User Manual

Overload Condition on the Layout

During peak operating conditions on layout, the base unit fan will come on to cool off the internal

circuitry of the Prodigy Advance DCC system. Both the stock power supply and the base unit are

rated at 3.5 amps, and it is up to you to note how many locos, trains, and/or accessories can be

run on the layout at the same time without activating the Base Unit’s circuit protector. If the

circuit protector is activated, the power light and link light will alternately flash indicating a short

circuit. Try removing some of the locos, trains or accessories from the layout until the overload

condition is corrected. On larger layouts that require more power, with numerous locos, trains

and/or accessories being operated at the same time, a DCC power booster is recommended.

A DCC power booster is not a power supply that powers the Base Unit. It is a unit that goes

between the Base Unit and the Main Track layout that increases track power (voltage and

current) and boosts the digital signal being sent to the mobile decoders installed in the locos or

to the track side accessory decoders.

Your Prodigy Advance DCC system can be used for all scales of trains. However, when operating

scales larger than “S” (2-rail “O” and “G” scale), a DCC power booster should be used in

combination with high-power mobile decoders.

Lighted passenger cars are the biggest power-robbing culprit on your layout. One lighted car

probably uses more power than 2 or 3 of your modern can-motored powered locos. If you run long

strings of lighted passenger cars in numerous trains, a DCC power booster should be used to

avoid overload situations.

We do not recommend using the Prodigy Advance power supply to power accessories such as

building lights, animated accessories, or even turnout switch machines, since these items use a

lot of power, robbing the power from running your trains. Use a separate power supply to operate

these items.

MRC makes various types of auxiliary power supplies that can handle most needs. Contact your

local hobby dealer or an MRC representative to find out more.

Note If problem persists and everything on the layout looks normal, it might be caused by an internal

short in one of the locos or pieces if rolling stock. Start removing trains one at a time until short

circuit indication stops. Then examine the faulty train for cause of short circuit. Some possible

causes are:

1.Decoder is incorrectly installed and/or burnt out.

2.Motor armature or windings internally shorted.

3.Electrical continuity between wheel sets and axles.

4.Rolling stock with trucks that pickup track power may have one truck turned 180 degrees

from the other truck.