Hi guys.I ordered a extra UTP panel for my power cab so I can use my controller at a different location on my track.What type of cable or wire do you run from the main panel to the UTP PANEL and where can you get it.Thanks Bob
This information is available on the NCE web site:
http://www.ncedcc.com/pdf/utp.pdf
Bob,
You'll need 6-connector cable and RJ-12 connectors for additional cabling. But, you won't be able to use your Power Cab with your UTP panel because your Power Cab can only be plugged into the LEFT connector port of your PCP panel, where it receives it's power from. Hence, if you unplug the Power Cab from the connector port, the layout shuts down.
You could plug in an additional throttle into your UTP and use that. The only way you can use the Power Cab with your UTP panel is if you have the UTP panel connected to a Smart Booster (SB3a). That would then allow you the freedom to move (unplug and plug) your Power Cab around your layout without shutting it down.
If you don't have the crimp tools, you can purchase 6-connector cable with RJ-12 connectors on both ends. NCE sells them in 7-, 12-, and 50-foot lengths. Tim Smith @ Empire Northern Models can make cables to whatever length you want. (He just charges per foot of cable plus two connectors.) It isn't listed on his web site but Tim has done it for me in the past. And I've found his pricing very reasonable.
Hope that helps, Bob...
Tom
https://tstage9.wixsite.com/nyc-modeling
Time...It marches on...without ever turning around to see if anyone is even keeping in step.
Ditto what Tom said, but my solution was to purchase a 10' long 6 wire coil cord from my DCC supplier. Works great on my L shaped layout. I have since updated to the SB3 but still prefer the 10' cord.
Its been so many years I don't remember who I bought it from but http://www.tonystrains.com/products/dccaccess_wire.htm
John
Thanks guys for the info.So by itself I can't use the UTP.But if I leave my current powercab pluged in the PCP'I could buy another controller and use it in the UTP as long as the power cab controller is pluged into the PCP'Where as 2 people could run trains.I assume the UTP controller would have to be set to cab 3.2nd option is to get a Smart booster and I could use my current powercab controller in any UTP I install.But I do need the 6 wire RJ-12 TO CONNECT THE UTP'S.I think I got it.Thanks Bob
Also note that the 6 conductor used for the actual power cab is different than standard 6 conductor phone wire. It has thicker wire for the power.
Springfield PA
fender777Thanks guys for the info.So by itself I can't use the UTP.
Correct.
But if I leave my current powercab pluged in the PCP'I could buy another controller and use it in the UTP as long as the power cab controller is pluged into the PCP'
Correct. You could use either a CAB-04 or -05 throttle as an extra controller. If you wait a little bit the CAB-06 throttles (that come with a small LED display) should be out in the next month or two. And you could even buy another Power Cab and use that as an additional throttle.
Where as 2 people could run trains.I assume the UTP controller would have to be set to cab 3.
Correct. I can't remember exactly but - even though you are limited to only one (1) additional throttle with the Power Cab - you might have more than one choice in address numbers. I know with the Smart Booster (SB3a) you get three additional address slots (Total: 4) for throttles, with an address choice of 2, 3, 4 or 5.
2nd option is to get a Smart booster and I could use my current powercab controller in any UTP I install.But I do need the 6 wire RJ-12 TO CONNECT THE UTP'S.I think I got it.Thanks Bob
Correct. The SB3a plugs into the back of the UTP panel. You can then daisy-chain additional UTP panels around your layout from that UTP panel.
Bob, with the SB3a set up, the two additional wires in the 6-connector cable (used to power the Power Cab) are actually no longer needed. You can then use the coily cord (that came with your Power Cab) to plug your Power Cab into the UTP panel.
If you do go the SB3a route, keep in mind that you will still need the Power Cab's PCP panel to program in Programming mode. The SB3a does NOT come with programming track terminals so you can only use your Power Cab throttle to Program on the Main (POM). The PCP panel will, therefore, need to be electrically isolated from the layout for address programming. The plus is that the PCP panel setup can become portable so that you can now move it to your bench to do any of your programming.
Again, hope that helps, Bob...
Thanks again all for the great advice.BOB