Sir TophamHatt Posted September 6, 2018 Share Posted September 6, 2018 Here's the questions: 1) The Prodigy Advance 2 normally comes with a dark screen, correct? And if you want a blue backlit screen, it's extra dosh? Just wondering as mine came with a blue backlit screen (bought used from ebay), but for the price, I think I got a major good deal. 2) The PC attachment - is this the sort of thing I can use with JMRI to simply edit CV values and read chips and such?] Thanks! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Premium Izzy Posted September 6, 2018 RMweb Premium Share Posted September 6, 2018 1. The backlit screen is the latest spec. Not sure that all handset versions have them yet though. 2. Yes Izzy Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ron Ron Ron Posted September 6, 2018 Share Posted September 6, 2018 Prodigy Advance2 . Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ron Ron Ron Posted September 6, 2018 Share Posted September 6, 2018 (edited) 1) The Prodigy Advance2 normally comes with a dark screen, correct? ...... Old stock. . Edited September 6, 2018 by Ron Ron Ron Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sir TophamHatt Posted September 7, 2018 Author Share Posted September 7, 2018 Prodigy Advance2 . I don't use the rich text editor and couldn't remember the ALT code. I only remember 0176, which is ° degrees, or © copyright. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Paul80 Posted September 14, 2018 Share Posted September 14, 2018 The Prodigy Advance2 (Squared) comes with illuminated screen as standard as does the Express2 (Squared). The non squared versions of both do not. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ron Ron Ron Posted September 14, 2018 Share Posted September 14, 2018 The Prodigy Advance2 (Squared) comes with illuminated screen as standard as does the Express2 (Squared). The non squared versions of both do not. The Squared PA2 originally came with the older non-backlit display handset. The backlit screen was introduced later on. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Paul80 Posted September 15, 2018 Share Posted September 15, 2018 I stand corrected Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
G-BOAF Posted July 28, 2021 Share Posted July 28, 2021 So I'm thinking of finally getting a DCC controller. I want something with potential to operate accessories in the future, but not break the bank now. The Prodigy Advance-2 seems like a reasonable option for the price (at around £ 320) However I note I can get more or less the same system made by MRC brand new for around 175 (and delivered for free shipping to relatives in the USA!) - a saving of around 45%!! Is there any significant material difference between the different branded units? What would be the advantage of getting the Gaugemaster branded system over the MRC one? I accept warranty repair would be an issue, but would Gaugemaster repair an MRC unit for a charge (labour plus parts), or would I be totally on my own? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
smokebox Posted July 28, 2021 Share Posted July 28, 2021 Gaugemaster won't repair MRC kit. End of story. Have you considered a z21 or even a Z21. Another option is the NCE Powercab Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
G-BOAF Posted July 28, 2021 Share Posted July 28, 2021 48 minutes ago, smokebox said: Gaugemaster won't repair MRC kit. End of story. Have you considered a z21 or even a Z21. Another option is the NCE Powercab Looking at powercab it seems to be equivalent to prodigy express, in that its funionality is limited. The 'full fat' power pro is around £400.... Z21 £360ish. So at least twice the price of the MRC Advance-2 I guess the quesion is should I take MRC with a recognition if anything goes wrong its a wasted asset.... Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ron Ron Ron Posted July 28, 2021 Share Posted July 28, 2021 ....However I note I can get more or less the same system made by MRC brand new for around 175 (and delivered for free shipping to relatives in the USA!) - a saving of around 45%!! £175 sounds too cheap. Are you sure it's the same model? The full retail price of the Prodigy Advance "Squared" in the US is $460, (approx. £331) with typical discounted prices around $299 (approx. £215). Those prices are before sales taxes are applied (note US prices don't include sales taxes), or if applicable, any p&p added. You may have seen the price for the Prodigy Express "Squared" which has a full retail price of $240 (approx. £174). . Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
KingEdwardII Posted July 29, 2021 Share Posted July 29, 2021 21 hours ago, G-BOAF said: So I'm thinking of finally getting a DCC controller. I want something with potential to operate accessories in the future, but not break the bank now. I started with a Prodigy Advance 2 but I have now switched to a Digikeijs DR5000. Reason? Connectivity & functionality. The DR5000 has good connection options - to computers and to other devices. The Prodigy has very limited and expensive connectivity. Whether this matters to you depends on what you're aiming to do. If you want computers and handheld devices like smartphones, then the Prodigy is very limited in what it can do. I now have a spare Prodigy Advance 2 that I am looking to sell... Yours, Mike. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
G-BOAF Posted July 29, 2021 Share Posted July 29, 2021 15 hours ago, Ron Ron Ron said: £175 sounds too cheap. Are you sure it's the same model? The full retail price of the Prodigy Advance "Squared" in the US is $460, (approx. £331) with typical discounted prices around $299 (approx. £215). Those prices are before sales taxes are applied (note US prices don't include sales taxes), or if applicable, any p&p added. You may have seen the price for the Prodigy Express "Squared" which has a full retail price of $240 (approx. £174). . Will double check.... Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brian Posted July 29, 2021 Share Posted July 29, 2021 I imported my MRC PA way back in 2002 from a USA retailer long before Gaugemaster rebadged them. Of course its not the Squared version, but works very well. Then it cost me around £120 plus P & P to import. The seller stated on the customs declaration it was a "Toy" which I guess it is? So it didn't attract any import duty or VAT. Gaugemaster will not entertain any repairs or upgrades, but MRC will do this for around $30-$40 US dollars plus P & P. But I'm rather reluctant to send a working PA back and possibly never see it again! Or incur an import/VAT duty! So I'm leaving as supplied and it works very well. I also have a NCE PowerCab with upgraded software via a new chip. That also works very well. Then there is the SPROG II and a Hornby eLink. Not used the eLink, but I do use the SPROG II with JMRI for loco decoder setting and records. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
G-BOAF Posted September 1, 2021 Share Posted September 1, 2021 On 28/07/2021 at 20:07, Ron Ron Ron said: £175 sounds too cheap. Are you sure it's the same model? The full retail price of the Prodigy Advance "Squared" in the US is $460, (approx. £331) with typical discounted prices around $299 (approx. £215). Those prices are before sales taxes are applied (note US prices don't include sales taxes), or if applicable, any p&p added. You may have seen the price for the Prodigy Express "Squared" which has a full retail price of $240 (approx. £174). . Still 4 in stock. And even with UK shipping and import tax it works out at around £210 (based on Amazon quote, not sure if this is full tax coverage). https://www.amazon.com/MRC-0001414-Prodigy-Advance2/dp/B000MKTB0I This is definately the Advance 'Squared'. I did double check and um and err around any warranty faff and cost of servicing via post to USA.... ...and I've just ordered, mainly because stock was getting low, and also because I had waited enough time that I will (hopefully) be able to inspect/test within Amazon's 30 day returns window (thanks to family, I'm still able and intending on travelling to USA!). All up cost with free delivery within the USA, and charged in GBP to my card, less than £175. Compared to UK supplies at £310-£385 (albeit with Gaugemaster support). Not quite sure how Amazon are knocking them out so cheap, RRP from MRC is $460.... We shall see what comes in the box. HTH someone Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
G-BOAF Posted October 1, 2021 Share Posted October 1, 2021 Received my MRC Prodigy. Box was rather tired which is weird from Amazon. Also no cooling fan is visible in the case, just straight through to the circuit board with a lot of resistors and capacitors. Given the casing looks like there should be a fan in there, is it missing and should i send for exchange? 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Premium Neal Ball Posted October 4, 2021 RMweb Premium Share Posted October 4, 2021 On the Gaugemaster Prodigy, the case also looks as if it should contain a fan - but doesn’t. The instructions say it’s not needed. 1 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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