NCE

[KHM60]

what are the differences between the 2amp and 5amp nce systems. i have the 2amp, am thinking of upgrading to the 5amp

[yankee flyer]

KHM60

You might  have received more of a response if you had stated you wanted to add more power to your Power cab. I use the Power cab myself and I understand the next step is to get the smart booster. I haven't had a need for more power so I haven't looked in to it. I think the designation is DB3a ? I believe the Power cab acts as a controller for the smart booster.

Hope this helps.

Lee

[Motley]

The NCE 5amp systems are the Powerhouse Pro. They have both wired and wireless. The biggest advantage is the programming track on these. I have the PHP wireless and it's great.

[tstage]

KHM,

The major differences between the NCE Power Cab and PH Pro systems would be the following:

• 1.7A vs. 5A of total output
• 2 address recall stack vs. 6 address recall stack
• 1 extra throttle address vs ?? throttle addresses
• Command station/booster/throttle combo vs. separate command station, booster, and throttle
• RG232 connector port (for connecting PH Pro to computer)
• Built-in amp meter (Power Cab)
• Throttle can be disconnected from connector panel w/o shutting down layout (PH Pro)

If you do upgrade, KHM, the Power Cab can be used with the PH Pro and automatically becomes an extra Pro Cab throttle.  If you want to program your locomotives at your bench, you only need the PCP panel (the one that came with your Power Cab) attached to a short piece of track.  Pretty handy.

Another option for you might be to consider the Smart Booster (SB3a).  The newest version is a 5A command station/booster combo.  This allows you to disconnect and connect your Power Cab from UTP panels mounted around your layout w/o shutting down your layout.  Your Power Cab then becomes a completely portable throttle - much like when using it with the PH Pro.

The SB3a gives you all the advantages of the PH Pro system except:

• No RG232 connector port - With the SB3a, you'll need the NCE USB module to connect to your computer, which is more limted than the RG232 connection found on the PH Pro command station.
• Additional throttle addresses is less with SB3a - While the additional number of throttle addresses increases from one to three when using the Power Cab with the SB3a, it's still less than the maximum number of addresses available with the PH Pro.  (Sorry, I don't remember the figure right off hand.)

And one additional feature about the SB3a is that you can use it as separate 5A booster on your layout - even with the PH Pro.

KHM, hope that helps somehow...

Tom

[rrinker]

 63 but some numbers are reserved and can't be used for a wireless vs wired throttle, etc.

               --Randy

 

[tstage]

Thanks, Randy.

Tom

[rrinker]

 Amazingly, I didn't see this listed 'up front'. I had to read the manual and go to the section on setting a cab address which is where it said valid values are 1-63.

                     --Randy

 

[KHM60]

thanks Tom, i run the trains alone and have run 4 at once (can get alittle confusing). adding the SB3a and another UTP might be the way to go. Can't really justify spending 4 or 5 hundred dollars for the PH PRO system vs. the booster and another UTP or another PCP (total 150$) 

[tstage]

KHM,

If you go the Smart Booster (SB3a) route, you'll still need to keep the PCP panel from your Power Cab in order to program in Programming Mode.  When you connect the Power Cab to the SB3a, the SB3a overrides the command station in the Power Cab and you lose Programming Mode capability.  You can, however, still program in POM mode with that set up.

Cost for the SB3a and UTP panel (discounted) will run you $128 and $16, respectively (e.g. @ Tony's Trains).  KHM, if you want to read up on the SB3a and its features, go to my web site link below and click on Reviews.  The info for the older SB3 will be still be relevant to the info about the upgraded SB3a.

Hope that helps...

Tom

[Hamltnblue]

Most has been covered.  Another thing that is different is that the PH pro command station is in a small box that sits under your layout.  You then have patch panels that you plug your controllers into.  If you unplug from one and move to another location the trains run while you switch.

The Powercab has the power supply and command station built into the throttle.  The main throttle has to remain plugged in or the track with trains loses power.   Still a good system but once you run a phpro you'll find it night and day.  Radio cabs are available for use on both of them as well.

[woodone]

You will need to have a power supply for the Smart Booster (SB3A) also.

A MF615 from DCC Specialties will do the job- About$50.00.

[tstage]

Good catch, woodone.  I believe the 5A NCE P515 will also work and you can get that for <$40, discounted.  I'll double-check that at home and let you know.

Tom

[KHM60]

40$ for the p515, 120$ for the sb3a 16$ for the utp 200$ vs 400 not 2 bad