John,
I've had the NCE Power Cab since early 2006 on my modest 4 x 8 and enjoy it very much. As mentioned, it only has the capacity to operate DCC locomotives.
In a nutshell, the Power Cab is a 1.7A "tethered" walk-around system with the command station, booster, and throttle all rolled-up-into-one. With the 7' cord you can move around quite a bit with it. However, since power is route through the Power Cab; if you disconnect it from the PCP panel, you shut down the entire layout.
Also, the Power Cab has a two throttle limit (including itself). In other words: You can only add one (1) additional throttle to the Power Cab. (The Zephyr Xtra has a 20 throttle limit.) With the addition of the Smart Booster (SB3a), you increase the total number of throttles to four (4), increase your total power output from 1.7A to 5A, and you can plug and unplug your Power Cab without shutting down the layout. (Basically, it becomes a true walk-around throttle at that point.)
It's a great starter system and I highly recommend it. But...if you are wanting to operate both DCC & DC locomotives on your layout simultaneously, you should look at the Digitrax Zephyr Xtra.
John, if you want to read up on the Power Cab and the SB3a, go to my web site link below and click on the Reviews link, located on the left side of the home page. There's also a review of the NCE CAB-04p throttle, as well.
Hope that helps...
Tom
https://tstage9.wixsite.com/nyc-modeling
Time...It marches on...without ever turning around to see if anyone is even keeping in step.
Thanks Tom....Yes, I am looking for recomendations.....Did not know about those that only run DCC, I thought they all ran both......I knew you guys were the ones to ask.........Thanks
John
Did you mean the NCE Power cab starter set? Thats the only one I found.........
hcopter51 What would you folks advise as to what dcc to use...
What would you folks advise as to what dcc to use...
hcopter,
I'm assuming you mean which DCC system we would recommend. With what you've shared, I would suggest a starter system like the Digitrax Zephyr Xtra. It's console is stationary but you can add cabs to it, as needed. With 3.5A of output, you should have plenty of power for your current needs.
Only Digitrax, Bachmann, and Lenz systems can run both DC & DCC locomotives. NCE makes a nice starter system called the Power Cab. However, NCE systems only operate DCC locomotives.
Thanks David, unless I move I will probably not expand too much,HA!!! I know this question has been asked a lot but I thought that every layout is different and so I was looking for what would suit my needs best.....Thanks again.....John
Hi all, here is the story.....I have a 4x8 HO layout....I plan on running maybe three dcc locos and one or two dc locos....I would like to also operate maybe 4 dcc switches.....What would you folks advise as to what dcc to use....I doubt I will need to upgrade to a larger more complex layout for years so I probably will not need walkaround or remote dcc control.....I would like to control loco sounds tho.....Thanks in advance for your suggestions..........