Quickly Ill explain my layout so it makes it easier when im explaining my question. The top layout is a small L shaped switching shelf layout 14 X14. The bottom layout will be a larger area filling most of a 20 x 20 room. I decided to have to separate systems. The top layout is run by the new 2amp nce PowerCab setup that I just purchased. The bottom will be the NCE 5amp Power Pro system that I had from my last layout. The 2amp is version 1.65 and the power pro is version 1.3. Tonight was the first time I connected the wires to the 2amp system (just got it wired). I could not get it to work. If I attach the 5 amp system to the layout it works fine. Reads the loco address and runs them. Once I put the 2 amp system back on nothing. I can enter the address of the loco but it wont run it. Wondering if the fact that the 5 amp system has 3563AB while when I attach the 2amp throttle is has 3563. The other issue is the 5 amp throttle wont work with the 2amp when plugged in. It goes to the initial throttle info in the beginning (the fast clock and version, also I did make one throttle 1 and the other 2) but wont let me get out of that screen. When I go into programming on the 2amp system it comes up with CAN NOT READ CV. Any help would be appreciated.
medickistlerThe other issue is the 5 amp throttle wont work with the 2amp when plugged in. It goes to the initial throttle info in the beginning (the fast clock and version, also I did make one throttle 1 and the other 2) but wont let me get out of that screen.
I'm not sure I follow everything that's going on, but I can tell you this...
The PowerCab (i.e. 2-amp system) is a booster and cab all in one. It has six wires into the plug while the PowerPro cab (5-amp system) has four. The "brains" of the PowerPro 5-amp system are in the base station, and the cab sends commands through that. The extra two wires for the PowerCab handle the additional power supply function when the PowerCab is used to provide power to its own layout.
The PowerCab is its own self-contained thing, or at least can be. It must be plugged into the layout for anything to run unless you have a "smart booster" SB3 or SB5 wired into the system, or unless it's being used as a throttle on the PowerPro. When in use with a PowerPro system, the extra two wires on the PowerCab do nothing, and the system reads it as a regular cab. The PowerCab can work with additional throttles (including the throttle you have with the PowerPro), but in order for the additional throttles to work you must either leave the PowerCab plugged in or employ a smart booster.
Not sure this helps.
Rob Spangler
medickistlerWhy then when the bus wires are hooked to the five amp system all is fine. When I hook the bus wires to the two amp system notta.
By "bus" you mean the throttle bus or track? Is the throttle bus to the layout intended for the PowerCab wired with 6-conductor cable?
Is the layout intended for the PowerCab in a completely separate environment (electrically speaking) without any of the PowerPro wired in and vice versa? Make sure no wiring runs between the two.
medickistler Quickly Ill explain my layout so it makes it easier when im explaining my question. The top layout is a small L shaped switching shelf layout 14 X14. The bottom layout will be a larger area filling most of a 20 x 20 room. I decided to have to separate systems.
Quickly Ill explain my layout so it makes it easier when im explaining my question. The top layout is a small L shaped switching shelf layout 14 X14. The bottom layout will be a larger area filling most of a 20 x 20 room. I decided to have to separate systems.
Why did you decide to have two separate systems?
The 5 amp PH-Pro would easily support the two layouts, and even if it wouldn't, you could simply add a booster. Just curious.
Rich
Alton Junction
If you don't have insulated rail joiners between the two parts of the layout powered by the two different systems, and the bus wiring is out of phase between the two sections, you're creating a short circuit when you plug in the PowerCab.
medickistlerThey are two completely different layouts wired independently. The bottom layout isn't even wired yet. I unwired the two amp system and then hooked up the five amp system to see if it was a wiring issue which it isn't.
For the Power Cab to work as advertised, you have to use the Power Cab jack that came with the unit, and your Power Cab throttle/booster/command station (in the hand held) must be plugged into the left jack using the 6 wire flat cable. If it's not working under these conditions you may have a defective unit. A second throttle plugs into the right jack using the curly cord. You use the curly cable when using the Power Cab throttle as a throttle only.
Even though you effectively (will) have 2 separate layouts, there is no need for them to have separate command stations. You simply use the Power Pro to command both layouts. If you need more power for the 2nd layout, add another booster. If not, I would recommend a separate circuit breaker for the 2nd layout so a short on one layout does not take out the other layout.
just my thoughts and experiences, your choices
Fred W
If the red LED is lit on the Power Cab panel, put a quarter on the rails. The Power Cab should shut down telling you there is DCC voltage on the rails. The manual spells out the instructions perfectly clearly. I have had the Power Cab for some years.
If you ever fall over in public, pick yourself up and say “sorry it’s been a while since I inhabited a body.” And just walk away.
Problem solved. I changed the two amp control UTP out and put a regular UTP on hooked it up to the five amp system and all is well. The top layout is a separate zone.