Just wanted to say big THANK YOU to all who gave me their advise.
Regards Angelo
Freelancing MCRR/NYC Northern Division - Angelo
I have the NCE PH Pro 5A system. I am able to operate the system with 15 or so sound locomotives sitting on the layout at the same time, running 1 or 2 with no issues. The Pro Cab/Power Cab (essentially the same thing on the outside) are very intuitive to use). If you are having guest operators I would recommend getting an addtional Cab 04, 05 or 06 so they cant accidentally button mash and reprogram stuff (it can happen). NCE's customer service is the best (I sent in a malfunctioning Cab 06 and it was repaired at no charge). I am completely satisfied with my DCC system for what it does (runs trains). For everything else, I plan on installing a OpenLCB or LCC bus.
Older locomotives may use more power, be sure you check the stall current and running current a choose appropriate decoders (also will help you decide which system you need). Newer run locomotives typically use less than 500ma (GPs/RSs etc), even with sound.
Keep alives are power hogs, and they make use of the programming track difficult (I have to disconnect KAs to program on programming track, due to the KA taking all of the power trying to charge).
Speaking of programming tracks, it should be physically and electrically separated from your main tracks in some way. We recently relocated a programing track on a club members layout due to people back feeding track voltage into the programming track booster from the layout (via metal wheels on cars creating a circuit across gaps).
Do not buy the 10A system for HO, the proper upgrade path for addtional power is a 5A booster powering a different portion of layout (the 10A can and likely will melt HO stuff if there is a short circuit).
Well the two most popular starter choices are Digitrax Zephyr and NCE Powercab.
It's a matter of personal preference. If you have the oprtunity to try out both I would.That said the NCE is easier to operate and you can walk around with it. You will need to install additional ports and run bus wire if you intend to walk around a fairly large layout. So factor this into the cost.The digitrax boosters I find to be more bullet proof and there's a little more power to operate yours trains. You could likely have 6 running at a time if they consume < 1/2 amp each. Also the digitrax does have a nice big throttle, BUT it's stationary. This isn't a big deal if you have a small layout.
Don - Specializing in layout DC->DCC conversions
Modeling C&O transition era and steel industries There's Nothing Like Big Steam!
There is a nice video explaining operation of NCE and Digitrax systems on youtube.
https://youtu.be/QzRRCKpTjL4
I have the NCE PowerPro and absolutely love it. So intuitive to use. I can't say that I have opened the book to look up anything other than initially to figure out how to shut the radio throttle off. That said, I'm sure Digitrax users would say the same thing. Both are good, capable systems.
Mike
Randy:
I edited my statement about the Power Cab not requiring additional components to program any decoder:
hon30critterEDIT: It does not require any additional electronics if you are using it on a dedicated programming track which is isolated from the layout.
However, you are right. Ultimately, it will require additional components to set up a separate track for programming. My point was that the Power Cab by itself does not need anything in the way of signal boosters etc. The additional components required are essentially either switching devices or connection devices.
Anyhow, we are kind of splitting hairs. The bottom line is that the Power Cab is a very capable system.
Regards.
Dave
I'm just a dude with a bad back having a lot of fun with model trains, and finally building a layout!
Great tips, thanks I run H.O scale I have a Big Boy (AMH) a Mountian type (Bachman Spectrum) a 040 switcher (Mantua) a Niagara class (Bachman) a "Bowser" 2-10-0 and two 0-6-0 bachman switchers - I have an Amtrack (bachman) with three lighted passenger coaches - I thought I'd power all my switches etc with an external power supply.
So right now it seems that power pro have more "votes"
Angelo :-)
I had a Digitrax Super Chief radio control system for a few years. I replaced it with an NCE Power Pro 5 amp radio control system. It was the best thing that I have done on my layout in years. The NCE system is superior to anyting Digitrax.
But, I wish I had heard about Rail Pro. This system seems to the next step in DCC.
Hmm, my F7 B units only have 4 wires to hook up....
PowerCab does NOT have a seperate program track out of the box, you need the DCC AutoSwitch for that. This is the same problem with the Digitrax Super EMpire Builder. Sure, two less wires to hook up - at the cost of an oopsie programming ALL of your locos. PowerPro, Digitrax Super Chief, and Zephyr all have a dedicated low power program track, independent of the running track. Low power is as much a key as it being seperate from the main track, which allows you to test installs under low current which generally would not fry the dcoder if there is a wiring error. On the full power main - no chance.
Something Digitrax can do that the others don't - you can program a loco on the program track while others are runnign on the main. Even with a dedicated program track output, the PowerPro shuts down the main while programming.
--Randy
Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's
Visit my web site at www.readingeastpenn.com for construction updates, DCC Info, and more.
tstageThe two primary limitations of the Power Cab vs. the PH Pro (as alluded to by the 2nd Rich) are total amperage (1.7 vs. 5.0A) and the total number of cabs you can use with it (6 vs. 20).
I believe that with the PowerPro system the total number of cabs is 63, not 20.
Ok, that should make it easier. You have not mentioned scale.
I am sure you know DCC is seven wires minimum. Just follow the NMRA recommendations for a basic decoder install.
Get your multimeter out as some locos have the two motor contacts connected to each motor frame half. I had one like that. Had to use Kapton tape to isolate from each frame half and use nylon screws.
Many steamers have one side connected to the tender wheels and the other to the loco frame which picks up from the drivers on the right side.
Most older Bachmann steamers have the split frame. I had to separate the frame halves to isolate.
Post which models you have. There are many ways to modify locos for DCC.
Some in the later 1990's "might" be DCC ready.
One nice feature on the Power Cab is the Program Track option which protects the decoder with a new install. One or two systems have difficulties with some decoders and the Power Cab does not, at least has not for me. I think they need a programming booster or use the Blast Mode.
Like I said, no way can I run over three locos but I operate by myself anyway.
Rich
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.
Like the 1st Rich I have the Power Cab and enjoy it very much. I also have the Smart Booster (SB5), which allows me to disconnect my Power Cab from the layout.
The Power Cab is the command station, booster, and throttle all rolled up into one. Therefore, if you disconnect it from the (PCP) panel it's plugged into, the layout shuts down.
I find the Power Cab/ProCab throttles very intuitive to use - especially when it comes to programming. I also like the option of using either the thumbwheel (encoder) or the gross & fine speed buttons to control my locomotives.
The two primary limitations of the Power Cab vs. the PH Pro (as alluded to by the 2nd Rich) are total amperage (1.7 vs. 5.0A) and the total number of cabs you can use with it (6 vs. 20 63). Other than that, they're essentially the same.
Tom
https://tstage9.wixsite.com/nyc-modeling
Time...It marches on...without ever turning around to see if anyone is even keeping in step.
Hi Nickle Plate Road:
You can't go wrong with NCE or Digitrax. As to which system, that will require a little more information like how many locomotives do you plan on running at the same time, how many lighted passenger cars, whether or not you plan to use a separate power supply for accessories (strongly recommended) and how much automation/computerization you want on your layout.
I chose the NCE Power Cab over any of the Digitrax systems simply because the throttle seemed far more intuitive to use (I'm all thumbs so that was a big deal). I haven't been disappointed. It is easy to use.
The Power Cab can be upgraded if the need arises but I don't anticipate that will happen with me. It does not require any additional electronics to do any programming whereas some systems have limited programming. EDIT: It does not require any additional electronics if you are using it on a dedicated programming track which is isolated from the layout.
I think one test of the capability of the various systems is to read through the many previous threads on this subject. You will find almost no negative comments about NCE products, and in many cases NCE gets more votes than Digitrax. Digitrax does offer some exclusive features like LocoNet that can offer more advanced automation of your layout, but there are posts where a user is having a devil of a time sorting out their Digitrax systems. That doesn't happen very often with NCE, and the problems that do occur with NCE seem to be caused by human input errors vs system failure. In fairness, I have yet to see a problem that couldn't be solved with either mfr.
I have the NCE Power House Pro 5 amp system, and it is outstanding.
While I don't own an NCE Power Cab, it seems to have limitations that are not experienced with the Power House Pro system.
Sure, the Power House Pro costs more than the Power Cab, but it is worth the extra dollars in my opinion.
Alton Junction
richg1998 I use the NCE Power Cab. Nice system. It can run at least three sound locos. I can only handle three HO locos at one time. A five amp smart booster is available. At least ten to twelve locos can run on a five amp system. My club has done it. For you analog locos, isolate the two motor contacts from the pickups. Do a DC current test at twelve volts DC. Gently bring the drivers to a stop. What is the current draw? Follow the decoder instructions. Do your locos have DCC ready capability? How old are they? Most non sound and sound decoders are one amp max with lighting. Light bulbs draw more current than LED's. Usually much more. No idea on your level of DCC or electrical experience. Rich
I use the NCE Power Cab. Nice system. It can run at least three sound locos. I can only handle three HO locos at one time.
A five amp smart booster is available. At least ten to twelve locos can run on a five amp system. My club has done it.
For you analog locos, isolate the two motor contacts from the pickups. Do a DC current test at twelve volts DC. Gently bring the drivers to a stop. What is the current draw?
Follow the decoder instructions.
Do your locos have DCC ready capability? How old are they?
Most non sound and sound decoders are one amp max with lighting. Light bulbs draw more current than LED's. Usually much more.
No idea on your level of DCC or electrical experience.
Hi Rich,
I am a master electrician - the wiring doesn't scare me nor does programming. All my loco's are older so I would have to install encoders into them (1980's 1990's). I just want to purchase a easy to use system. After all the bench work, and laying road bed I want to be able to "play" while doing the scenery work. This will be my first big layout and I want to operate it as realistically as possable.
Angelo Here - I am considering buying a DCC system before I complete my bench work. I have four TECH 2 analog controls and those old Atlas switchs for "cab control". I am attracted to a NCE simple stupid controller any thoughts? I have 10 steam loco's and about 8 deisels all analog. Thanks everyone