I need the front to back depth of the NCE Power pro (5 amp) so I can build a shelf for it. Same question for the RB02 radio antenna. Can't wait for them to get here.
Grinnell
The command station is 7.5" wide and 5.0" deep.
The wireless base station is 4.75" wide and 2.25" deep.
Rich
Alton Junction
Thanks for the quick info, now I can get on with building a railroad.
grinnell I need the front to back depth of the NCE Power pro (5 amp) so I can build a shelf for it. Same question for the RB02 radio antenna. Can't wait for them to get here. Grinnell
maxmanYou might want to consider hanging the RB02 from the ceiling.
I just put mine on the shelf next to the other components under the layout. It works four rooms away which is about 100'
Don't forget to buy batteries. Nothin worse than having to run out for batteries after waiting so long for it to arrive. Except maybe having to take a few photo's of the new arrival.
Brent
"All of the world's problems are the result of the difference between how we think and how the world works."
I did not feel the need to hang the wireless base station and antenna from the ceiling. I just placed mine on the edge of the layout. One issue when you hang the base station/antenna from the ceiling is that it needs to be connected via a 6-pin cable to a UTP somewhere on the layout.
Besides extra batteries, as Batman suggested, call NCE and order a few extra 2-pin connectors and 4-pin connectors. Over the past 10-year period since first purchasing my system, I have had to replace both a 2-pin connector and a 4-pin connector. If and when one breaks, and they do break, if you don't have a spare, you are out of commission until a new one shows up in the mail which can take 7 to 10 days.
Brent,
You can have the NCE stuff! I like the ''Pup's''
Cheers,
Frank
Thanks for the very usefull comments.
I was originally thinking about mounting the radio antenna upside down from my 9.5 foot high ceiling, but decided to try a simpler solution first. I've got a convenient 5.5 foot high window ledge that is right above where I'm locating the command station and it's directly visible from everywhere in the layout room (a former garage, now walled in).
I recall reading somewhere that the NCE radio cabs take AAA batteries and I have lots of those. My Digitrax friends use some sort of "special" 9v rechargable batteries, because their throttles are sensitive to voltage (or something). Any special advice on batteries for NCE radio cabs? I remember reading somewhere that NCE cabs will run down their batteries even when "off", so I'm planning to remove the batteries between sessions.
I don't understand the reference to 2-pin and 4-pin connectors. I'm confused, the Manual says pull the 4-pin plug and connect the power supply to the screw terminals. It later mentions a 4 wire control bus cable to the power station. I can't find any mention of a 2-pin connector.
Those AAA batteries last about one year for me. I track their install dates on the back of my throttle. It will be a royal pain to remove the batteries between sessions because the back plate is screwed in. I would just leave them alone.
The 4-pin connector is used for the two wire booster in and the two bus wire out. The 2-pin connector is the 2-wire connection from the programming track.
Good news on the batteries, Thanks.
Get Sanyo Enloop rechargeables. I use the AA version in my digital camera. Unlike most other rechargeables, these don;t go dead even when sitting unused for months. They come in AA and AAA sizes, the set I got also included some adapters to make them fit C and D cells, however at the greater current draw of most devices that take C and D batteries, I don;t think they'd really last all that long. For the intended use (devices which take AA and AAA), they last a long time. But really, the best part is the very slow self discharge rate. The AA rechargeables I had before, I'd charge them up, then put them in a drawer when charging was done. a month later - dead again, just sitting there.
Digitrax throttles use 9V batteries for tetherless operation. The problem is, typical alkaline cells are 1.5V, and a 9V battery contains 6 of them for 9V total. Rechargable types are almost all 1.2V, so with 7 cells for 8.4V, which is already half dead for a 9V battery. When Digitrax people say "special" battery, they mean the few brands of rechargeable that are 8 cells, for 9.6V when fully charged. Since when plugged in the throttles get up to 15V off the throttle bus, 9.6 isn;t a problem - and then they have a while to go before they even reach 9V, let alone fall below it. The downside is, to fit 8 in the space of 7, they have to be smaller, which means a lesser store of power. But unless you are contantly tweaking the knob or pressing buttons on the Digitrax throttles, they draw very little power, so the batteries actually last quite a while. Guarantee when someone has their batteries dying in less than an hour of use, they are either starting with less than fully charged, or are constantly clicking the throttle. At the club shows we operate wireless and I cna run from opening in the morning til time to close at night with the same battery in my throttle. And we don;t even have the special 'good' ones like my Enloop - Maha makes a 9V with this same technology so once charged they stay charged for months.
--Randy
Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's
Visit my web site at www.readingeastpenn.com for construction updates, DCC Info, and more.
Grinell, I have my antenna sitting on the same shelf as my command station in the center of my 30 foot layout room. I can control trains from anywhere in my house!!
73
Bruce in the Peg