MRC PRODIGY User manual

MRC PRODIGY DCC
We make DCC easy to enjoy
Model Rectifier Corporation
Setting the standards with innovative technology

MRC PRODIGY DCC
INTRODUCTION
Thank you for purchasing MRC’s PRODIGY DCC system. You
now own one of the most advanced, easy to use DCC systems
available. The MRC PRODIGY DCC will enhance your enjoy-
ment of your train layout for many years to come. With the
PRODIGY DCC System, you can now control up to 32 locomo-
tives. It will give you, your family, and friends the opportunity to all
participate in running your trains.
Specifications
Input: 16-18 Volts AC or 18-20 volts DC
Output: DCC signal with 16 volts amplitude
Maximum current : 3.5Amp
Address capability: up to 32 address: 1-32
Handheld capability: up to 4
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Introduction.................................................... page 1
Terminology ................................................... page 2
Section 1 Quick Start ..................................... page 3
Section 2 Run Operation................................ page 3~4
Section 3 Decoder Programming................... pages4~6
Section 4 Consisting ...................................... page 7
Section 5 Priority of Plugs.............................. pages 8~9
Section 6 Reverse Loop ................................ page 9
Section 7 Optional Accessories for DCC ....... page 10
Section 8 Troubleshooting ............................. page 10
Section 9 Service Information ........................ back cover
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TERMINOLOGY
Please familiarize yourself with the following terminology. It will
help you to understand the instructions.
Command Station (base unit; also called console): A device
that sends Digital Command Control (DCC) signals to decoders
to control them or to program them. MRC PRODIGY DCC
console is a compatible command station.
Handheld: A device plugged into the base unit. Most of your
operations are on the handheld. You can plug four handhelds into
the base unit. Additional handhelds can be purchased separately.
Standard Loco: Any locomotive without a decoder is called a
standard loco. It is always assigned to address #1 in your
PRODIGY DCC system.
Locomotive Decoder: A small device that is installed in the loco
and receives DCC signals from the command station. Each
decoder can memorize its address and other operational data. It
only follows the command assigned to its address. All decoders
are programmed to address #3 at the factory. A locomotive
installed with address #3 is referred to as decoder loco #3 or
simply as loco #3.
Run Mode: PRODIGY DCC has three operating modes: Run
mode, Program mode and Consist Setting mode. It is the Run
mode that lets you operate your locos. Please follow the white
color lettering on the handheld when you are in Run mode. To
select Run mode, place the mode switch on base unit to Run
position.
Program Mode: Use this mode to program your decoder’s
address and other operational data. Follow the red color lettering
on the handheld when you are in Program mode. To select
Program mode, plug a handheld into jack #1 and place the mode
switch to Program position. Program light should glow indicating
you are in Program mode.
Consist Setting Mode: To add, delete and clear a consist.
Follow the orange color lettering on the handheld when you are in
Consist Setting mode. To select Consist Setting mode, press
Consist Setting button. Consist Setting light will glow indicating
you are in Consist Setting mode. To exit Consist Setting mode,
press Consist Setting button again.

Use this resistor to set up your
program track
For emergency stop, press the Stop button. It will halt all
operations on the layout. The green LED will blink
indicating the emergency stop. To restore operation,
press the Start button.
When an overload occurs, the unit will stop providing any
power to the rails and the both LEDs (orange and green)
blink. The system will restore the output automatically
once the overload is removed.
Section 3 DECODER PROGRAMMING
Make a Program Track
It is a good practice to make a program track. With the program track
you do not have to remove all locos from the layout in order to program
one loco. You can drive or put a loco onto the program track and switch
off your layout. When you finish programming, switch on the layout and
drive or place the loco back into the layout.
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In case of incorrectly wired
decoder, the 20 ohm resistor
protects it from being
damaged.
Program
track
Section 1 QUICK START
Your PRODIGY DCC package contains a PRODIGY DCC console, a
handheld controller and a power supply. All you need to do is plug the
power supply into the console and connect your layout (track) to the
base unit.
NOTE: If you use a conventional CAB Control/Isolated block system, you
should activate all block switches and disconnect your conventional
Power Pack.
Each handheld has simplified QUICK START instruc-
tions on the reverse side. You should be able to use
it to operate most aspects of the system without any
further reading of the manual. However, we recom-
mend you read all instructions to get the most
enjoyment and to learn about all of the features
offered in the PRODIGY DCC system.
Section 2 RUN OPERATION
1. Switch the power switch to the On position and select run mode by
placing the mode switch to Run position.
2. Place a standard loco and loco #3 on your track and plug the
handheld into any one of the 4 jacks.
3. To operate loco #3, turn the address selector dial to #3 and position
the address bank selector switch to 1-16. Acquire the loco by press-
ing the desired direction button. You have now acquired the loco.
Once you acquire the loco, you can adjust its speed by turning the
throttle and change its direction by pushing the direction buttons. You
can also operate its headlight on and off by pressing the light button.
If your decoder has an accessory function #1, you can turn on or turn
off the function by pressing F1.
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.
4. To operate the standard loco, select and acquire address #1 in the
same manner as above. You should be able to operate it at the
same time loco #3 is moving.
You have just operated 2 locos with your new DCC system. It’s that easy.

Program Top Voltage
The top voltage (top speed) is the voltage (speed) at full throttle. The
PRODIGY DCC top end voltage is set for maximum output. If you are
running a switcher, you may want the top end voltage to be less than full
output for more realistic performance at top throttle setting.
To program the top voltage, adjust the throttle for the top voltage setting
and then press the Program Top Volt button.
Top voltage is a unique programming feature that we
added into the PRODIGY DCC System. Other
manufacturer’s decoders may not be able to use it. The
early MRC decoders AD305, AD310, AD320 and AD330 do
not have this function. All our new decoders such as
AD315 and AD350 will support this feature.
Program Momentum
Momentum simulates the drag of a heavy train as it starts and stops.
Real trains do not jack rabbit start and stop on a dime. You can program
in the amount of momentum you want for the train at hand.
To program momentum, adjust the throttle for momentum setting and
then press the Program Momentum button. The higher you set on the
throttle dial the more momentum you add.
Program Reverse Polarity
Decoders are programmed with normal direction setting, i.e. it runs
forward when you press the forward direction button. But for multi-lash
up locos, operating back to back, one loco has to be programmed with
reverse polarity.
To program reverse polarity, press the Reverse Polarity button.
To program the loco back to normal direction setting, just reprogram its
address. Programming reverse polarity twice will not give you normal
direction setting.
Program Analog Enable
This feature allows the decoder equipped loco to be programmed to run
on a standard analog (DC) layout. When you reprogram a loco with its
address, it disables the analog running ability.
To program analog enable, press the program Analog Enable button.
NOTE: Program Analog Enable will also program the loco with factory
set direction setting.
Program Loco Address
The address is the number assigned to a decoder to identify the de-
coder. All decoders are programmed with address #3 as the factory
default. You can change the address any time by programming.
To program a decoder, select the loco you wish to program and place it
onto a program track. Then select the program mode by plugging the
handheld into jack #1 and then positioning the Mode switch to Program.
The Program light on the base unit will light indicating you are in the
program mode.
To program the address, select the address you want to assign the loco
by rotating the dial, and then press the Program Address button. Please
wait 5 seconds for completion.
Example: How to program decoder with address #2
1. Put loco on program track.
2. You must have the handheld plugged into Jack #1
and the Mode switch positioned on the base unit to
Program. Program LED will light.
3. Turn the address selector dial to #2 and switch the
address bank selector to 1-16.
4. Press Program Address button. Loco will jerk
slightly. Wait 5 seconds for completion.
You’ve just programmed the loco with address #2. It’s
that easy. Now position the Mode switch on the base
unit to Run. You should be able to operate the loco with
address #2.
Helpful hint: Make a chart indicating the road
names, road numbers and assigned address num-
bers for your locos and keep this chart near your
PRODIGY DCC system for reference.
Program Start Voltage
This is the voltage required to start the locomotive’s motor and overcome
its weight and friction to make it begin to move. You can program your
locomotive with a start voltage so that it will begin to move as soon as
the throttle kicks in.
To program start voltage, adjust the throttle for start voltage setting and
then press the Program Start Volt button.
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Section 4 CONSISTING
Consisting (multi-lashup)
Before DCC, it was very difficult to lash (couple) two or more locos
together because they may not have started at the same time or run in
the same direction. With DCC technology you can program locos to all
start moving at the same time.
Consist Setting
Select consist setting mode first by pressing Consist Setting button.
Consist LED will glow, indicating that you are in consist setting mode. In
consist mode, you can add a loco into the consist group or delete a loco
from a consist group or clear the entire consist group. To add locos into a
consist group, dial loco address and then press Add Loco button. You
can add as many locos as you want and whenever you want. The last
added loco is the lead loco. You can control the speed and direction of all
the locos in the consist group by controlling the lead loco. When you
finish with the consist setting, press Consist Setting button again to exit
consist setting mode, then begin operating your consist.
Consist setting does not program any decoder. Once you turn off
the power switch all consist groups will be cleared. It only makes
the locos in the consist group respond to the lead address’ speed
and direction. You are still able to control each loco’s light and
accessory function individually by using their original address.
To delete a loco from the consist group, select consist setting mode
again. Dial loco address to be deleted, then press Delete Loco button. If
you wish to delete the lead loco from you consist, clear the entire consist
and rebuild a new consist with a new lead loco.
If you want to clear the consist group, stop the group and then press
Clear Consist button. Once you clear the consist group, each loco will
respond its original address. When you finish consist setting, press
Consist Setting button again to exit consist setting mode.
You can program one consist group per input jack. Therefore the
PRODIGY DCC System can operate up to four consist groups and
each can be set independently. Once the consist is set, you can
operate the consist group from any jack just as you would to operate a
single loco. Remember to exit the consist mode after setting up your
consist. If you remain in the consist setting mode (LED on), you can
run a loco but you cannot control direction or lights.
If more than one handheld is used, your PRODIGY system has
the ability to let the other users to continue operating their trains
while you build a consist.
Section 5 PRIORITY OF PLUGS
If you operate the PRODIGYPRODIGY
PRODIGYPRODIGY
PRODIGY DCC system with one
handheld only, you may skip this section. If you have
more than one handheld, then please read this section.
There are four input plugs on the console to accept up to four handheld
controllers. From left to right they are: plug #1, plug #2, plug #3 and plug
#4. The handheld plugged into plug #1 is referred to as handheld #1.
Handheld #1 has the highest priority and handheld #4 has the lowest
priority. The higher priority handheld can take over the loco acquired by
lower priority handheld.
The following example shows how the priority works.
Let us assume that the base unit has four handhelds connected
and loco #3 is at idle (not acquired). Handheld #4 selects and
acquires loco #3. It now controls loco #3.
Handheld #4 brings loco #3 to a stop by moving the throttle to 0.
If handheld #3 selects and acquires loco #3, it takes over loco #3
from handheld #4.
Now handheld #3 adjusts its throttle at 30%. The loco #3 will
respond to handheld #3 and run at 30% of full speed.
Then handheld #2 selects and acquires the loco #3 and adjust
its throttle to 60%. The loco #3 will responds to handheld #2 and
run at 60% speed.
Now if handheld #1 selects and acquires the loco #3 and adjust
its throttle to full. The loco #3 will responds to handheld #1 and
runs at full speed.
As soon as handheld #1 releases loco #3 by unplugging or
selecting and acquiring a loco other than #3, the loco #3 will
respond the handheld #2’s speed setting, at 60% of full speed. If
handheld #2 releases loco #3, then loco #3 will follow handheld
#3’s speed setting and runs at 30% speed. If handheld #3
releases loco #3, the handheld #3’s operator will find the loco
has stopped, because it responds to handheld #4.
The PRODIGY DCC system has memory capabilities. When
using any handheld to control one locomotive, that locomo-
tive will continue in its last direction and speed, even when
you acquire a new loco or unplug that handheld from the
base unit, so long as no other handheld acquires the loco.
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Section 7 OPTIONAL ACCESSORIES FOR DCC
MRC offers various accessories for your DCC layout, including a
PRODIGYPRODIGY
PRODIGYPRODIGY
PRODIGY DCC Sound Station that operates from the PRODIGY
handheld.
Contact your favorite hobby dealer for other accessories or check our
website at www.modelrectifier.com for updates.
Section 8 TROUBLE SHOOTING
A DCC system is made up of a command station (base unit) and de-
coder equipped locos. Whenever you have problems try to find out if the
cause of the problem is the command station or the decoder. If you can
control a standard loco in both directions, your base unit is OK. The fault
must lie in the decoder.
Are you in the correct Address Bank (1-16 or 17-32)?
You may have changed the bank address by moving the bank switch
accidentally. Check for correct setting.
Dirty track and wheels
A common problem in all DCC systems is the decoder-equipped
locomotive’s pickup. Keep wheel and track surfaces clean. Intermittent
and jerky operations are often caused by an oxide coating or dirt on
either the track or loco’s wheels. When you have problems always
check the track and wheels and make sure they are clean.
Decoder lost memory
If you lose control of a loco, please reprogram it and try again.
Check decoder’s connection
Remove the locomotive shell and check the connection of the decoder.
Are there any broken wires?
The console or handheld lights flash and power is lost
Check for a short circuit. Remove the short and the unit will automatically
reset and power will come back on. The problem can also be caused if
you run more than 6 HO locomotives at one time. If you draw too much
current due to heavy loads, you may wish to invest in MRC’s Power
Booster (item number AD501) that will provide 8 amps of power. Contact
your hobby dealer for price and availability.
Other questions?
Call our customer service department at [phone] between hours
of 9:00am and 6:00pm Eastern Time. Also refer to our website at
www.modelrectifier.com under Frequently Asked Questins section on the
PRODIGY DCC.
There are two rules for plug priority that operators should always
keep in mind to avoid confusion.
Rule #1: When you operate a loco and find you lose control, the
loco may be acquired by higher priority handheld.
Rule #2: When you switch to a new loco and you find that the
old loco suddenly changes its state, the old loco may
be responding to lower priority handheld. To avoid this
problem, if you have a lower priority handheld and you
have completed use of your loco, simply unplug your
handheld from the console or acquire a non-assigned
address.
Section 6 REVERSE LOOP
The following diagram shows a reverse loop with a double-pole double-
throw (DPDT) switch. It allows you to change the polarity of the reverse
loop section.
Before a loco crosses the first isolating gap you must make sure the
polarity of reverse loop section and main track are matched at the first
gap. (If not flip the switch.) Otherwise it will cause a short circuit. After
the loco passes the first gap completely, you need to change the polarity
of the reverse loop section by flipping the switch so that the polarity of
the reverse loop section and main track are matched at the second gap.
If the loco is a standard loco, you need to flip the switch and push its
direction button on the PRODIGY DCC after it passes the first gap.
The MRC Auto Reverse Loop Module (item number AD520) can be used
in place of the DPDT switch for automatic operation of the loop. It is only
for decoder equipped locos. See your hobby dealer to purchase this
item.

Setting the standards with innovative technology
Model Rectifier Corporation
80 Newfield Avenue
Edison, NJ 08837
Phone (732) 225 - 6360
www.modelrectifier.com
© 2001 Model Rectifier Corporation
Printed in China
Section 9 SERVICE INFORMATION
Your PRODIGY DCC has been thoroughly tested at the factory. Do not
shut down your layout unnecessarily.
Before returning your unit for repair or servicing, please read Section 8
TROUBLE SHOOTING to make certain it is defective. Please tele-
phone our service department at [phone] before returning your
unit. Please have the following information handy before you call:
1. Name and model number of the power supply, including a power
booster (if applicable), used with the PRODIGY DCC.
2. Your name, shipping address and daytime phone number.
If it should become necessary to return your system, pack it in its original
carton, then pack the original carton into a larger carton with at least three
inches of packing material all around. Include a clearly printed letter with
your name, address and daytime telephone number, and a detailed
description of the problem you are experiencing.
Send your PRODIGY DCC by Parcel Post Insured or United Parcel
Service to: Model Rectifier Corporation
Att: Customer Service Dept.
80Newfield Avenue
Edison, NJ 08837