NCE PowerCab update to radio control

[tsanders1950]

tpatrick

 I have the NCE Pro Cab R (radio control) and there is no way I would ever go back to cable. The freedom to go anywhere in the basement without snagging a cable or having to unplug/replug is well worth the investment.

Thanks for your reply; am I correct in the purchase of the equipment listed?  I note that NCE offers two different radio base stations and two different controllers, one with push buttons and the other with dial control. Can you use the "option" button as a recall for another loco?

[tsanders1950]

tstage

tsanders,

A cheaper alternative would be to purchase the newly redesigned Smart Booster (SB3a), which is due out anytime now.

It's a total redesign of the older SB3 with the following specs:

• 5 total amps (increased from 3 amps with the SB3)
  
• 6 recalls per cab (The Power Cab only has 2)
  
• Works with auto reversers and circuit breakers (one of the main reasons for the redesign)
  
• "Booster only" mode to use with other systems

Using UTP panels around your layout, the Smart Booster allows you the ability to unplug and plug your Power Cab without shutting your layout down, which is what happens when the Power Cab is unplugged from the PCP panel.

MSRP for the SB3a is $160 but should be discounted to $130.  The only other thing you would need is additional UTP panels ($16, discounted) and RJ-12 cabling for daisy-chaining your UTP panels together. 

As I see it, tsanders, you'd save a minimum of $50-$60 going the SB3a route AND...gain more overall amperage (5A total vs. 1.7A) and 4 additional recall slots.  (I have an older SB3 so I plan on sending it in to have it upgraded to the SB3a.)  The one downside would be that you'd still be required to "plug in" with your cable to change speeds, turn lights on or off, and toot the horn.  (For me, not a big issue.)  Radio could still be added in later.

One other item worth noting: You'll still need your PCP panel for using your Power Cab in programming track mode.  The Smart Booster is essentially a command station so it overrides the command station of the Power Cab and you lose programming track mode.  However, your Power Cab is now a portable programming throttle and you can use it (along with your PCP panel) at your work bench (or anywhere) to program with.  Programming on the Main (or POM) mode is still accessible in either scenario.

Hope that helps...

Tom

Thanks for your response.  I think I would be better served to go the Radio controlled route; I just dont want to mess with plugging and unplugging my controller in various spots around my layout. I really am not running more than two trains at one time so I dont have a problem with the amps required. I just want the freedon to roam around my layout without having to be tied to a seven foot cable. At the present time if I am doing switching or have a derailment, I have to shut down the train running to take care of the issue and walk back to my control panel to restart the train, etc.  I agree with your comments that I am getting more power by the use of the Smart Booster but what I really want (and need) is the flexibility to move around my layout without the cord.

[tpatrick]

 I have the NCE Pro Cab R (radio control) and there is no way I would ever go back to cable. The freedom to go anywhere in the basement without snagging a cable or having to unplug/replug is well worth the investment.

[Driline]

maxman

One less expensive options would be to get/make a longer cable,

 

Bingo!  Thats what I did. All you need is a 6 conductor cable with RJ-6 connectors. I've made mine as long as 15' with no problems.

Like Tom said, the new SB3a smartbooster would be the way to go if you have the funds. I plan on upgrading to that in the future.

http://www.tonystrains.com/products/nce_csboost.htm

[tstage]

tsanders,

A cheaper alternative would be to purchase the newly redesigned Smart Booster (SB3a), which is due out anytime now.

It's a total redesign of the older SB3 with the following specs:

• 5 total amps (increased from 3 amps with the SB3)
  
• 6 recalls per cab (The Power Cab only has 2)
  
• Works with auto reversers and circuit breakers (one of the main reasons for the redesign)
  
• "Booster only" mode to use with other systems

Using UTP panels around your layout, the Smart Booster allows you the ability to unplug and plug your Power Cab without shutting your layout down, which is what happens when the Power Cab is unplugged from the PCP panel.

MSRP for the SB3a is $160 but should be discounted to $130.  The only other thing you would need is additional UTP panels ($16, discounted) and RJ-12 cabling for daisy-chaining your UTP panels together. 

As I see it, tsanders, you'd save a minimum of $50-$60 going the SB3a route AND...gain more overall amperage (5A total vs. 1.7A) and 4 additional recall slots.  (I have an older SB3 so I plan on sending it in to have it upgraded to the SB3a.)  The one downside would be that you'd still be required to "plug in" with your cable to change speeds, turn lights on or off, and toot the horn.  (For me, not a big issue.)  Radio could still be added in later.

One other item worth noting: You'll still need your PCP panel for using your Power Cab in programming track mode.  The Smart Booster is essentially a command station so it overrides the command station of the Power Cab and you lose programming track mode.  However, your Power Cab is now a portable programming throttle and you can use it (along with your PCP panel) at your work bench (or anywhere) to program with.  Programming on the Main (or POM) mode is still accessible in either scenario.

Hope that helps...

Tom

[maxman]

I believe that you can do the upgrade as you've described without any problem.

One less expensive options would be to get/make a longer cable, unless there is something in the Power Cab instructions that discourages this.

Another option would be to install one or more of the normal facia plates around the railroad in locations where activity might be concentrated.  You would still need to purchase an additional handset (04E or 04P) since you cannot unplug the PowerCab handset. 

[tsanders1950]

I own a NCE PowerCab for my modest layout which I can run by myself; I usually dont run more than two trains at one time anyway. My issue is that the seven foot cable provided with the system is sometimes inadequate if you are switching and making other changes to a freight train running.  I am interested in upgrading my PowerCab to one of radio controlled walk around throttles.  In researching this information on the NCE website, it appears that I just need to purchase the wireless base (RB-2) and a Intermediate Cab Controller (Cab04pr).  If anyone has any experience with such a conversion and care to share your insight to this matter, please feel free to comment.  This will be a sizeable investment of about $245 for both items. Any other suggestions would be appreciated.