User Manual

Do not confuse the Program Track with the Test Track.

A Test Track uses an in-line resistor to limit current to a section of track to check decoder

installation in a loco. This prevents a poorly installed decoder from being burnt out. If the loco

does not respond properly on a Test Track, remove it and recheck decoder installation.

A Program Track is a separate track section for programming a decoder with data pertinent to the

loco it is installed in. Even if your decoder supports Programming on the Main Track, it is easier

to set up all parameters for a new decoder on a Program Track. Newer sound decoders require

maximum current for programming, so in-line resistor cannot be used on a Program Track.

Consult your decoder’s instruction sheet for the minimum and maximum values that the decoder

will accept to function properly.

Note A word about Prodigy Advance and 4-digit addresses:

Some loco road numbers preceed with zero(s), such as “0003”, “0043”, “0123”. Prodigy Advance

does not recognize these preceeding zeros as part of the number. If you program an address

with preceeding zeros, Prodigy Advance will see them as either a 2-digit address (1-127) or a

lower value 4-digit address (128-999).

Programming on the Main Track

Programming on the Main Track (sometimes referred to as “OPS Mode Programming”) can be

easily done with the Prodigy Advance DCC system without affecting other locos on the Main

Track layout that are running or sitting idle.

Note If there are two decoders with the same address, do not Program on the Main Track or both

decoders will be reprogrammed.

The Prodigy Advance DCC system lets you change the loco decoder address on the Main. You

can go from short address (2-digits) to short address, short address to long address (4-digits),

long address to long address, and long address to short address.

Note When you are changing the loco address on the Main, it is advisable to bring the loco to a

complete stop. This is to ensure proper transmission of data between the Base Unit and the

loco. It takes 3 packet transmissions from the Base Unit to 3 CVs in the decoder to change the

address. If one packet transmission is missed, due to dirty track for example, the decoder will

malfunction.

Programming Accessory Decoders with CV #513

If the accessory decoder has four outputs, Prodigy Advance programs four consecutive

accessory addresses beginning with the address that is entered.

Example If the first accessory address number is #1, the unit automatically programs the other 3 outputs

with accessory address #2, accessory address #3 and accessory #4. Then to program a second

accessory decoder and the LCD prompts you to enter “CV”, you will enter the number 5 then

press ENTER. This will give you accessory address #5, accessory address #6, accessory #7 and

accessory #8 automatically when wiring a four output accessory decoder.

Programming Decoders

PAGE 1
Programming Decoders Do not confuse the Program Track with the Test Track. A Test Track uses an in-line resistor to limit current to a section of track to check decoder installation in a loco. This prevents a poorly installed decoder from being burnt out. If the loco does not respond properly on a Test Track, remove it and recheck decoder installation. A Program Track is a separate track section for programming a decoder with data pertinent to the loco it is installed in.
PAGE 2
Programming MRC Sound Decoders on the Main Using Hexadecimal conversions for CV Numbers 17 and 18 Due to low programming track power in certain DCC systems, programming sound decoders on the program track may not be possible, especially when assigning the decoder a four (4) digit address. This programming procedure must be performed on the mainline, where more power is available for programming sound decoders.