Planning on ordering my NCE Power Cab from Tony's later today. One thing I'm still trying to get straight is which way to go for the second cab. It looks like the Cab-06 has a lot of functionality (as far as operations) and would be a good way to go. Is it missing anything, or limited, in it's ability to operate -vs- a bigger cab like the ProCab? Is the ProCab overkill for a second cab, or still nice to have as long as I have enough pennies?
We have a small layout that will grow to a max of 15x15. Probaly no more than two or three trains running at the same time. At a later date I'll probably add the Smart Booster. That should allow us to comfortably be running two jobs, with a double consist running on the main.
Doug,
As far as I know, the only difference between the CAB-06 and the CAB-04 & -05 throttles is the digital display for the cab number. The other decision that you'll have to make is whether you want encoder or potentiometer (big knob) control. Looks like the CAB-06 only comes with the potentiometer.
Also, although it's advertised on TTE's web site, the CAB-06 throttle hasn't been released yet and no word on when that will be. I'm going to guess that it won't be until fall before that happens.
The ProCab and Power Cab will have more functionality than any of the CAB throttles. If you decide on the larger ProCab throttle for you 2nd throttle, I would spend the extra $20 and get another Power Cab. The reason being is that the Power Cab will automatically turn into a ProCab when used with the Power Cab. You can also use the extra Power Cab at your bench for programming locomotives.
Tom
https://tstage9.wixsite.com/nyc-modeling
Time...It marches on...without ever turning around to see if anyone is even keeping in step.
Something to keep in mind-- has noted above. The Cab 04 comes in two versions- (Cab 04 P) is with a potentiometer and the (Cab 04 E) digital encoder. The Cab 04 P will control only one train, the Cab 04 E will control two with the use of the toggle switch at the top of the controler. You only have the control of the one unit selected via the switch, the other will continue to do what you last told it to do. You toggle back and forth to run the two units.
The Cab 05 is a push button throttle and I think it will run two trains also, Not sure about that but the Cab 05 does have a switch at the top of the throttle.
NO information about the Cab 06, It is to have a display but Ihave not seen it as of yet.
Cab 04E -$120.00, a Pro Cab $160.00, and the Power Cab $ 200.00 All MSLP.
I know that there are better deals out there.
When I got my DCC system (a Power Cab) I also got a Cab 04E, Wish now that I had went ahead and got a second Power Cab for a second throttle.
So you chose the piece of junk to go along with the Silverado?
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
simon1966 So you chose the piece of junk to go along with the Silverado?
Guess I don't get it???
Sorry, it was reference back to the thread where Doug said he had made a decision about what to get but would not say what he had chosen. Doug will get it.
I don't think for one minute that the PC is a piece of junk.
Yes I did. And I can't wait!
Inside joke from another thread, woodone.
Whats up with that?
OP
If you can swing it now a second Power Cab would be a great benefit. If not either of the engineer throttles would work fine. If you could try one in your hand first would be a plus. An encoded knob would give you yard mode to operate with. The button throttle will not. Our club uses the Lenz system and most of the operators prefer the knob throttle over the buttons. The Power Cab is a great started system. I have had one since the first run. It has programed and read every decoder thrown at it without batting an eye. Very user friendly. Mine has run 11 HO scale locos with 7 having sound. Easy to make a break consists. And more.
Tony's is a great place and I am glad you are supporting them.
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!
locoi1sa....One of the articles or reviews I was reading said that it (Power Cab) also had no problem with Tsunamis, without using a programming booster. Has that been your experience?
No booster needed. It even reads writes BLIs Blueline decoders that a lot of systems can not handle. QSI, Tsunamis, Paragon 2 and Blueline has not been a problem at all.
locoi1sa An encoded knob would give you yard mode to operate with. The button throttle will not.
An encoded knob would give you yard mode to operate with. The button throttle will not.
Pete,
The knob on my CAB-04p is a potentiometer (rather than an encoder) and you can also use it in yard mode. You just set it up with the knob in the 12 o'clock position: CW = Forward; CCW = Reverse.
The thing you have to remember before switching your CAB throttle to "Normal" mode again is to rotate the knob all the way CCW. Otherwise, your locomotive will lurch out of the gate because it thinks that 12 o'clock is ~speed step 063.