MRC Prodigy Elite User`s Manual
Contents
1. SYS and 4 Either AM PM or nothing military will display on the LCD 3 Repeat step 2 above to select the desired setting If you are going to continue the same operating session at another time when done write down the time shown on the fast clock before shutting down the system When you resume the operating session you can re set the fast clock from that time The Elite does not save the last used fast time 15 Page S SN i N 4 Y a ra k L j Reverse Loop J Section ui gt lt Insulated gaps Kn rA rA Pa j Pi A Insulated gaps a oOo i AA its ee Pa n j a Main Line Section AD520 Auto Reverse Yellow wires Loop Controller Red wires Reverse Loops The above diagram shows a reverse loop with an MRC AD520 Reverse Loop Controller It allows you to change the polarity of the reverse loop section automatically Make sure the reverse loop is longer than your longest train and follow the diagram to place the insulated rail joiners correctly Wire the reverse loop controller as shown and make sure no other power feeds are connected to the reverse loop Only the yellow wires of the AD520 feed power into the loop Although this diagram shows a simple reverse loop there are more complicated types that you may not be aware of Always draw a diagram of your complete layout and follow the track plan to insure that there are no hidden reverse loops an2. as loco to run the group Clear Consist Press Consist to select CLr J Enter consist lt 1 Set Old Consist Press Consist to select Old SET J Enter lead 1 To add loco enter J Run old consist group Press Consist Loco Entar lead J Consist to select Old CLr l st Cab Press Sys 6 Enter cab J Each cab must have unique Cab 1 Is master and has following features Setlast cab allowed to program on Main or Prog track Press Sys 7 or8 respectively Enter J Press Sys 5 J Enter route 3 To add accessory enter J Clear Route Press Sys 0 J Enter route lt J Set Time Press Sys 1 Enter time 1 Set Rate Push Sys 2 Enter rate how many seconds fora minute J Select AM PM or Military Time Press Sys 4 Made In China DCC Basic Background A DCC system consists of a DCC Command Station that sends DCC commands to your layout and DCC decoders installed in your locos that receive the DCC commands Each decoder equipped loco has its own address Each decoder receives DCC commands but only follows those commands matching its address No more multiple blocks and no more multiple power packs With DCC you can run different locos with different speeds and directions all on the same track You can also turn on off the loco s headlight and activate sounds if your loco is equipped with a sound decoder Please visit our website at www modelrectifier com for more information abou
3. decoder will only respond to the advanced consist address Adding a value of 128 to the value in C V 19 will make the decoder loco run in reverse overriding the original value programmed into C V 29 Refer to the section A Word About C V 29 Programming Loco on the Program Track 1 Make sure your Cab is allowed to program on the Program Track 8 Page Note Note 2 Place the loco on the Program Track Press PROG to select Prog Prog Track Press ENTER 3 First Adr will flash prompting you to program the loco address Using 0 9 enter the loco address followed by ENTER or press ENTER to skip to the next step For the beginner or if you want to only program the loco address you can stop right here Put the loco back on the Main Track Select the loco by pressing LOCO then enter the loco address and press ENTER Now you can run the loco 4 Next SV will flash prompting you to program the Start Voltage Input data and then press ENTER 5 Next Acc will flash prompting you to program the acceleration rate Input data and then press ENTER 6 Next dEc will flash prompting you to program the deceleration rate Input data and then press ENTER 7 Next TV will flash prompting you to program the Top Voltage Input data then press ENTER 8 Finally CV will flash prompting you to program a CV Configuration
4. district powered by the booster Service and Support Your Prodigy Elite has been thoroughly tested at the factory Do not shut down your layout unnecessarily Before retuming your unit for repair or servicing please read both General Trouble Shooting and Special Trouble Shooting sections to make certain the unit is defective Please visit our website at www modelrectifier com for further Prodigy Elite information before calling our service department at 732 225 6360 before retuming your unit Please have the following information handy when you call 1 Name and model number of the power supply including the power booster if applicable used with the Prodigy Elite DCC 2 Name of the manufacturer and the type of decoders and locos you are using 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 19 Page printed letter with your name address daytime telephone number and a detailed description of the problem you are experiencing Send your Prodigy Elite DCC system by Parcel Post Insured or United Parcel Service to Model Rectifier Corporation Attn Customer Service Dept 80 Newfield Avenue Edison NJ 08837 More about programming locomotive address on the Program Track or Main Track To program a locomotive address involves programming a series of CVs such as CV1 C
5. each manufacturer may have different ranges of values for C V s Most manufacturers use a range of 0 255 M R C decoders use a range of 0 32 which is a percentage of 255 After the decoder is installed make sure the values of CV 2 CV 3 and CV 4 are all at their base value of 0 zero to start with CV 5 should be at it maximum value 255 for other decoders 32 for 13 Page M R C decoders This is your starting point for speed matching decoders Different makes of decoders may also have other speed control C V s such as Mid Voltage or factory speed curves which can also affect how decoders run together in consisted locos If your decoders have these extra C V s make sure they are all set to the same values The rest is experimentation by the user to get the locos to all run at approximately the speed If one loco runs faster than the rest try lowering the value in C V 5 top voltage in that loco If one loco does not respond to lower throttle settings as quickly as the others try raising the value in C V 2 start voltage in that loco C V s 3 and 4 are momentum C V s These C V s simulate the lag in acceleration and deceleration starting and stopping in real locomotives hauling heavy trains These C V s should be adjusted last after you have the locos running together as close as you can All the locos should have the same values in the C V s although each locomotive may respond differently once the
6. in C V 1 and uses a range from 1 to 127 Long Address is carried in C V s 17 and 18 and uses a range from 128 to 9 999 Start Voltage C V 2 This is the voltage required to start the loco s motor and overcome its weight and friction to make it begin to move You can program your loco with a start voltage so that it will begin to move as soon as the throttle is turned Top Voltage C V 5 The top voltage top speed is the voltage speed at full throttle The Prodigy Elite and all other DCC Systems put a constant full voltage to the tracks If you are running a switcher you may want the top end voltage speed to the motor less than the top speed of a passenger locomotive for more realistic performance at top throttle setting You would set a lower Top Voltage setting for the decoder inside the switcher Acceleration Rate C V 3 This rate simulates the drag of a heavy load as the loco speeds up so when you increase the speed setting the loco will gradually increase its speed Deceleration Rate C V 4 This rate simulates the drag of a heavy load as the loco slows down so when you decrease the speed setting the loco will gradually decrease its speed Advanced Consist C V 19 This C V uses an address range of 1 127 short address Programming a value into this C V overrides the decoder s previous address whether it is a 2 digit address programmed into C V 1 or a 4 digit address programmed into C V s 17 and 18 The
7. 1 Press ROUTE Input the Route number you wish to run Press ENTER 2 1 or 2 will display reminding you to press only 1 or 2 to select the routes Clearing Accessory Routes Master Cab only 1 Press SYS and 0 Then press ENTER 2 Input the route number Then press ENTER General Trouble Shooting It takes the Command Station the decoders and your layout to make the DCC system work This Trouble Shooting Section has been arranged in a manner easiest for you to find the cause of your problem Please go through this section in the exact order it appears because each following set of instructions assumes that the preceding set has been tested and that component of the DCC system found not defective 17 Page 1 Turn on the power to the base unit The Backlit LCD should turn on and LINK SPEED L E D should start blinking If not make sure the power supply is securely plugged into the base unit and into a working AC wall outlet If the above does not happen send the unit in for repair 2 The fan should not spin when there is no load If the fan turns on spins slowly and off periodically it indicates there is an overload or short circuit Short circuits could be caused by a piece of metal lying across the track a defective decoder a derailed loco faulty turnouts or a non insulated reverse loop 3 Check the Main Track output Place an analog loco or test light on the Main Track The loco should
8. MRC Prodigy Elite User s Manual ADVANCE ELITE eee ee THROTTLE Mode Rectifier Corp Introduction Thank you for purchasing MRC s Prodigy Elite DCC Digital Command Control system You now own one of the most advanced easy to use DCC systems available It comes as a complete system with a Command Station base unit that incorporates a backlit L C D on the front that displays track voltage current draw and time it also comes with a power supply and Backlit LCD Cab Handheld with cable The MRC Prodigy Elite DCC system will enhance the enjoyment of your train layout for many years to come Here at MRC we pride ourselves in giving you the most advanced reliable and easy to use DCC train controls With up to 9 999 addresses available and use of up to 99 Cabs you can expand your railroad empire as much as you desire From a beginner s 4x8 layout to a massive club layout the Prodigy Elite gives you everything you want It is also compatible with all handhelds from the Prodigy Advance Advance Squared Express and Wireless Add On Set item no 0001412 Do not Use AD493 style handhelds Your New Elite DCC System comes with the following items 1 10 amp 15 volt D C power supply with U S A style wall cord 2 Command Console Base Unit 3 Cab Handheld with backlit display 4 Cab Handheld cable Nothing else is required to get your system up and running All you need are decoder Equipped Locomotive
9. System Menu Summary Chart Most functions are initiated by pressing their associated keys However there are ten functions initiated by pressing the SYS key followed by a numeric key 0 9 The following table summarizes these ten functions and the information about each function is found in the manual Buttons Function SYS 0 Clear Routes SYS 1 Set Time SYS 2 Set Time Ratio SYS 3 Yard Mode On Off SYS 4 Set Time Mode AM PM Military SYS 5 Set Routes SYS 6 Set Cab Handheld Address SYS 7 Set Last Handheld Allowed to Program Locos on Main Track SYS 8 Set Last Handheld Allowed to Program Locos on Program Track SYS 9 Set Total Number of Operational Cab Handhelds SYS SHIFT Set Current Output Level Range is 1 to 9 3 Page Quick Start Setting up the System and Connecting to Your Layout Follow the diagram to connect the Command Station base unit to your layout Rear View ITEM 0001417 Factory ower Cab Jack Main Program Supply Track Output nput 1 Plug the 2 terminal green right angle plug attached from the power supply output wires into the base unit where marked 2 Observe the polarity markings on the base unit to the wire colors on the green plug from the power supply as they could have been inadvertently swapped at the factory 2 Using a small flat bladed screwdriver attach two wires 22 AWG or heavier from the Main Track layout to th
10. V17 CV18 CV19 and CV29 This can be somewhat complicated For most decoders Prodigy Elite automatically handles this for you when programming the loco address However it may fail to program some old decoders and some new sound decoders made by QSI It does not mean that you cannot program these decoders It only means you cannot use the Prodigy Advance s easy address programming feature For QSI decoders please refer to your decoder s manual and use CV programming to program the loco address For some old decoders you have to skip the Addr programming and use the CV program mode to program CV29 with a value of 2 and CV1 with a short address 1 127 Detailed steps are as follows 1 Press Prog to select Prog Prog Track Press Enter six times until CV displays on the screen To select CV29 input 29 and Enter CV data displays input 2 and Enter CV displays again Select CV1 by pressing 1 then press Enter CV data displays input the loco address 1 127 and then Enter AWRYWN More about decoder read back Not all decoders support the read back feature Although Prodigy Elite has read back functions it may still fail to read back the decoders This does not mean that your Prodigy Elite is defective No DCC system in the world is able to read all decoders 100 This will not affect the operation of the decoder because you are always able to program your decoder Power Rating Your new Prodigy E
11. Variable At this point you have already finished most of the decoder programming You can stop programming here by pressing ENTER The Prodigy Elite allows you to enjoy your model railroading without having to deal with such questions as What is a CV What is it for How do I program it 9 If you want to program a CV enter a CV number Press ENTER Then input the CV data Press ENTER CV will flash again prompting you to program another CV To skip press ENTER Programming a CV with incorrect data can cause a decoder malfunction Read your decoder manual carefully before programming a CV Also read the Configuration Variables section on the next page Programming Locos on the Main Track Programming on the Main Track can save you the effort of moving a loco to the Program Track for programming However you have to know the loco address in order to program on the Main Track Otherwise you have to program the loco on the Program Track Not all decoders support the Program on Main feature Please read your decoder s manual to check whether the decoder supports this feature 1 Make sure your Cab is allowed to program on the Main Track 2 To program on the Main Track press PROG to select Prog Main Track Press ENTER The current loco address will flash prompting you to program the current loco 3 To program the current loco press ENTER to program another loco input its address
12. and press ENTER 4 The rest of the programming procedures are the same as the Programming on Program Track procedures see above When programming on the main we recommend you bring the loco to a stop before programming because if the moving loco encounters bad pickup due to dirty wheels or track it may fail to receive the program command causing a malfunction Reading Loco s Decoder Values on the Program Track The Prodigy Elite DCC system gives you the ability to read back CV values of a decoder equipped loco on the Program Track This feature is useful if you do not remember the decoder address or what CV values your decoder has Not all decoders support this feature Please read your decoder s manual to check whether it supports this feature 1 Place the loco on the Program Track 2 Press PROG to select rEAd Prog Track then press ENTER 3 First Adr will flash prompting you to read the loco address Press ENTER to read or press SHIFT to skip to the next item It may take several seconds to retrieve the address If the decoder does not support read back feature you will receive an Err Error message 9 Page 4 Next SV will flash prompting you to read the Start Voltage Press ENTER to read or SHIFT to skip 5 Next Acc will flash prompting you to read the acceleration rate Press ENTER to read or SHIFT to skip 6 Next dEc wil
13. ault address 3 If you purchase a decoder equipped loco its address may be its road number Read your decoder and or loco manual for your decoder address To select a loco press the LOCO key Using the numeric keypad 0 9 enter the loco address Press ENTER You have just acquired the loco The Cab will automatically remember the loco address for later recall Use the DIRECTION key to set the loco s direction Turn the THROTTLE knob slowly to increase the loco s speed The selected loco or current loco will begin moving You can also tap the 1 or 1 to adjust the loco s speed Do not hold the 1 key since this is also the DEL key and will delete the loco To toggle the headlight FO on or off press 0 Controlling Accessory Sound Functions To control accessory functions F1 F9 press 1 9 To control F10 F28 press SHIFT then press 2 digits When F1 F12 are on F1 F12 will be displayed on the LCD Functions F13 F28 will not be displayed The below LCD display shows that the current loco is 3802 running in reverse at a speed of 102 Its accessory functions F1 and F11 are on F1 Loco 387 REVY LOZ specs F11 Recalling Locos To call up previous locos stored in the memory press RECALL You can recall up to 25 locos Deleting Locos The Cab can store up to 25 locos If you select a new loco when the Cab is full the new loco will replace the current loco The current loco will be plac
14. buzz or the test light should light If not check all connections and make sure the rear green plug is securely plugged in Make sure the screws on the green plug are tightened on the wire and not on the wire cover insulation If the analog loco still does not buzz or the test light does not light send the unit in for repair 4 LCD does not display anything The Cab LCD should display the current loco when the power is on If not plug the Cab into another Cab Jack on the base unit If the LCD still does not display anything send the unit in for repair 5 Check the communication between the base unit and the Cab Press 2 F2 should momentarily display on the LCD and the LINK L E D should blink If not set the Handheld to be the Master Cab Cab 1 by pressing SYS then 6 then 1 and ENTER Make sure there is no other Master Cab in the system and try again If there is still no communication send the unit in for repair If there is communication you may have the wrong Cab setup Read the Cab Setup section 6 Your loco may have a pickup problem You should periodically clean your track and your loco s wheels Oxide coating or dirt on either the track or loco s wheels often causes intermittent and jerky operation If you pass the above steps your Command Station and Handheld s are fine The problem may lie in the decoder 7 Your decoder may have lost its memory or is in Advanced Consist mode CV19 is not 0 Rep
15. d no other main track power feeds are powering the loop Other makes of reverse loop controllers can be used with your Prodigy Elite please follow the manufacturer s instruction manual for hooking them up to your Elite DCC system 16 Page Accessory Decoders The Prodigy Elite will handle most NMRA compatible accessory decoders This type of decoder can operate turnouts switch tracks or toggle accessories like building lights on and off from your Handheld The accessory decoder outputs can be programmed for a variety of options so you can use them for twin coil switch machines momentary on slow motion switch machines constant on or latching or signal lighting various flash rates Refer to your accessory decoder s instruction manual for programming procedures and CV values Most accessory decoders have their own unique address CV 513 and some have multiple outputs groups of 4 Accessory decoder s and loco decoder s addresses are different so they can be operated independently of each other even if the address values are the same For programming other Manufacturers types of accessory decoders please visit our website at www modelrectifier com and download the Prodigy Advance Tips and Tricks Programming Accessory Decoders with CV 513 1 Press PROG until you reach Prog Prog Track 2 Press ENTER until CV displays 3 Input 513 Press ENTER 4 Enter the accessory decoder addres
16. e terminals marked Main Track and two wires from the Program Track to the terminals marked Program Track into the green 4 terminal right angle plug located on the rear of the base unit 3 Plug one end of the cable into the Cab Handheld and the other into a Cab Jack on the base unit 4 Plug the wall cord from the power supply into an appropriate wall outlet 5 Atthis time the backlit display on both the handheld and base unit should come on and the LINK SPEED LED will start flashing 6 The Factory Jack is only used as an M R C Booster port Booster Numbers 0001505 or 0001521 Do not plug anything else into this Jack Setting Current Output Prior to running your layout determine the scale of your trains and the size of your layout and number of trains you will be running to determine the power needed Smaller scales and layouts do not need a full ten amps of current Set your current needs by pressing the SYS button then the SHIFT button Input a value for the amount of current needed then press ENTER For example SYS SHIFT oy ENTER This would give you an approximate 1 amp output to the layout The lower the value the lower The current output The higher the value maximum 9 the higher the output The highest output is 10 amps Running a Loco 4 Page To run a loco you have to first know its address Most decoders you purchase have the factory def
17. ed in the recall stack automatically To prevent this we recommend you recall unused locos and delete them by pressing and holding DEL for 2 seconds Emergency Stopping For emergency stopping of the current loco press STOP Pressing and holding STOP for 2 seconds will stop the Main Track output The 2 lights on the base unit will blink To restore the Main Track output press and hold STOP for 2 seconds again Speed Steps Speed steps are incremental steps the loco takes to go from 0 to top speed There are three speed steps 14 28 and 128 The higher the speed steps setting the higher the number of different speeds on which 5 Page the loco can operate When you enter a new loco address an address that has not been stored in the Cab s memory Prodigy Advance will set 28 speed steps as the default setting for that address In order to operate your loco properly you may need to change the speed steps setting to match the decoder s speed steps To select other speed steps settings press SPD STEP repeatedly until you see your desired speed steps setting Then press ENTER The selected speed steps setting will apply only to that address Yard Mode On Off To toggle the Yard Mode feature on or off press SYS and 3 In standard throttle mode the throttle only controls loco speed When the Yard Mode feature is on Yard displayed on LCD the yard throttle will control both the speed and direction of the loco Let s explain how to u
18. g SYS then 9 then input 3 and ENTER will set the last operational Cab number to 3 The base unit will only communicate to Cabs 1 3 You will have a really fast response time and LINK SPEED L E D will blink faster Adding More Than 3 Cabs The base unit of your Prodigy Elite DCC system has 3 Cab Jacks 2 in the front and 1 in the rear for use of up to 3 Cabs If you use more than 3 Cabs or you want to install the Cab Jacks around your layout you need to use MRC Prodigy Advance Extension Plates item no 0001501 With those plates you can easily install Cab Jacks all around your layout The base unit is able to power 6 Cabs After that for every 5 Cabs you need a special extension plate with a built in power supply item no 0001502 to boost power for Cabs and prevent a voltage drop in the throttle buss Setting the Last Cab Allowed to Program Locos on the Main Track Master Cab Only This feature prevents novice operators on your railroad from mistakenly reprogramming everything on the layout 1 Make sure your Handheld is the Master Cab 7 Page Example Example 2 Press SYS and 7 3 Using 0 9 enter the number of the last Cab allowed to program on the Main Track Press ENTER If you press the SYS then 7 and input 3 and ENTER Cab 4 and above cannot program on the Main Track Setting the Last Cab Allowed to Program on the Program Track Mas
19. isted They will not be consisted if removed to another layout The Prodigy Elite DCC system allows only ONE Universal Consist at a time regardless of how many Cabs are in use One Universal Consist per system not per Cab Once programmed the base unit will remember the consist group until you clear it Turning off the base unit power will not clear it Programming Universal Old Style Consists 1 Press CONSIST until oLd SET flashes in the display Then press ENTER 2 LEAd Loc will flash prompting you to enter the address of the lead loco Input the lead loco s address Press DIRECTION if you want the loco s direction reversed forward is default setting and press ENTER 4 Add Loco will flash prompting you to add another loco into the consist group Enter a loco address Press DIRECTION if you want the loco s direction reversed forward is default setting and press ENTER 5 Add Loco will flash again prompting you to add another loco into the consist You can control up to 4 locos total including the lead loco in a Universal Consist To end programming press ENTER Running Universal Old Style Consists 12 Page After setting up your consist group use the lead loco s address to run the consist 1 Press CONSIST then LOCO Make sure Cons appears on the LCD display 2 Enter the address of the lead loco and press ENTER 3 Tur
20. l flash prompting you to read the deceleration rate Press ENTER to read or SHIFT to skip 7 Next TV will flash prompting you to read the Top Voltage Press ENTER to read or SHIFT to skip 8 Finally CV will flash prompting you to read a CV To read a CV enter a CV number and press ENTER After reading a CV press ENTER CV will flash again prompting you to read another CV To end the read process press ENTER Configuration Variables CVs Configuration Variables also known as CVs receive and hold entered data that allow the decoder to be tailored to a specific loco or accessory Some CVs are also called registers The Prodigy Elite DCC system allows you to perform most basic programming without having to concern yourself with CVs or registers Of course if you want to program CVs to custom tailor your decoders or select certain functions the Prodigy Elite has this capability Most Commonly Used CVs The CVs listed on the chart below are contained in almost all decoders with additional CVs for extra functions sound or light in more specialized decoders See the decoder manufacturer s instruction manual for a list of CVs contained in that specific decoder and what values to enter for those CVs CV Register Function 1 1 Short Address 1 127 2 2 Start Voltage 3 3 Acceleration Rate 4 4 Decelerati
21. lite base unit is rated at 10 amps and comes with a 10 amp DC power supply Although you can draw more than 10 amps for short periods of time it is not recommended If you run a large layout and need more than 10 amps of power you may need to divide your layout into smaller power districts using MRC s 0001521 8 amp District Boosters Note Your Prodigy Elite has an adjustable current output that you can set for the scale of your trains or the size and power demands of your layout It is recommended that you set the Elite for a smaller output current capacity if you are using N scale or have a small HO layout The Elite comes factory defaulted at 5 amps Model Rectifier Corp 80 Newfield Ave Edison N J 08837 732 225 6360 www modelrectifier com 20 Page
22. mmunication with the crew in the lead loco and the Conductor inside the caboose In modern times diesel locos assigned to the mid train slot are usually radio controlled by the engineer in the lead loco When using decoder equipped locos in this fashion you can assign the mid train helper the consist address so only one operator can operator can run the train Rear Train Helpers Pushers usually meet up with the train sometime before the grade is reached and is controlled with its own crew The Pusher tacks itself on the rear of the train and assists the train up over the grade then it is cut off the train once the train peaks the grade In the days of the wooden frame caboose the Pusher was placed behind the last car of the train ahead of the caboose to avoid crushing the caboose A train with a steel framed caboose the Pusher is tacked to the rear of the caboose very gently as not to spill the Conductors coffee With decoder equipped locos you can assign the Pusher Loco the consist address so one operator can control the train but maximum realism is attained by having the Pusher assigned to its own address and operated independently by another operator with a steady hand on the throttle and brakes 14 Page Example Fast Clock Setting Fast Clock Master Cab only Your Prodigy Elite has a backlit L C D on the front of the base unit that indicates the time The time can also be displayed on each individual handheld in use so no mat
23. n the throttle and all the locos in the consist will start moving together 4 To control accessory functions use each loco s original address CONS 3802 REVY LOZ specs F11 The above LCD display shows a Universal Consist group led by lead loco 3802 running in reverse at a speed of 102 Ee Clearing Universal Old Style Consists To clear a consist press CONSIST until Cons oLd cLr flashes in the display Then press ENTER Turning off the power on the base unit will not clear the consist Once you clear the consist each loco will immediately respond to its original speed command Although with DCC it is easier to get consisted locomotives speed matched some of the same old D C Rules still apply to running locomotives in a consist in that the locomotives to be consisted should run approx the same speed together on D C before installing a decoder in them Even locomotives from the same manufacturer may have different motors or gear ratios which affect their running characteristics Also sound decoders draw more current than their non sound counterparts and their voltages to their motor outputs may make them run slightly slower at different voltage ranges When consisting locos Make sure the locos to be consisted run considerably close on analog D C through all speed ranges Install the same type of decoder in the locos to be consisted It helps to use the same decoder from the same manufacturer as
24. on Rate 5 Top Voltage 6 Mid Voltage 7 Manufacturer Version Number 8 Manufacturer ID Number 17 Extended Address upper amp lower bytes 4 digit address 18 Extended Address upper amp lower bytes 4 digit address 19 Advance Consist Address 1 127 29 5 Configuration Data 1 A Word about CV 29 CV29 is the most important CV of the decoder Improperly programming the CV29 may cause decoder malfunction We do not recommend you program CV29 yourself because the Prodigy Elite will take care of it for you in most cases When you program your decoder s address with Prodigy Elite it will automatically program CV29 If you want to reverse the loco s polarity or set the decoder 14 speed steps you have to reprogram CV29 after programming the loco s address Please use the following table to reprogram CV29 The value of CV29 depends on the loco s address For further information about CV29 visit the Resource section of our website 10 Page CV 29 Table CV29 34 default CV29 35 CV29 32 CV29 33 reverse CV29 7 CV29 39 CV29 4 CV29 36 CV29 5 CV29 37 Consisting enable 28 normal CV29 6 CV29 38 reverse z Sometimes more than one loco is needed to haul heavy loads These grouped locos are known as a Multiple Unit or a Consist and they are run as one locomotive from the lead locomotive The Prodigy Elite DCC system allows you to build consists quickly and easily There are t
25. onds then resume and the fan will turn on spins slowly and off periodically Please remove the overload or short circuit for proper operation When operating larger layouts with numerous locos and accessories being operated at the same time or when running 2 rail O or G scales you may need to separate your layout into Power Districts and use additional District Power Boosters MRC 0001521 and District Circuit Breakers MRC 0001527 M R C Boosters get plugged into the Factory jack only For Boosters other than 6 Page M R C Boosters please refer to their instructions on how they are wired to your layout and M R C DCC systems Note When setting up your layout into power districts using district boosters or circuit breakers always remember to check the rail polarity across the insulated rail joiners with a voltmeter or light bulb to ensure there are no short circuits If you get track voltage across the joiner meter reading or bulb lights then reverse the wires going into the district powered by the booster Shutting Down the Unit Unplug the Power Supply s wall cord from the wall outlet We recommend the use of a good power strip surge protector with an ON OFF switch for turning off all layout power These items are available at home improvement or electronics types of stores Cab Handheld Setup Setting Cab Addresses You can use up to 99 Cabs with the Prodigy Elite Each Cab Handheld must have an individ
26. ot display anything on the LCD display 1 Check that the handheld cable is securely plugged into the base unit 2 Replace the handheld cable with a known working cable 18 Page 3 Try handheld cable combination in another base unit Cab Jack 4 If using remote plug ports around your layout check wiring cables from the base unit to a remote plug port or try moving the handheld cable combination to a different Cab Jack The loco s headlight turns itself off When you press 0 to turn on the loco s headlight the base unit will send the command to the decoder to turn on the loco s headlight The base unit will not continuously send the accessory command to the decoder like the speed command When the loco hits a dirty track and loses its power it will reset and lose the accessory command It will continue running but may be jerky because the base unit continuously sends speed commands You should clean the track and the loco s wheel to improve the loco s pickup During operation all locos stop responding Tum base unit power off wait 3 seconds and tum the power back on Your loco doesn t work while other locos work The decoder may have lost its memory Reprogram loco address Your handheld doesn t work while other handhelds work Unplug the handheld wait 3 seconds and plug the handheld in again If the handheld does not display anything please check the cable connection as mentioned above Make sure each handheld address is uni
27. que Make sure your handheld address is an operational address If the handheld still does not work it may be a defective handheld Your Handheld operates locos but cannot program on the Program Track 1 If the Link light does not flash when you enter a data and press ENTER it may have been limited by the Master Cab and is not allowed to program on the Program Track 2 If the Link light flashes when you enter a data and press ENTER then test the Program Track output To test place an analog loco on the Program Track During the programming process the Link light should flash and the analog loco should buzz If the Link light is flashing and the analog loco does not buzz it is a defective Program Track output Your Handheld operates locos but cannot program on the Main Track It may have been limited by the Master Cab Your Handheld operates locos but cannot program an Advanced Consist It may have been limited by the Master Cab Your Cab must be able to program on the Main Track to set an Advanced Consist When running the train into a separate power district I get a short circuit When setting up your layout into power districts using district boosters or circuit breakers always remember to check the rail polarity across the insulated rail joiners with a voltmeter or light bulb to ensure there are no short circuits If you get track voltage across the joiner meter reading or bulb lights then reverse the wires going into the
28. rogram the loco address and try again 8 Your decoder may have too much momentum Program the loco with zero acceleration and deceleration rates 9 The base unit may have a Universal Consist controlling your decoder Clear the old consist by pressing CONSIST until Cons oLd cLr flashes in the display Then press ENTER 10 The current loco speed command may not match the decoder s speed steps Reprogram your decoder s address When you program the decoder with Prodigy Elite it will automatically set the decoder s speed steps to 28 128 Select 28 or 128 speed steps on the base unit and then try to run the loco 11 Check the decoder wiring and make sure they are correct 12 Remove the decoder and test it on a decoder tester to make sure the decoder is fine 13 If the decoder is fine check the loco to make sure the loco is fine before installing the decoder Checklist for General Problems 1 Clean your layout and the loco s wheels 2 Check the layout s wiring 3 Reprogram loco address and other data 4 Reset Cab by unplugging the Cab 5 Reset the base unit by turning the power off 6 Check loco for proper decoder installation 7 Check wiring from Cabs to the base unit and from the base unit to your layout 8 Check for short circuits and or stray objects lying across track rails 9 Make sure the Link light flashes when you press F2 Special Trouble Shooting Base unit power is on but Cab does n
29. s 1 Page Note Note Warning If you have more than one cab please make sure each cab has its own unique cab number all cabs are set to cab 1 at factory Never use cabs with same cab number together It may damage the system Although there are Quick start instructions on the back of the Cab Handheld please read these instructions thoroughly to better understand and enjoy your Prodigy Elite DCC system Run Loco Recall the loco or press Loco and enter 1 Adjust Speed Use knob or press 1 1 F0 F9 Press 0 9 28 Press Shift then two digits Delete Loco Press amp hold Del Stop Press Stop Tum on off layout Press amp hold Stop Speed Steps Press Spd Step to select 14 28 128 off Press Sys 3 Accessory veo hea enter l Press 1 2 for on off Route Press Route enter L Fast Clock Press Time Program on Prog Track Press Prog to select Prog Prog Track l To program following items omer ee Be To skip press l Adr Address SV Start Voltage Acc Accelerate dEc Decelerate TV op Voltage CV prompt for CV Enter CV lt J Then CV data J Program_on Main Press Prog to select Prog Maln J For Current Loco press J or enter Loco 1 Then same way as above Read on Prog Track Press Prog to select TEAG 1 To read data press To skip press Shift Err error Set Consist Press Consist to select SET J Enter consist 1 127 J To add loco enter 1 Now use consist
30. s Press ENTER Read your accessory decoder manual for proper addressing Selecting Accessory Decoders 1 Press ACCY Using 0 9 input the accessory decoder address Press ENTER 2 1 or 2 will display reminding you to press only 1 or 2 to control the accessory Press 1 to turn the accessory on and 2 to turn it off You can keep pressing 1 or 2 until you are done with accessory 3 Press ENTER to escape accessory operation Accessory Routes Grouping of turnouts or accessories can be consisted to form a route The Prodigy Elite DCC system allows up to 31 routes and up to 8 accessories in each route Please do not set a route number higher than 31 nor add more than 8 accessories into one route Setting Accessory Decoder Routes Master Cab only 1 Press SYS and 5 2 Route SET appears in display Press ENTER 3 Input route number 1 31 Press ENTER 4 Add Accy will display Using 0 9 enter an accessory address 1 to 255 If you want this accessory turnout points to move in a direction opposite it s normally programmed direction reverse polarity use DIRECTION to set its direction Press ENTER 5 Add Accy will display again prompting you to add another accessory into the route Repeat above steps to enter up to 8 accessories into one route 6 When finished setting up your route press ENTER Running Accessory Routes
31. s SET flashes in the LCD display Then press ENTER 2 Cons will display prompting you to enter a consist number Input a number a short address 1 127 followed by ENTER 3 Add Loco will display prompting you to add a loco into the consist group Enter the address of a loco you want to add Press DIRECTION if you want the loco s direction reversed forward is the default setting Then press ENTER 4 Add Loco will display again prompting you to add another loco into the consist group You can add as many locos into the consist as you would like To end setting up the consist press ENTER 5 See the above note for adding a value of 128 to the consist address in CV 19 This is helpful if you have to manually enter the consist address in CV 19 Running Advanced Consists Running Advanced Consist is just like running a single loco After setting up your consist group use the consist number to run the consist 1 Press the LOCO button Make sure Loco appears on the LCD If not press the LOCO button 11 Page again Input the consist number and press ENTER 2 Turn the throttle up and all the locos in the consist will start moving together To control an individual loco s accessory functions use either the consist number or use the RECALL button to scroll back to the lead locomotives original address Read your decoder s manual to find how to con
32. se C V s are adjusted Again a little experimentation goes a long way as there are no fast hard rules for consisting locos Even in the real world there were some locos from different manufactures that could not be consisted together If you are unsure about setting up any type of consisting or always want a group of dedicated locos to remain consisted to pull your trains such as an A B B A F unit type of consist you can use the easiest type of consisting there is Just assign all the locos in the group to the exact same address of the lead locomotive whether it is a short 2 digit address 1 127 or a long 4 digit address 128 9 999 If you want one or more of those locos to run in reverse in the group just change C V 29 to normally run in reverse see the C V 29 Chart in the section A Word About C V 29 Helper Locomotives Although in real life long heavy trains have multiple locos consisted together there may be times or conditions that exist that additional locomotives may be needed to help the train over mountainous grades that would cause the train to Stall the hill There are basically two types of Helper Locomotives Mid Train Helpers are usually cut in to the train on some point along the journey or can be placed in the mid train position at the start of the journey In the Steam and early Diesel era these locomotives were equipped with their own crew to control the mid train loco and were in co
33. se the Yard throttle When the loco is traveling forward turning the yard throttle clockwise will increase the loco s speed Turning counterclockwise will decrease its speed until 0 Continuing turning counterclockwise will reverse the loco s direction Continuing turning counterclockwise will increase the loco s speed in the reverse Turning clockwise will decrease its speed in the reverse until 0 Continuing turning clockwise will reverse the loco s direction and set it forward Fast Clock To view the fast clock press TIME The time will replace the address display on the LCD You can still run the current loco while the time is displayed To return to the loco address display press TIME again The time information is stored in the base unit and transmitted to the Cab Each Cab displays the same time Loco 8 02 wo A LOZ spesa The above LCD display shows time of 8 02AM The current loco is moving forward at a speed of 102 The back lit display on the Prodigy Elite base unit will always show the present time on the fast clock Cooling Fan The cooling fan does not operate all the time It only comes on during heavy loads Overload and Short Circuit The base unit is rated at 10 amps It is up to you to note how many locos and accessories can be run on the layout at the same time without triggering the circuit protector If there is an overload or short circuit the base unit will stop Main Track output for 2 sec
34. t other DCC products Please read this manual and your decoder manual carefully before installing and operating your DCC system The Prodigy Elite does not support NON decoder equipped or analog locos MRC s earlier DCC systems do support running analog locos However running analog locos will dramatically slow the response time of your DCC system Therefore our new Prodigy Elite does not support this old feature 2 Page Info For more information on DCC or Prodigy Elite visit the DCC Resources section of our web site at www modelrectifier com or visit the National Model Railroad Association s website at www nmra org Specifications and Features Input 15 16 volts DC 10 Amps It comes with a universal switching power supply good for USA and Europe Output DCC signal with 14 5 V amplitude at 10 amps for all scales Large layouts may need to be divided into power districts using power boosters such as MRC s 0001521 8 amp district booster Maximum Current 10 Amps Maximum number of Cabs Use up to 99 Cabs see page 2 4 Address Capability 2 digit 1 127 or 4 digit 1 9 999 Speed Steps 14 28 128 Accessory Functions 28 FO F28 Advanced and Universal Consisting Program Loco on Program Track Program Loco on Main Track Read Loco on Program Track Adjustable Amp Output for Your Scale or Power Requirements Backlit Display on Console for Fast Clock Volts and Amps LED Light Array on Console Monitors System Status
35. ter Cab Only 1 Make sure your Handheld is the Master Cab 2 Press SYS and 8 3 Using 0 9 enter the number of the last Cab allowed to program on the Program Track Press ENTER If you press SYS then 8 and input 2 and ENTER Cab 3 and above cannot program on the Program Track Note Your Prodigy Elite is 100 compatible with the M R C wireless add on set item no 0001412 The wireless handhelds also need to have separate individual addresses to work properly these also come from the factory as master cab default address 1 Just assign them using SYS 6 the next sequential open address Do not forget to check the rest of your system settings to make sure this cab is operational Programming Decoders The Prodigy Elite allows you to easily program most NMRA compatible decoders It guides you step by step through the programming process No hexadecimal numbers are needed nor an engineering degree to program decoders with this system The Prodigy Elite allows you to program decoders on a separate Program Track or on the Main Track layout all without affecting any other locos operating on the Main Track Decoder Terminology Before you start programming please familiarize yourself with the following terminology Loco Address C V 1 short address C V s 17 amp 18 long address The address is the number assigned to a decoder to identify the decoder Short Address is carried
36. ter where you are around the layout you can keep track of the railroads time schedule Only the Master Cab Cab 1 can program the time time ratio and AM PM or military 24 hr time The time settings entered by the Master Cab are stored in the Prodigy Elite DCC system base unit memory The settings will remain unchanged until you reprogram them or shut the system down after the operating session The time is sent to all Cabs operating on the layout so railroad schedules can be maintained The diagram shows a time of 1802 hours Military Time and the current loco speed of 102 Setting Time Master Cab only 1 Make sure your Handheld is the Master Cab 2 Press SYS and 1 The current time will be momentarily displayed 3 Enter the new time Press ENTER Setting Time Rate ratio Master Cab only The time rate is how many real seconds are in one fast clock minute Rate 1 means that one real second equals one fast clock minute or 60 times as fast as real time Rate 30 means 30 real seconds equal one fast clock minute or twice as fast as real time Rate 60 means 60 real seconds equal one fast clock minute or real time 1 Make sure your Handheld is the Master Cab 2 Press SYS and 2 The current rate will be displayed for a second 3 Enter the new ratio Press ENTER Note Setting AM PM or Military 24hr Time Master Cab only 1 Make sure your Handheld is the Master Cab 2 Press
37. trol the accessory functions Note Some decoders may have two extra C V s CV 21 and 22 to transfer and control accessory functions while being used in an advanced consist Please refer to the decoders instructions on how to set these C V s for advance consisting Clearing Advanced Consists 1 Press CONSIST three times until Cons cLr flashes in the display Then press ENTER 2 Cons will display prompting you to input the consist number Enter number of the consist you want to clear and press ENTER Once you clear the consist each loco will respond immediately to its original address and speed commands Universal Old Style Consisting This feature allows you to use older decoders that do not have CV19 to support Advanced Consisting In this type of consisting the base unit stores all the information of the consisting locos and makes them run as a single loco When you adjust the speed of the lead loco the base unit distributes the speed setting to all the original loco addresses in the consist by sending the speed command to each individual loco Although the consist acts as one loco there is a slight time lag between the locos you may not be able to detect Locos consisted in this fashion will revert to their original addresses and direction settings when removed from the layout If they are removed from the layout and placed back onto the layout during the same session they will remain cons
38. ual address Any Cab Handheld you purchase has the factory default address 1 Cab 1 is the Master Cab that can perform all functions Any additionally purchased Cabs are also Master Cabs and must have their addresses changed from 1 to the next sequential address number 2 3 4 etc etc To view your Cab address press the SYS button and the 6 button The current Cab address will momentarily display Ifyou wish to changeit enter anew address 1 99 followed by ENTER Otherwise press ENTER to exit Do not duplicate Cab addresses Setting the Total Number of Operational Cabs Master Cab Only The more Cabs in use at one time the slower the system response is from Cab to Loco because the base unit can communicate with only one Cab at a time Setting the total number of only the amount of Cabs in use will speed up DCC Systems response time 1 Make sure your Handheld is the Master Cab Cab 1 Only the Master Cab Cab 1 can set the number of Cabs allowed to operate on the DCC layout 2 Press SYS and 9 4 Using 0 9 enter the address of the last operational Cab Press ENTER Example If you use 10 Cabs and program the Cab addresses 1 10 pressing SYS then 9 then input 10 and ENTER will set the last operational Cab number to 10 The base unit will not spend time trying to communicate to Cabs 11 99 If you use 3 Cabs and program the Cab addresses 1 3 pressin
39. wo types of consisting methods Advanced Consisting and Universal or Old Style Consisting Advanced Consisting You can only apply Advanced Consisting to a mobile decoder that has CV19 to support this feature When you program a loco into an Advanced Consist you actually program the consist number address into the decoder s CV19 which will override the decoder s original address Therefore the loco will no longer respond to commands addressed to its original address but rather only to commands addressed to the consist number All decoders in a consist will receive the command addressed to the consist number at the same time and act as one until you clear the consist The base unit does not hold the consist information With Advanced Consists the decoder s always remember the consist address Clear the consist when you are finished or the locos will still run as part of the consist next time you use them and any DCC layout you use them on Advanced Consisting falls under the category of Programming on the Main or Ops Mode If you have a decoder that has C V 19 but does not accept programming on the main or for some reason does not accept the advance consist address by using the Consist button on your Elite handheld you would need to manually program the decoder on a program track using C V programming to input the advance consist address into C V 19 Programming Advanced Consists 1 Press CONSIST until Con
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