Edit post

Edit your reply below.

Post Body
Enter your post below.
I have the NCE PH Pro 5A system.  I am able to operate the system with 15 or so sound locomotives sitting on the layout at the same time, running 1 or 2 with no issues.  The Pro Cab/Power Cab (essentially the same thing on the outside) are very intuitive to use).  If you are having guest operators I would recommend getting an addtional Cab 04, 05 or 06 so they cant accidentally button mash and reprogram stuff (it can happen).  NCE's customer service is the best (I sent in a malfunctioning Cab 06 and it was repaired at no charge).  I am completely satisfied with my DCC system for what it does (runs trains).  For everything else, I plan on installing a OpenLCB or LCC bus. Older locomotives may use more power, be sure you check the stall current and running current a choose appropriate decoders (also will help you decide which system you need).   Newer run locomotives typically use less than 500ma (GPs/RSs etc), even with sound.  Keep alives are power hogs, and they make use of the programming track difficult (I have to disconnect KAs to program on programming track, due to the KA taking all of the power trying to charge). Speaking of programming tracks, it should be physically and electrically separated from your main tracks in some way.  We recently relocated a programing track on a club members layout due to people back feeding track voltage into the programming track booster from the layout (via metal wheels on cars creating a circuit across gaps). Do not buy the 10A system for HO, the proper upgrade path for addtional power is a 5A booster powering a different portion of layout (the 10A can and likely will melt HO stuff if there is a short circuit).
Tags (Optional)
Tags are keywords that get attached to your post. They are used to categorize your submission and make it easier to search for. To add tags to your post type a tag into the box below and click the "Add Tag" button.
Add Tag

Update Reply

Subscriber & Member Login

Login, or register today to interact in our online community, comment on articles, receive our newsletter, manage your account online and more!

Model Railroader Newsletter See all

Sign up for our FREE e-newsletter and get model railroad news in your inbox!

Subscriber & Member Login

Edit post

Post Body

Tags (Optional)

Subscriber & Member Login

Users Online

Search the Community