NCE Powercab Vs MRC Prodigy Express... Fight!

[daniel_leavitt2000]

I'm narrowing my choices for DCC to the NCE Powercab and MRC Prodigy Express. Which ones do you prefer and why?

This will be used to program my current DCC engines and for a test loop before portions of the layout are active. After the layout has trackage, I'll be looking to upgrade to a much larger system. The starter system will then be used on the shelf layout in Thailand.

I really like the wifi module MRC produces, allowing me to use older cell phones as cabs, I actually have 6 iPhone 4S ready and waiting for integration.

But NCE is made in America, and they have better support that allows controlers and other modules to be upgraded. I like that.

What is your take?

[Chris333]

Don't listen to me because I'm a complete DCC newbie. But I though a lot of people disliked the MRC systems.

[nickelplate759]

I picked Powercab for exactly the reasons you mentioned, and am very happy with it.  I really didn't look at the MRC Prodigy at all.

[Philip H]

I own powercab and ran prodigy on @wm3798's layout.  I never had a problem with either - the hand held "paddle" looks very similar and is laid out closely enough that if you use one, you can easily adapt to the other. I do like the U/I on the PowerCab and I think its a robust and expandable system. 

[peteski]

I have NCE Power Cab and use it to test-run and program DCC models (at home on my workbench and at NTRAK shows).  I like it. I have no experience with NCE other than seeing that appearance-wise the handheld unit looks similar to the NCE throttle. No idea as far as how intuitive it is to use, but it does not seem to have a full alphanumeric display like the Power Cab does.  The display looks more like the Digitrax handhelds have (which I'm not too thrilled with).

Power Cab is a complete DCC solution (throttle, command station, and booster) contained inside the handheld unit. Is the Prodigy Express also this portable?

[Dave V]

FINISH HIM!!!

[Jbub]

* esu enters the arena and takes both out *
 

[peteski]

* esu enters the arena and takes both out *
 

Way different price range. 

[Jbub]

Way different price range. 

I know, but I still had to throw it in there.

[Greg Elmassian]

Step up and go Zimo, makes ESU look like a discount brand.

[daniel_leavitt2000]

I really like the ESU throttle. Playing around with it at one of the shows,I liked it much better than the NCE or MRC. The problem is that are really expensive. I don't have much info on Zimo, but I'm guessing they are equally expensive.

Part of the issue is I'm building two vastly different layouts spanning the globe (literally... Conrail here and B&M shelf layout in Thailand). I want to keep all the components common so I can pull something from my personal stock and toss it into the suitcase on my way to there. Both the MRC and NCE starter systems are perfect for that layout. As I get trains up and running here, the starter system goes with me to Thailand.

[Jbub]

I have an old school prodigy express and it's a good unit. You can't read cv's on it so you'll have to figure something out for that functionality. I'm unaware if the newer version reads back cv values though. If you really like the esu throttle I believe you can use that with the MRC Wi-Fi module since it is a WiFi device that can use the engine server app.

[Scottl]

NCE was great with service when I fried mine.  They fixed it for free, and it still keeps ticking along after 9 years.

[nscaler711]

What no Prodigy Advance? Can pick those up on evilbay for $150.
It was my second DCC system behind the good awful Bmann if you even consider that... 

I really like MRC products, and they are pretty good at helping if you have an issue.
I can't say much otherwise as I currently have a PA² with an Elite throttle, which is super nice with the backlit screen...

[daniel_leavitt2000]

I finally pulled the trigger on a NCE Power Cab.