Fantastic video Fred I'm so glad you were able to get this all straight and working for you and always right now everything just in case I look forward to seeing you next update I will share this to Facebook later on today and thank you for sharing this with us
BALD8BIL Thank you. Hope I can figure out my problem accessing F13-20. If not there aren’t too many sounds that I really need to use past 12. There’s quite a few minor sounds on the Tsunami 2 that I don’t think are real important.
Question? I have Green Tortoise switch machines and an MRC prodegy advance2 DCC system, with HO Peco electrofrog 83 turnouts. What accessory decoder works well with both to switch them via the MRC controller? (No toggle switches used)
Sorry, I don’t know. I used Smails on new layout to avoid this issue. I think there is something that will work. You might email Or call MRC support and see if they can help.
While I'm waiting for mine to come in, could you explain the setup on the wiring to the Prodigy Command Station? It shows two wires to the Main Track & two wires to the Program Track. Thanks.
The program track is usually a short section of track separate from your main layout. Use the Program two wire connectors on this track. You can read the locomotive CV settings from this track. A program track is not required but handy. Use it to clean loco wheels if not changing CV. You can update/change the CV settings on the main track if you want. If you purchase a new locomotive, you may only need to change its address to the number on the locomotive from the 3 default that it normally comes with. You can do this on main track, you don’t need to use a program track. You may want to change the master sound CV also. Some locomotives can be too loud for my taste but it’s up to you. Listen to it and judge for yourself.
@@FredE528. Thank you. Just got it in the mail today. I'll just hook it up to the Main Track since my layout is only 36x80 with 3 different locomotives running separately.
If you haven’t seen my video on my test track, you might find it useful. It’s in my playlist titled “DCC Upgrade...”. With a double pull double throw toggle you could change your main layout to a program track. Just have 1 locomotive on the track when using it as test track. Another video shows wiring to DCC from DC and setting up the toggle. Ignore the connection to the DC controller, just do one to Main track and other to Program track.
I have intermittent operation on all locos. one day they work, next day they won't. I have checked voltage on track (14.9), polarity is correct. track is clean, wheels are clean, no shorts found. We get sound and lights, no motion. suggestions?
That sounds frustrating. Looks like you have done all I can think of except trying different controller. Using MRC? Always happen in same area on layout? You might consider an inexpensive controller like a SPROG3($135 on eBay) and JMRI (free) for Windows. Arduino with motor shield and DCC++ would be cheaper option but I wouldn’t recommend over SPROG3. It’s complicated to setup and you still need JMRI.
Maybe you are in programming mode? I had similar issue with lights and horn but no movement using SPROG3. Then realized I wasn’t in command station mode. Just an extra thought.
I think you have to send it back to MRC for this. Suggest you call their support department. Number in my manual is 732-225-6360 but not sure if that’s current.
Great video. Very informative. Sometimes, I will place a loco on the track and it will make sound like if it's idling (talking about DCC/sound equipped). But the throttle will not work. Sometimes I can't get the start up sound to initiate. I have not changed anything on any locos. Any ideas?
How many locomotives does it happen to? Does it happens to one locomotive all the time? It might be the address it not selected correctly? I sometimes have simpler issue and just restart the controller. Tell me more.
Are you working with just one controller ? I’ve found that you can’t move the handheld to another plug and operate the locomotive you where previously controlling.
@@FredE528 it happens to all my locos sparingly. One day I can't get them to work. The next day everything starts up with no problems. I don't have a layout. I just set some track and run them. So I have all my locos at address 3. But I never have more than one on the track.
Are you using an MRC Advance ? If so, connect a piece of track to the PROG output lines. Read cv #1 to find the loco number. You can then change it to what you want. If you can’t do this then reset to decode to defaults by prog on main. Consult your manual on how. It’s usually putting an 8 into cv 8. Restart power and loco should be 3. Reprogram to number you want. If question add another comment.
That’s a nice powerful unit. I look at the manual online. It has ability for PROG line output for a separate program track. Do you have ability to attach a piece of track to the PROG outputs? In the long run I think you’ll be happy learning to read and modify CVs. I always use CVs to adjust my sound volume on new locos I buy. They are normally too loud. You can do this on main track also if you know to loco number. But you can’t read CVs off the loco on the MAIN track.
@@FredE528Thank you so much! I got it working! It’s been a year since it stop working lol. Thank you again I couldn’t have done it without you. If you do celebrate Christmas Merry Christmas! If not have a wonderful day!!!
@@FredE528 doesn’t seem too!! Controller lights and acts of its reading but train still doesn’t move nor do I have certain features on my controller.. so I was guessing it’s not 100 compatible with a Wi-Fi Ethernet cord!! I have the advance 2
I tried a Ethernet cord briefly and it seemed to work but it was just a quick test. I’ll try it tomorrow and see if I have problems. You just want to have longer cord that what comes in box?
I just googled your question and found some information on model railroading forums that indicate it would work with straight thru wiring. No switching of wire positions on end connectors.
It sounds like you are mumbling and the audio isn't go great. I had the PC volume almost at max and the youtube volume at max. Sorry, just my observation.
@@FredE528 Thanks, thought it was just me. LOL Just got the MRC Prodigy Express2 system and want to learn entering the CV#s. Will check out your newer vids.
@@FredE528 on program, it's not mine I don't really know anything about model trains my grandpa wants this set up but he can't remember how to do it and his brother was the only one that knew how to do it but he passed away I'm just trying to make him happy but I don't know what I'm doing wrong, I have it on the test track but when I go to program after I press enter it will read then it just goes to adr but it wants me to input the numbers instead of it reading it back to me.
Fantastic video Fred I'm so glad you were able to get this all straight and working for you and always right now everything just in case I look forward to seeing you next update I will share this to Facebook later on today and thank you for sharing this with us
BALD8BIL Thank you. Hope I can figure out my problem accessing F13-20. If not there aren’t too many sounds that I really need to use past 12. There’s quite a few minor sounds on the Tsunami 2 that I don’t think are real important.
Question?
I have Green Tortoise switch machines and an MRC prodegy advance2 DCC system, with HO Peco electrofrog 83 turnouts.
What accessory decoder works well with both to switch them via the MRC controller?
(No toggle switches used)
Sorry, I don’t know. I used Smails on new layout to avoid this issue. I think there is something that will work. You might email Or call MRC support and see if they can help.
While I'm waiting for mine to come in, could you explain the setup on the wiring to the Prodigy Command Station? It shows two wires to the Main Track & two wires to the Program Track. Thanks.
The program track is usually a short section of track separate from your main layout. Use the Program two wire connectors on this track. You can read the locomotive CV settings from this track. A program track is not required but handy. Use it to clean loco wheels if not changing CV. You can update/change the CV settings on the main track if you want. If you purchase a new locomotive, you may only need to change its address to the number on the locomotive from the 3 default that it normally comes with. You can do this on main track, you don’t need to use a program track. You may want to change the master sound CV also. Some locomotives can be too loud for my taste but it’s up to you. Listen to it and judge for yourself.
@@FredE528. Thank you. Just got it in the mail today. I'll just hook it up to the Main Track since my layout is only 36x80 with 3 different locomotives running separately.
If you haven’t seen my video on my test track, you might find it useful. It’s in my playlist titled “DCC Upgrade...”. With a double pull double throw toggle you could change your main layout to a program track. Just have 1 locomotive on the track when using it as test track. Another video shows wiring to DCC from DC and setting up the toggle. Ignore the connection to the DC controller, just do one to Main track and other to Program track.
I have intermittent operation on all locos. one day they work, next day they won't. I have checked voltage on track (14.9), polarity is correct. track is clean, wheels are clean, no shorts found. We get sound and lights, no motion. suggestions?
That sounds frustrating. Looks like you have done all I can think of except trying different controller. Using MRC? Always happen in same area on layout? You might consider an inexpensive controller like a SPROG3($135 on eBay) and JMRI (free) for Windows. Arduino with motor shield and DCC++ would be cheaper option but I wouldn’t recommend over SPROG3. It’s complicated to setup and you still need JMRI.
Maybe you are in programming mode? I had similar issue with lights and horn but no movement using SPROG3. Then realized I wasn’t in command station mode. Just an extra thought.
Great video but please do you know how to do any firmware updates?
I think you have to send it back to MRC for this. Suggest you call their support department. Number in my manual is 732-225-6360 but not sure if that’s current.
Great video. Very informative. Sometimes, I will place a loco on the track and it will make sound like if it's idling (talking about DCC/sound equipped). But the throttle will not work. Sometimes I can't get the start up sound to initiate. I have not changed anything on any locos. Any ideas?
How many locomotives does it happen to?
Does it happens to one locomotive all the time?
It might be the address it not selected correctly?
I sometimes have simpler issue and just restart the controller.
Tell me more.
Are you working with just one controller ? I’ve found that you can’t move the handheld to another plug and operate the locomotive you where previously controlling.
@@FredE528 it happens to all my locos sparingly. One day I can't get them to work. The next day everything starts up with no problems. I don't have a layout. I just set some track and run them. So I have all my locos at address 3. But I never have more than one on the track.
@@FredE528 yes, one controller
If you turn controller off and back on, does it then work ?
Q: I think I changed my locos number on accident but I don’t know what the number is. Is there a way to reprogram it without the number?
Are you using an MRC Advance ? If so, connect a piece of track to the PROG output lines. Read cv #1 to find the loco number. You can then change it to what you want.
If you can’t do this then reset to decode to defaults by prog on main. Consult your manual on how. It’s usually putting an 8 into cv 8. Restart power and loco should be 3. Reprogram to number you want.
If question add another comment.
@@FredE528 I’m currently using the MRC Elite does that make a difference? If it helps I’m using a massoth XL Decoder #8150001 in the loco
That’s a nice powerful unit. I look at the manual online. It has ability for PROG line output for a separate program track. Do you have ability to attach a piece of track to the PROG outputs? In the long run I think you’ll be happy learning to read and modify CVs. I always use CVs to adjust my sound volume on new locos I buy. They are normally too loud. You can do this on main track also if you know to loco number. But you can’t read CVs off the loco on the MAIN track.
@@FredE528Thank you so much! I got it working! It’s been a year since it stop working lol. Thank you again I couldn’t have done it without you. If you do celebrate Christmas Merry Christmas! If not have a wonderful day!!!
Glad you got it 👍. Merry Christmas back at you. 🎄
Can you use a internet Ethernet cord as a replacement!! Or it’s a different cord!!
Yes. I think that type of cord will work.
@@FredE528 doesn’t seem too!! Controller lights and acts of its reading but train still doesn’t move nor do I have certain features on my controller.. so I was guessing it’s not 100 compatible with a Wi-Fi Ethernet cord!! I have the advance 2
I tried a Ethernet cord briefly and it seemed to work but it was just a quick test. I’ll try it tomorrow and see if I have problems. You just want to have longer cord that what comes in box?
@@FredE528 that’s will be great 👍.. thanks Fred .. no I bought it with no cable eBay. Smh
I just googled your question and found some information on model railroading forums that indicate it would work with straight thru wiring. No switching of wire positions on end connectors.
Can't believe entire vid and you fail to let us see the entire throttle !!
Good comment. I didn’t angle the camera down to show the ‘shift’ key.
It sounds like you are mumbling and the audio isn't go great. I had the PC volume almost at max and the youtube volume at max. Sorry, just my observation.
Sorry about the sound. You’re not only person to make comment on sound. I started using microphone on newer videos. Fred
@@FredE528 Thanks, thought it was just me. LOL Just got the MRC Prodigy Express2 system and want to learn entering the CV#s. Will check out your newer vids.
What if it keeps saying adr with no numbers.... or error adr
Not seen that. Describe your setup? What type of decoder? On program on test or main?
@@FredE528 on program, it's not mine I don't really know anything about model trains my grandpa wants this set up but he can't remember how to do it and his brother was the only one that knew how to do it but he passed away I'm just trying to make him happy but I don't know what I'm doing wrong, I have it on the test track but when I go to program after I press enter it will read then it just goes to adr but it wants me to input the numbers instead of it reading it back to me.
Can you post a private video on your channel and post the link as reply? Explain and show as much as you know about the loco and layout?
@@FredE528 yea I'd have to do it tomorrow