The same was also posted on the Atlas Forum.
While I don't know if the following scenario will work. If it does we may have found one of the most cost effective 5 amps DCC system available.
The scenario is based on the following spec. The SB3a has a true 5 amps output, has a 6 recall stack and a switch so it can be use as a booster on a PH Pro system. I assume the number of cabs remains at 4. The pricing is also from what is published on Tony's site.
Is it possible to bypass the Power Cab and buy only the SB3a, a Power Supply, a Pro Cab and a UTP panel?
The cost would be $128 for the SB3a + $45 MF615 power supply + $125 Pro Cab + UTP Panel $16= $314. The next least expensive I found is the Lenz Set 90 at $301. I don't know if UTP are included in this price.
Just a tough maybe it is doable.
Jack W.
If the SB3a is really a full command station as well as booster, why wouldn't it work? This would give NCE a 5A system priced right around the same price as the Digitrax Super Empire Builder Xtra. Actually a little bit cheaper, but you get the dual throttle with the Digitrax.
Both 5A
Both F0-F28 support
NCE reads CV's Digitrax would need a PR3 $70 option to accomplish, but would provide PC connection at that price as well. (this may be an incorrect assumption, does the new SB3a have a program track capability on its own? This may be where you need the Power Cab as the base system?)
Expandability would be a question, can one add PC interface and or radio to such an NCE configuration. I would like to think yes?
This would be a very competitive system I think and would suit a lot of mid size layouts. Still a lot of questions remain to be answered.
I would think NCE has been thinking long and hard about how much capability to give this thing. Too much and they may well find it takes away from the Power House system rather than gain them market share at the expense of other companies.
Simon Modelling CB&Q and Wabash See my slowly evolving layout on my picturetrail site http://www.picturetrail.com/simontrains and our videos at http://www.youtube.com/user/MrCrispybake?feature=mhum
simon1966NCE reads CV's Digitrax would need a PR3 $70 option to accomplish, but would provide PC connection at that price as well. (this may be an incorrect assumption, does the new SB3a have a program track capability on its own? This may be where you need the Power Cab as the base system?)
Jack,
As usual, Simon gives well thought out comparisons and arguments.
I would like to add to his statement above that the advantage of getting the Power Cab (rather than the Pro Cab) throttle with your scenario is that the Power Cab allows you the ability to program your decoders from either your layout or your bench top, using the PCP panel that comes with the Power Cab.
When added to the older SB3, however, programming track mode on the Power Cab is overridden. This is because the SB3 is essentially a command station and the Power Cab turns into a Pro Cab throttle. I, too, will be curious to find out whether this is still the case with the new SB3a, or whether it does come with programming track outputs. My guess is that it doesn't.
https://tstage9.wixsite.com/nyc-modeling
Time...It marches on...without ever turning around to see if anyone is even keeping in step.
It's interesting to consider some of these possibilities but the important point for NCE is that the upgrade path playing field has now been leveled. It is no longer the stumbling block that it once was. The beauty of the NCE system is that for only $148 you can get started with a great system with 7' of mobility and F0-F28 functions. From there you can ease your way up all the way to a Power Pro, radio, etc., as your budget allows. Of course, by going a la carte you pay a little more but can spread the cost out over time.
It would be nice if someone really knowledgeable with NCE could lay out all of the possible upgrade paths now available. In fact if NCE would do this on their website it could really be a terrific aid to prospective and current customers.
Jerry
Rio Grande vs. Santa Fe.....the battle is over but the glory remains!
Thanks Jerry, Simon and Tom for the input.
I agree with you such a scenario will not have a programming track ability, I am thinking programming on the main would be available however. After looking at pictures of the SB3a, an UTP panel is not required as a start up setup, therefore reducing the price to $298. Imagine a 5 amps DCC system under $300. I understand there is only a $25 difference with the normal way of doing things but I would rather put that $25 toward the purchase of a PC/JMRI combo. With the emergence of sound equipped locos the trend is toward that avenue more and more.
This is only a line of thought, personally I already own a Power Cab for 2 years now and I have a PR3/JMRI combo in standalone mode to do all my programming.
If I had no DCC system this is the scenario I would use: SB3A + MF615 + Pro Cab + PR3.
Your input is much appreciated.
jalajoieIf I had no DCC system this is the scenario I would use: SB3A + MF615 + Pro Cab + PR3.
Again, Jack, assuming that the SB3a does NOT offer a programming track connection, I would purchase the Power Cab rather than the Pro Cab throttle. For the extra $25, the Power Cab offers you both a "portable" programming throttle (for your bench or wherever) and a Pro Cab throttle (with your SB3a) in one unit. The Pro Cab can ONLY operate with the SB3a; the Power Cab can operate with or independently of the SB3a. (You would still need the PCP panel and wall transformer for programming with your Power Cab.)
The other nice thing about the Power Cab is that it offers you both programming track and Programming on the Main (POM) modes. As you probably already know, programming mode on the Power Cab specifically allows you the ability/advantage of reading back CV values; whereas POM does not. For me, the versatility of the Power Cab makes it a better investment than a Pro Cab throttle.
Tom