[Peter H]

Greetings all,

I am curious if anyone can suggest a means of connecting a MRC Prodigy Advance Squared to my computer without having the MRC specific usb connector. Are there any products which could be used in place of the MRC cable? The reason I ask is that I am unable to find a interface cable that is in stock online.

Thanks all.
Peter

 

[CTValleyRR]

That's the one drawback of MRC systems is that their computer interface is proprietary. You could look into their WiFi adapter as well, although I'm not sure if that allows a PC connection, or just the use of WiFi-enabled devices as throttles.

That said, unless you're actually planning to control the layout from the PC, you don't absolutely need the PC intereface.

 

[Peter H]

CTValleyRR,
Thank you for the reply! I had not realized that they’re connection would be proprietary. I have the WiFi module and can control the locomotives with my phone (I really like that).

I would like to be able to control the turnouts from a computer. I have downloaded JMRI and would like to use this and it’s various programs to operate the layout and potentially the trains as well. I suppose that this is a luxury and not completely necessary in the least.

That's the one drawback of MRC systems is that their computer interface is proprietary. You could look into their WiFi adapter as well, although I'm not sure if that allows a PC connection, or just the use of WiFi-enabled devices as throttles.

That said, unless you're actually planning to control the layout from the PC, you don't absolutely need the PC intereface.

 

[JeffHurl]

Supposedly, someone makes a clone cable, but I have misplaced the link, and Google hasn't helped.

Edit: Found it. It's from XL systems, who have made MRC decoders for a long time, so I would expect them to get it right.

http://xlsystemsdcc.com/product/xl-1516-computer-interface/

 

[NSW42220]

Good luck. Been searching around for the MRC interface cable over a year! It would seem it has been out of stock for some time. Several controllers are also 'Out of Stock' on its site.
Makes you wonder

 

[afboundguy]

Supposedly, someone makes a clone cable, but I have misplaced the link, and Google hasn't helped.

Edit: Found it. It's from XL systems, who have made MRC decoders for a long time, so I would expect them to get it right.

http://xlsystemsdcc.com/product/xl-1516-computer-interface/

You beat me to it! I was going to suggest this! I plan on purchasing it tonight or tomorrow to try and run JMRI through my setup...

 

[Conductorkev]

I could be wrong but will dcc concept interface work with mrc?

 

[afboundguy]

I could be wrong but will dcc concept interface work with mrc?

Some are supposed to work with it but I've heard some don't... Then again MRC has their own version of free software that they claim works better than JMRI with their system https://www.modelrectifier.com/Articles.asp?ID=262

I ordered the XL cable and I should get it in a few days. I found and old thread (MRC Prodigy Express & JMRI) about JMRI and MRC setups and the cable is proprietary and seems like a normal USB to RJ45 setup won't work and the wires are swapped around. I used to create my own CAT5 cables for my room back when I was in college and I might try and redo the wiring on the cheapo $5 USB to RJ45 plug I bought to see if I can get it to work so I could have a back up...

 

[JeffHurl]

I'm sure the cable would be relatively simple to reverse engineer. I'd bet money it just a couple wires routed differently

 

[afboundguy]

I'm sure the cable would be relatively simple to reverse engineer. I'd bet money it just a couple wires routed differently

That's sort of what I'm thinking as well but I won't know for sure until I can compare it to the "MRC/XL" proprietary cable...

 

[CTValleyRR]

Although I'm an MRC guy, I have no desire ever to connect my computer to my layout, so I've never really looked into the PC interface options. I believe, from what I've read, that the cable is only half the battle, and not the hard part. Translating Windows / iOS / Unix / whatever into "MRC-ese" is where I think the challenge is.

 

[afboundguy]

Although I'm an MRC guy, I have no desire ever to connect my computer to my layout, so I've never really looked into the PC interface options. I believe, from what I've read, that the cable is only half the battle, and not the hard part. Translating Windows / iOS / Unix / whatever into "MRC-ese" is where I think the challenge is.

I've heard similar complaints but I'm hoping the "MRC JMRI" they have will work better than JMRI... I just want to do it to make speed matching and advanced consisting easier as it's driving me nuts trying to do it on the handheld!

 

[JeffHurl]

@afboundguy , have you had a chance to try out the XL systems cable?

 

[AdamR_3847]

Hello,
I'm also trying to connect my computer via a USB interface. I've opened up the Prodigy 2 and the interface chip appears to be a RS-422/485 serial connection. I've ordered a standard converter off of amazon and mapped out the pins to the chip, I'll let you know if I have any success.

 

[NSW42220]

I'm regretting not doing enough research into MRC 'as a system' before buying the Prodigy, WiFi and booster last year. Being new to DCC I wasnt across JMRI and never thought of layout automation. The idea of running multiple trains whilst doing hands-on shunting is appealing. Have since bought a Digikeijs DR5000 using Z21 on a tablet and have used it with Decoderpro, eventually I'll get into the automation side using its Loconet connectivity. Pity to park the MRC unit as it does have a nice throttle. Now to work out if I can hookup the booster with the DR5000???

 

[afboundguy]

@afboundguy , have you had a chance to try out the XL systems cable?

No not yet had a few family emergencies and I wanted to finish the track remodel and then finish up hooking up the feeders to the bus line first...

 

[NSW42220]

That cable works out at over $Au170 shipped here so I'd also like to know how well it works. How well does MRC play with automation software? BTW, why are so many MRC items out of stock for so long.

 

[JeffHurl]

I believe MRC / XL Systems is in the process of migrating brand names away from MRC and toward XL Systems... At least... that's the vibe I got when doing research on XL Systems Decoders. They are built just like the old MRC decoders, and on the XL web site, there is a blurb, something to the extent that XL Systems was behind the MRC name anyway.

So.. either XL is just a new branding effort, or XL Systems is overtaking it's former customer (MRC).

 

[AdamR_3847]

Hello,
I'm also trying to connect my computer via a USB interface. I've opened up the Prodigy 2 and the interface chip appears to be a RS-422/485 serial connection. I've ordered a standard converter off of amazon and mapped out the pins to the chip, I'll let you know if I have any success.

No success, I’m sorry to say. Got rather frustrated with it as a should be a simple 485 connection…. Oh well…. My searches did lead me to the DCC EX website and for the price of the dang cable I now have a new DCC command station with computer interface and wifi for the same costs as the cable.

DCC-EX Model Railroading — DCC-EX Model Railroading documentation

DCC-EX is a team of dedicated enthusiasts producing, easy to use, affordable, do-it-yourself, open source, DCC solutions to allow you to run your complete model railroad layout.

dcc-ex.com

took me a couple hours to build, load the software, and test out.