To connect your PC to a PowerCab you the USB interface. You'll also need a USB port on your PC. Follow the link below for more info on the USB interface. Its relatively easy to do. I'd stick with the NCE component - you know its designed to work with the PowerCab so you won't have any issues later on that might cause you to come back here and ask what settings are needed to get something to communicate with your POwerCab.
http://www.ncedcc.com/index.php?page=shop.product_details&flypage=flypage.tpl&product_id=73&category_id=1&option=com_virtuemart&Itemid=1
The webpage also has a convienent link to download DecoderPro.
PowerCAB does not have a serial port like the PH Pro, you need the USB interface.
The Digitrax PR-3 is an interface for Digitrax systems, but it is ALSO a standalone programmer - you can hook it to a piece of track, connect a power supply, and program decoders completely independent of whatever DCC system you have.
--Randy
Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's
Visit my web site at www.readingeastpenn.com for construction updates, DCC Info, and more.
The NCE Power Pro has a serial port for connection to a computer. Check your Power Cab and see what it has on it for a computer connection.
The old Dell Pentium 2 with Windows 98 probably also has a serial port on the back, so all you will need is a serial cable to connect the two.
Greetings and Salutations
I have a question about JMRI. What would I need to use it with my NCE Power Cab? I have an old Dell Pentium 2 with windows 98 that I could use if it would work. Am I correct to assume I need a USB cable and some kind of hardware?Could I use it with the decoder in the engine on a seperate track that I use for programing or does the decoder have to be plugged into a piece of test equipment?Can this arrangment be used to test the decoders?For instance I can't get the lights to work on my learning project engine, every thing else works.The other thread is about Digetrax I think?
Thanks in advance
Lee