Prodigy FAQ 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 walkarounds. All walkarounds 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 walkaround that operates accessory decoders, which will be able to activate switches, turn outs, 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 that?s 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; a.) Select your desired address. b.) If the current throttle setting is what you desire, press any button to acquire the address. If not, acquire the address by turning the throttle knob quickly to your desired setting. Note: If you turn the throttle too slowly, you will fail to acquire the new address and you still control the last loco.