At present I am rebuilding my layout and use a NCE Power Cab setup.My plan is to get the SB3a booster & put in place with the rebuild.
My questions are have any of you had any problems with this system and at a later date could I just buy a Pro Cab controller to update it to a full DCC system.
Thanks
Michael Heath.
No problems with the NCE sb3a and yes you can add a procab whenever you like. The sb3a will support 4 throttles with 6 recalls each. Good luck on keeping track of that many locos.
Jack
The Power Cab and SB3a is a full DCC system. They just lack a few additional features, but can be worked out later.
There were problems with the original SB3. Expandability was the major complaint. This has been worked out and more powerful with the SB3a. When you plug the Power Cab into the SB3a it becomes a pro cab and the SB3a becomes the brains. The Power Cab is only a Power cab when it is plugged into the Power cabs panel.
Pete
I pray every day I break even, Cause I can really use the money!
I started with nothing and still have most of it left!
Interesting. I had the original 3 amp booster and had problems with 2 of them. I know they updated it but it's now becomes the smarts?
That wouldnt' be a booster unless it's configurable. If more than 1 are installed which one would be the boss or master?
I always thought a booster was just a dumb unit that "boosted" the master unit's signal.
Springfield PA
Hamltnblue I know they updated it but it's now becomes the smarts?
Not really the smarts. It interprets the commands from the throttles to the decoders. It does allow you to unplug your throttle and follow your train from throttle plate to throttle plate. Six recall slots and support for 4 additional throttles. Use one throttle spot for a receiver and turn it into a wireless system with some radio cab throtles.
HamltnblueThat wouldnt' be a booster unless it's configurable. If more than 1 are installed which one would be the boss or master?
Can be used as a standard booster. But costs more than a DB3a which is now 5 amps. Its as close to having a PH pro system that is possible right now.
That being the case it sounds almost like it is a ph pro that can be configured as a booster. Good Sutff.
I guess the difference is that it probably doesn't have a program track option or a computer interface.
No program track but you still have the power cab for that. There is the computer interface for the Power Cab.
Power cab $150, SB3a $150, USB interface $50, UTP panels each $17. Adding it all up a PH pro is around the same price.
That's actually cheaper than the PH pro. I paid 450 for mine a year and a half ago. Could have saved enough for a nice loco.
By the way how many cabs does it support? Can it do a club size layout?
Found some literature on it. It supports up to 4 cabs so it's not up there with a ph pro. Still a nice in between for sure
http://www.ncecorporation.com/pdf/SB3a%20Manual.pdf
Michael,
I just sent my old SB3 into NCE (and a $60 check) for the upgrade to the SB3a this past week. I let you know how I like it as soon as they send it to me in the mail.
Hamltnblue,
The PH Pro does come with an RS-232 connector for computer hook up and has some advantages over the USB Power Cab module set up, which apparently has some programming limitations. (Someone will have to pipe in on that because I don't remember what they are, at the moment.)
The new SB3a can be used as a stand alone 5A power booster in "booster only" mode with either a NCE or non-NCE DCC system. This now makes the upgrade path obsolescence of the older SB3 a non-factor anymore. (Something Digitrax has been very good about with their system.)
Six recall slots and support for 4 additional throttles.
A slight correction on Pete's statement above. Both the older SB3 and new SB3a support a total of 4 throttles, not 4 additional throttles.
Tom
https://tstage9.wixsite.com/nyc-modeling
Time...It marches on...without ever turning around to see if anyone is even keeping in step.
Thanks.
I'm familiar with the PH Pro. I run one.
locoi1saPower cab $150, SB3a $150, USB interface $50, UTP panels each $17. Adding it all up a PH pro is around the same price.Pete
Pete,
You'll also need to add a 5A power supply for the SB3a. The NCE P515 is ~$39, discounted. The Magnum Force MF615 is ~$45, discounted.
I didn't add the power supply in because you need one for the PH pro also. Thanks for the throttle count correction.
The point being made is the Power cab can be upgraded but if someone is starting out why not get a PH pro from the start? The OP has a power cab already. Why not get the PH pro and use the Power cab as an extra throttle? That way the Power cab can also be used at the workbench for decoder and programing.
tstageThe PH Pro does come with an RS-232 connector for computer hook up and has some advantages over the USB Power Cab module set up, which apparently has some programming limitations. (Someone will have to pipe in on that because I don't remember what they are, at the moment.)
Tom,
My pleasure!
The NCE USB Adapter's limitations can be found Here.
Also, please remember that the PH Pro's serial port doesn't give you full access, either. For example, it doesn't echo throttle commands. That means that whatever software you're using can't intercept or act on anything you do with the throttle because because it simply never sees those commands.
Greetings To All The Replies,
Firstly Thank You all for the imformation you supplied me with in response to the Questions.
The main reason for using this Booster is the cost of the system as the Aussie Dollar varies when compared to the US dollar.
The cost of buying it here in Oz is $185 for Booster and $65 for a 5amp power supply (240 volts) compared to around $600 for a full Pro cab set up.
The money I save will be spent on buying a Trainorama Victorian Railways S class diesel (A7) which is a copy of the EMD F 7 From your part of the world and it is painted in the old ERIE RR colors of Blue and Yellow.
Did you all have a good July the 4th celerbrations.
Regards
Michael Heath
Hey Michael,
Had a very nice 4th. (And still have a day off tomorrow to enjoy.) While it's warm and summery here, you must be a little cooler being on the opposite side of the equator.
FYI: The old Erie paint scheme was yellow and black. Maybe the B&O? The was a deep blue and maze.