I've got a pair of Athearn RTR locomotives (AC4400 and C44-9W) that have the DCC quick plug installed. After much research, I've decided the NCE power cab system is the best for the money, and will possibly add on the 5A power booster as I plan on running fairly heavy intermodal consists around my 3% grade layout.
However,when I was looking at decoders and comparing the schematics for the engine, I became a bit confused as to what I need to be able to mate with this quick plug thing. Does anyone have any input as to what decoder?
I'm not interested in sound at all- just what I need to make this work.
Thanks so much!
-Denny
Hold my beer... ya'll watch this!
ANything with a 9 pin connector. TCS T1, NCE D13SRJ, there are many decoders that will simply plug right in to these locos.
ANd if those are the only two you have, you do not need any extra boosters. If you plan to go right to a 5 amp system you would probably better be served with the full Power Pro system instead of a PowerCab plus SmartBooster, there are a bunch of additional capabilities particularly with programmign and using a computer interface that make the full system more attractive. But you should have no problems runnign both locos with just the PowerCab.
--Randy
Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's
Visit my web site at www.readingeastpenn.com for construction updates, DCC Info, and more.
Thanks, Randy.
I got a couple NCE 9 pin connectors through Amazon along with the power cab system. Initially I will be operating with only the two, but I have 8 other 15+ year old locos that will need to be modded over time. As they become operational I plan on using them for consists and such.
I looked at the Pro system, and it is over twice the price of the PowerCab+ Smart Booster. I won't be able to doing more than 2-3 movements on my layout at any one time- realistically 2 movements at once (switcher plus heavy train). I just couldn't justify spending that much.
I have run a three sound locos with the Power Cab. No booster. There is a USB interface you can buy for PC use. I have that also. The booster can be a plus though as some DCC reverser's will not operate properly with just the Power Cab.
Check out the NCE site as they have the manuals there.
Litchfield Station has the adapters and very good shipping. About $4.00 the last I knew. They show the shipping info that some companies hide.
I buy a lot from Amazon and know how the get free shipping when I combine for the $25.00 figure.
Rich
If you ever fall over in public, pick yourself up and say “sorry it’s been a while since I inhabited a body.” And just walk away.
Good input, rich. I don't have a reversing loop so the issues associated with that aren't present.
I figure I'll hold off on getting the power boost until later on down the road. I do like the idea of a PC interface and will research that further.