NCE or DIGITRAX

[cowman]

My experience with NCE repairs, something I did to mess things up, was that I was given a time frame, but mine came back much sooner.  Don't know if the "on phone" person is given an estimated time to fix what they  have to work on or if there is a stock time that they figure they can meet.  Anyhow I was pleased with the service, especially since it was my error that caused the problem, not some sot of warrenty or fault of the product.

I survived the absense, may  have even gotten a few layout projects moved along a little faster while not running trains.  (Though I may have run some in DC.)

Good luck,

Richard 

[rrinker]

 Be VERY CAREFUL about doing a system reset on a PowerCab - check the firware version you have first. If you have v1.65 - DO NOT do a system reset, you will have problems that cna only be solved up upgrading to 1.65B. The SB5 should also be upgraded to 1.65B if you haven't. You can order the upgrade and swap the chip yourself, or take it to a dealer, or send it in to NCE.

If there's a pretty general "buttons not responsing" I would suspect the cab bus wiring, or the panel, if you are using one. Try plugging the throttle right in to the SB5 if you aren;t already doing that. Check the jack you are plugging in to to make sure none of the contacts have bcome bent or moved out of position. The general symptoms seem to be more of a communication problem than the cab failing. You cna also hook up the PCP and power supply and run the system as the PowerCab without the SB5 and see if it has the same problem - which if it works fine, that would indicate again the cab wiring to the SB5, or the SB5 itself.

                                --Randy

 

[ROBERT PETRICK]

BATMAN

I have the same problem in my wireless controller until I remember the batteries need changing.

I do not use NCE, so I'm no help there. I use Digitrax, and a particular problem with Digitrax is low battery voltage. Some rechargeable 9-volt batteries only fully charge up to 8.2 volts or so, and that causes the system to act a little funky.

Like I said, Digitrax not NCE. But maybe something OP could check out.

Robert

[BATMAN]

I have the same problem in my wireless controller until I remember the batteries need changing. They last a long time so I tend to forget about them.

I have seen your problem before and it has been the cords/jacks just wearing out and working intermittently, they are moving parts when you think about it. Remember that cord is wiggling all around as you push the buttons over and over so it may be making brief contact while pushing.

You being an electrician don't need to hear this from me though. I would go buy a new controller and send the first one in for repair. I like to have spares of everything, except wives, that is not a good idea.

[jjdamnit]

Hello all,

Nickel Plate Road

...chuck the whole system and buy a new DCC system...Bachman (sic) or some other system.

I use the Bachmann Dynamis® system. I added the 5A booster along with the Pro Box and IR Extender (even though I only use one IR antenna).

With this set up I could add extra throttles if wanted/needed and I cobbled a cable to provide a separate programming track- -not a standard feature to this system.

I bought all the components NIB on eBay for approximately 50% of the retail price.

Had I to do it over, for approximately the same price I paid for the Bachmann system I would have gone with NCE. 

I am a lone wolf modeler with a 4'x8' pike. I don't need a system compatible with other modelers or a club.

For me this system fits my needs but is limited in expansion and some options.

I say stick with what you got and be patient. If you NEED to run trains now, buy a second throttle and when you get the repaired one back have it as a backup.

Hope this helps.

[wp8thsub]

Nickel Plate Road

Well, my NCE trottle isn't responding most of the time. Took it apart, cleaned touch pads and wiped down curcuit board and still no joy. Customer service at NCE is, well lets just say spotty. Nce say 4 to 5 weeks before they can look at the trottle.

Contact problems between the buttons and the PC board inside the throttle can happen with any brand.  A more thorough cleaning may be the answer.  I've seen a cab or two where soldering flux left a nearly invisible film that interfered with contact on parts of the keypad, and it took some care to completely find and remove it from the affected contact points.  For example, one had what seemed at first to be a recurring problem with the "4," but I got it clean after a couple tries and it's worked ever since.

It may not be the throttle at all.  You could have something going on with the cord, plugs, or some other hard-wire connection.  You could possibly trace it with a meter, try a different cord, plugging directly into the command station [EDIT - if you have a Power Cab, there is no separate command station], etc.  Again, such things can occur with any brand.

Our model manufacturers are usually small businesses as has been pointed out.  A 4-5 week turnaround isn't necessarily an indication of poor service, as much as an acknowledgement of the resources available.  Given that other brands aren't immune to the same issues, with both the throttles and customer support, I'd strongly recommend against using this as a reason to change DCC systems.

[mbinsewi]

CGW121

This is the discussion I was refering to

Yep, that the thread I was referring to, 9 post back.

Mike.

[Nickel Plate Road]

THANK YOU SIR. Thank you ,SIr

[Nickel Plate Road]

Hi Big Daddy,

   Well that's the rub, isn't it? If my buttons won't respond I am kinda between a rock and a hard place. When I had the unit apart for cleaning I plugged it back in an tried to use a rubber tipped stylus and had the same issue. When I power up the unit and I the select loco funtion works I try to see if I can get lucky and use the reset trick that is posted on their web site. It really is taking the joy out of DCC for me. Seems to me I have more control with D.C system etc etc.

[CGW121]

tstage

CGW,

No, it's not the same topic.  Tom Angelo posted in another thread about a month ago (see my reference link above) that he was having problems with some of his Power Cab buttons not working.  He's frustrated because of that.

Tom

 

 

This is the discussion I was refering to

http://cs.trains.com/mrr/f/744/t/273954.aspx

there are 27 answers to it and it is NOT a repair topic at all rather which one should I buy.

[BigDaddy]

Did you try the reset of the powercab I suggested in the other thread?

[Nickel Plate Road]

Gentlemen,

   I have  NCE power cab with a five amp booster etc etc, all purchased through NCE. The unit is two years old, but install just resently, OCT 18, due to a move. I am using 10 gauge speaker wire for my main and 14 guage speaker wire for my branch. NCE unit operates only locos, usally two at one time. If I can get two to work that is. Yesterday I couldn't use SELECT LOCO as it refused to work.

[carl425]

riogrande5761

If this is rehash to you, scroll past the topic rather than troll it.

+1

The only question that comes up more than "which DCC system" is "why can't you search before posting a new topic".  The former, while often redundant, usually provides some useful information while the latter just clutters the thread with meta-discussion that will not change anyone's behavior.

[CGW121]

That sounds like a cv issue. Neither nce or digitrax will change it much. It also depends on the sound board in said loco. I dont use sound at all so someone else will have to help you.

[Nickel Plate Road]

I am an electrician w/35 years exp. wiring isn't my issue:-) when I have to press bell 5x to hear it...

[maxman]

Nickel Plate Road

Well, my NCE trottle isn't responding most of the time. Took it apart, cleaned touch pads and wiped down curcuit board and still no joy. Customer service at NCE is, well lets just say spotty. Nce say 4 to 5 weeks before they can look at the trottle.

So do I just buy a new NCE trottle or chuck the whole system and buy a new DCC system like digitrax, Bachman or some other system. Any recommendations?

THX 

 

Is this a PowerCab?  Exactly what is it not doing?  How do you know the problem is with the Cab? Is there a loose wiring connection somewhere between the Cab and the track?  Is it just one loco or all?  Are the wheels and track clean?

Would you consider trading in your BMW for a Chevy or Ford because you have a tail light failure?

[BigDaddy]

CGW121

And it became instead of a problem solving thread it quickly became a which is the better system. Every time this subject comes up it is simply a mine is better because I bought it

Hard to disagree with that.

However there are a couple new wrinkles.  The OP is already familiar with DCC and NCE and he is not looking for the cheapest solution, which is to wait until it gets fixed.

What we don't know is:

edit, I missed Tom's link to the previous post.

 

• Which NCE system does he have now?  Power cab with booster
• How long has he had it? (changes nothing, but it gives us a data point as to when his failed)    2 years
• Does he want features that he doesn't have now, such as wifi or more amps?
• Aside from it not working, is there something he doesn't like about it?

I'm going to go watch the ESU video.

Saw the video.  The one reservation I have is the icons look pretty small.  I wonder how easy it is to hit the wrong icon.   I have that problem typing on a cell phone. 

[tstage]

CGW121

And it became instead of a problem solving thread it quickly became a which is the better system. Every time this subject comes up it is simply a mine is better because I bought it, very much a ford vs chevy debate. If he has a nce buy that one because thats what he is familier with.

Nope.  Click on the reference link in my earlier post above.  It's only about 4 responses long and addresses the OPs posted issues; not a discussion/debate on which DCC system is better.

Tom

[mbinsewi]

I think CGW121 is talking about a thread started by Mac Trom, Suggestions on beginning DCC starter set.

I think it's about 4 or 5 threads down from this one.

Mike.

[CGW121]

And it became instead of a problem solving thread it quickly became a which is the better system. Every time this subject comes up it is simply a mine is better because I bought it, very much a ford vs chevy debate. If he has a nce buy that one because thats what he is familier with.

[tstage]

CGW,

No, it's not the same topic.  Tom Angelo posted in another thread about a month ago (see my reference link above) that he was having problems with some of his Power Cab buttons not working.  He's frustrated because of that.

Tom

[CGW121]

riogrande5761

 

 

CGW121

Here we go again,,,,,, sigh

 

 

If this is rehash to you, scroll past the topic rather than troll it.

Sometimes people need genuine feedback.

 

We had one on this very subject within the past week. Why didnt the op read that one? This has turned into another the  hobby is too expensive and needs to be merged into a thread like that.

[riogrande5761]

CGW121

Here we go again,,,,,, sigh

If this is rehash to you, scroll past the topic rather than troll it.

Sometimes people need genuine feedback.

[CGW121]

Here we go again,,,,,, sigh

[Harrison]

Pretty much everybody up here in NY uses Digitrax, it's a very nice system with some good fetures, but I have operated using NCE, and I personally think it's better, fetures and price. I can't say much because due to costs I am using good ol' Dinosaur Control(DC).

[carl425]

I've got digitrax today, but if I were starting over I'd buy the ESU Cab Control system.

http://www.esu.eu/en/products/digital-control/cabcontrol/

[tstage]

Tom Angelo,

Being a Power Cab user I would say stick with it.  Remember that NCE is a small "cottage" industry and they - along with a number of other manufacturers - are busy with high profile shows during the winter months - e.g. World's Greatest Hobby, Timonium, and Amherst.

Since you cleaned everything you can clean on the interior and remembering your post from a few weeks back, I still suspect that your touchpad membrane is shot and needs replacing.  They do wear out sometimes.

Maybe NCE might consider sending you a replacement touchpad to swap out, if you ask them?  Worth a try and it's a very easy swap...

Tom

[Nickel Plate Road]

Well, my NCE trottle isn't responding most of the time. Took it apart, cleaned touch pads and wiped down curcuit board and still no joy. Customer service at NCE is, well lets just say spotty. Nce say 4 to 5 weeks before they can look at the trottle.

So do I just buy a new NCE trottle or chuck the whole system and buy a new DCC system like digitrax, Bachman or some other system. Any recommendations?

THX