Preview of "Prodigy Advance" System

MRC is knocking at the back door of the major DCC manufactures with the introduction of the "Prodigy Advance" DCC System.

"Sophisticated Yet Simple" is MRC's motto. Here are the features:

• 2 or 4 digit addressing (0-9999).
• Realistic 14-28/128 speed steps.
• Run up to 32 throttles using plug’n'play technology.
• Program on the main or program track.
• 19 accessory functions for Broadway Limited® and advanced sound units.
• Easily upgradeable to any future NMRA protocols.
• LCD readout for operating and programming.
• Advanced Consisting.
• Complete CV programming range.
• Read-back programming.
• 16 Slot recall feature.

"Prodigy Advance" comes complete with Handheld (Cab/Throttle), Base unit (DCC Command Station and Booster) and input power supply. List $289.98, Tony's here. Expected delivery is in August 2004. Tony's is now accepting advanced orders.

Our initial evaluation supports MRC's motto. We found the system very easy to operate in all aspects. Our techs were up and operating, programming and consisting in minutes!

Most of the operating instructions are printed on the back of the throttle which also supports the user friendly claim. To some extent, the "Prodigy Advance" operating format is patterned after NCE Corp's Power Pro series of advanced DCC systems that are also recognized as being very user-friendly. The LCD display is quite large and easy to read for us older folks.

The System is rated for 3.5 Amps and we actually operated it at about 5 Amps for 10 minutes with no thermal cutoff. As expected, the track voltage dropped from a nominal no load of 15VDCC to about 10VDCC. Also, we operated 6 Broadway locos with no power issues.

Here are pics of prototype unit we tested. Note, some of the throttle nomenclature shown in pics is pre-production, hand applied, development labels.

Prodigy Advance 2

Prodigy Advance 2

Note: This is a preliminary evaluation. There are many aspects of DCC operations that we have not tested yet including NMRA compatibility and consisting function access and control. We will release this info, if applicable in the future.

We welcome comments or suggestions from readers; please write or call.