trying to establish these two on a workbench so everthing electrically works before laying track. have a Dell computer with windows 11 (why can't microsoft stay with xp that was easy and never crashed?). Hook up the NCE system and can run an engine back and forth. Sound doesn't come on until I run the thumbwheel up a little Is that normal? download Java 11 then jmri. decoder pro opens I change various settings and nothing on the engine changes. jmri screen say's it does but engine volume and everything else stays the same. Decide maybe i need the engine on a programming track so I hooked up the wires to the programing plug on the NCE front panel, after removing the original track wires and have no power to the track when the wires from the plug are attached. check with voltmeter no voltage. open to suggestions
Hello All,
I'm having difficulty trying to understand what you exactly want to achieve...
There are several things to consider:
Connecting your PC; via JMRI Decoder Pro, to the NCE command station/booster requires a USB to Serial cable (#5240320).
This will then allow your PC to communicate with the NCE command station/booster using JMRI DecoderPro/PanelPro.
Hope this helps.
"Uhh...I didn’t know it was 'impossible' I just made it work...sorry"
NCE says power pro does not use the USB card ot uses the rs232 port with a USB to rs232 cable. Currently all I have is a pice of flex track that works with track leads but doesn't with leads from the programming connector on the right side. Yes to all your questions.
You are using the "program track" selection on the PowerCab menu, correct?
Do you have your Power Pro System Reference Manual?
Much of this is outlined in the manual.
ndbprrNCE says power pro does not use the USB card ot uses the rs232 port with a USB to rs232 cable.
I'm not sure what USB card NCE is referring to.
On the Power Pro PH-Box there is only a 9-pin serial port- -apparently, NCE is considering adding a USB port sometime in the future.
To connect your PC (Not a Mac) you need a serial to USB-A cable (6-foot USB to Serial Cable for Power Pro Powerhouse CS02).
If the CS02 cable is not long enough to reach from your PH-Box to your PC you can use a USB-A (Male) to USB-A (Female) extension cable.
Then you can use JMRI DecoderPro/Panel Pro from your PC to program and run your trains through the NCE system.
As far as setting up a built-in programming track to your pike...
Most programming devices- -including the PH-Box- -the voltage is set well below the normal track voltage of 14v.
The reasoning is that if the decoder installation is miswired the lower voltage won't fry the decoder- -in theory!
As I've previously posted when the PH-Box is in the "Running" mode the only power being put out is from the Track Power.
When in the "Programming" mode, it sends a low-power signal from the Programming outputs.
That is why if you want to drive your locomotive(s) onto the programming track section of your pike you need either a...
jjdamnitDual Pole Dual-Throw (DP-DT)toggle switch; Pg. 78-79 Power Pro System Manual, to switch between track power and programming.
This section of track needs to have both rails isolated or "gapped."
With the toggle switch thrown to "Track" power you drive the locomotive(s) onto the isolated setion of track.
Throw the switch to "Programming" and, put the cab (throttle) into "Programming" mode.
Or use, an NCE Auto-SW.
It is a small electronic device that detects programming packets and only sends them to the isolated section of "programming" track.
With this unit, you can drive your locomotive(s) onto the isolated section of track.
Put the throttle in "Programming" mode, and this device acts like an automatic DP-DT switch.
If you want to use JMRI DecoderPro to power a built-in programming track you will still need an interface like a Digitrax PR4, a DP-DT toggle switch and an isolated section of track.
I dont do DCC, I usually read along just to kinda keep up with things but.... you mean to tell me DCC comes with 80 plus pages of setup? (the manual mentioned above)
PMR
PM Railfan...you mean to tell me DCC comes with 80 plus pages of setup? (the manual mentioned above)
Yes, from cover to cover it's 89 pages.
The two pages I referenced are a schematic of how to set up a large DCC system with multiple controllers, boosters, wireless control, block circuit breaker protection, and a built-in programming track.
Just two (2) pages out of 89!
Much of the other contents of the manual are:
The actual "Quick Set Up Guide" is about seven (7) pages; four of which are schematics.
The Digitrax Big Book Of DCC is 175 pages. This book deals with everything from the makeup of the actual signal packets to basic programming, detection and signaling.
Now go to your car and pull out the User Manual(s).
Despite what auto manufacturers recommend not too many folks read their car's manuals from cover to cover.
But being able to look up "What A Blinking Airbag Light Indicates" is in there- -somewhere- -when you need that info.
DCC can be as simple or complex as you want it to be, but in my experience, it is far superior to "Running the tracks" in DC.