NCE Smart Booster Upgraded

[camaro]

FYI,

It appears that NCE has now released it's new PowerCab SB3 Smart Booster.  The new Smart Booster is a full five amps. While NCE doesn't show it on their website, Tony's Train Exchange is now selling them for $127.96.

 

Larry

[tstage]

Larry,

I e-mailed Larry Larsen @ NCE last week inquiring about sending my old SB3 in to be upgraded.  He sent me the following response:

The upgrade path is to send the SB3 in to us at:

 

NCE Warranty Center

82 East Main St.

Webster, NY 14580

 

Include your name, address, phone number and payment of $59.95 which is the difference in the cost of the SB3 and the SB3a.

 

I think NCE has made a very wise business move with the completely revised SB3a.  Not only does it increase the total amperage of the SB3 from 3A to 5A, the recall stack also increases from 2 to 6 slots.  (Just like with the PH-Pro system.)

 

The newer design also makes it usable with auto-reversers and circuit breakers.  (One of the main reasons for the redesign.)  And, the SB3a can be used in "booster-only" mode with another manufacturer's DCC system.

 

The original SB3 suffered with being a dead-end system if you upgraded to the PH-Pro.  NCE has taken a page right out of Digitrax's philosophy book by making the new SB3a a "non-dead" component, as well as improving its functionality.  In my eyes, that's good for NCE and good for the hobby!

 

Tom