Hello,
I am purchasing an NCE Pro-Cab Wireless DCC system but I wanted to get some feedback on what people thought of the two different throttles that they offer.
The first option is CAB06P. This throttle is described as being similar to a traditional powerpack. When you turn the dial to the left, it has a stop point. When you turn it all the way to the right, it has a max point.
The second option is CAB06R. This throttle starts at zero when you aquire your locomotive, no matter where the dial is positioned. The knob spins continuously.
For reference, I don't plan on running more than one train from each throttle. (but I will consist locomotives within the same train). I've heard that when you are running one train and want to switch to another, it's a disadvantage to have the CAB06P because your second train will start off at the same speed as the train you are dropping. I don't plan on operating this way. Each train will have it's own throttle.
I wanted to get the thoughts from the forum members out there. I appreciate the feedback!!!
Thanks!!!
Mark
Mark,
I have one of the older CAB-04p throttles and what you have described is exactly what happens. If I try to switch to and operate a 2nd locomotive with the same throttle I have to remember where the knob (rheostat) was if I want to go back to the 1st locomotive again. Otherwise, the 1st locomotive either surges or brakes to the speed step set for the 2nd locomotive.
If you are only going to operate one locomotive with each throttle then the CAB-06p should work just fine for you. However, if you think you might want to operate a 2nd locomotive on occasion with the same throttle, I would go for the CAB-06r with the encoder wheel.
The other fun thing that you can do with either of those models is to set them up and operate them in "yard mode". If you rotate the knob CW you increase speed; if you rotate the knob CCW you decrease speed to zero then automatically reverse direction and increase speed. It's great for yard switching; hence the name.
With the "p" throttle you have to zero the knob at 12 o'clock (line pointing straight up) to allow you sufficient room between the min & max stops. With the "r" throttle you wouldn't need to do that because the knob doesn't have any stops. Since the knob changes the direction of travel, the DIRECTION button becomes moot.
HTH...
Tom
https://tstage9.wixsite.com/nyc-modeling
Time...It marches on...without ever turning around to see if anyone is even keeping in step.
I don't like the throttles with the encoder because I can't tell when the throttle has been turned to zero. This is especially bad if you are using momentum. The train continues to move and I can't tell if I have not reduced the throttle enough or the momentum is keeping it moving.
On the other hand I have a friend who holds operating sessions on his layout. He has had "P" throttles damaged by operators who try to force the throttle past the zero stop if their train does not respond quickly enough to a stop command.