is exactly what I paid for mine about a year ago. I got it on ebay, new in the box for $60. It was given as a gift to the guy, and before he even took it out of the box, he decided to go with something else, so I picked it up for $60. that is when I decided to make the leap, because I figured if I decided I didnt like DCC, I wasn't out much, and could get that back for it.. But, it worked out and I love DCC and wont ever go back to miles and miles of wires, blocks, and switches..
