NCE Power Cab OR Digitrax Zephyr?

[Driline]

Ok, I've decided to take the leap to DCC while constructing my new 11X7 shelf layout. But my quandry is which starter DCC system to go with. Does anyone have any pro's or cons' between these two systems?

1) NCE Power Cab price $139.95  extra throttle CAB-04P $71.95

2) Digitrax Zephyr DCS50 $159.95 extra throttle UT4  $64.95

 

The only thing that bothers me is that the NCE uses pushbuttons on the main powercab instead of a rotary dial. Has anyone had a problem converting from the old reohstat dial to this? I like the fact though that it is tethered and I can move around as opposed to the Digitrax system which is not.

Thanks.....

[ereimer]

find a store that sells both , ask if they can do a demo of both systems . give them the option of doing the demo a wssk from now as they may not have both systems set up . ask to see how a loco is aquired by the throttle , and how to do a multi loco consist . actually run a train for a minute or two if you can . . decide which would be easier for you to learn or which feels better to you and then buy that unit right there and then . they did you a big favor by demoing the units , it would be rude to save $10 buying off the internet after taking theit time

alternately , see if any local clubs run either system and see if you can get a demo . in this case buy the unit wherever you like

[Anonymous]

Ok, I've decided to take the leap to DCC while constructing my new 11X7 shelf layout. But my quandry is which starter DCC system to go with. Does anyone have any pro's or cons' between these two systems?

1) NCE Power Cab price $139.95  extra throttle CAB-04P $71.95

2) Digitrax Zephyr DCS50 $159.95 extra throttle UT4  $64.95

 

The only thing that bothers me is that the NCE uses pushbuttons on the main powercab instead of a rotary dial. Has anyone had a problem converting from the old reohstat dial to this? I like the fact though that it is tethered and I can move around as opposed to the Digitrax system which is not.

Thanks.....

I belive the UT4 comes IR eqiupped and you can upgrade to radio if you wish. Both IR and radio wireless systems work fine, but IR is a line-of-sight system, so you point your throttle at the reciever for it to work. Its just like a TV remote. Radio is more expensive but it can go through/around scenery and I belive has a longer range.

Basically you will be happy with either system, so find people in your area with DCC and buy what they've got. An expert on your system that you can go and talk to is invaluable if you run into any trouble.

[Stevert]

If it were my money, I'd get the Zephyr because:

1) You can easily build small hand-helds to use with the Zephyr's jump ports.

2) If you do get the UT4, it already has IR built in.  Another $34.95 for a UR90 and you're wireless.

3) If you ever expand, the Zephyr can still be used as a 2.5 amp booster.  On the other hand, the Power Cab just becomes another throttle.

4) The LocoNet is more robust than NCE's polled buss system.  In addition, if you ever add a computer to the equation, ALL the LocoNet traffic is available for use.  The same isn't true for NCE's buss traffic.

5) Don't fool yourself too much about the "tethered" part.  You can't unplug the Power Cab, move to a new spot on the layout, and plug back in.  Unplugging will shut the whole system down, which in my opinion is a MAJOR flaw.

Steve    

[tstage]

Driline,

The bottom line is that both systems have their pros and cons, and you can argue either way about their features.  Personally, I like (and have) the NCE Power Cab because the button arrangement on the throttle is more intuitive to me.

Steve is right.  You can NOT disconnect the Power Cab from the power panel without shutting down the entire system.  However, I believe the same would be true for disconnecting the command station of the Zephyr.  The 7' tethered cable that comes with the Power Cab works great for me.  It's long enough to cover three sides of my 4 x 8' layout.

Driline, here's a link to a couple of reviews that I wrote on the NCE Power Cab and CAB-04p extra throttle back in February:

http://www.trains.com/trccs/forums/1/740731/ShowPost.aspx#740731
Power Cab

http://www.trains.com/trccs/forums/1/751487/ShowPost.aspx#751487
CAB-04p throttle

It contains pictures and comments of my initial thoughts and impressions of the Power Cab, questions and inquiries from forum members, answers to those questions, and issues and some resolutions to using the Power Cab.  I think it's a pretty honest assessment of the NCE system at first glance.

Really, the best way to decide between the two is to actually use BOTH systems and determine which one is the best fit for you and your needs.  Hope that's a help...

Tom

[simon1966]

You have had most of the pros and cons listed.  Both are great systems made by reputabale manufacturers.  I am a Digitrax man myself having started with a Zephyr and grown it to include IR wireless, UT4 and DT400 throttles, DB150 booster and PC interface and control.  The Zephyr is still my command station and booster for my yard.  Do what has been suggested and see if you can try them out.  Get which feels best in your hands.  You can't really go wrong with either.

[ARTHILL]

Both seem to work well. I went with Digitrax because that is what is popular around here.

 

My opinion, start with radio, the IR only half works and once you walk around with your trains like you were in the cab, you can never go back.

 

The UT4R is a great throttle. The one with two knobs and radio allows you to walk around with two trains at once, that is really fun.

[Driline]

Driline,

The bottom line is that both systems have their pros and cons, and you can argue either way about their features.  Personally, I like (and have) the NCE Power Cab because the button arrangement on the throttle is more intuitive to me.

Steve is right.  You can NOT disconnect the Power Cab from the power panel without shutting down the entire system.  However, I believe the same would be true for disconnecting the command station of the Zephyr.  The 7' tethered cable that comes with the Power Cab works great for me.  It's long enough to cover three sides of my 4 x 8' layout.

Driline, here's a link to a couple of reviews that I wrote on the NCE Power Cab and CAB-04p extra throttle back in February:

http://www.trains.com/trccs/forums/1/740731/ShowPost.aspx#740731
Power Cab

http://www.trains.com/trccs/forums/1/751487/ShowPost.aspx#751487
CAB-04p throttle

It contains pictures and comments of my initial thoughts and impressions of the Power Cab, questions and inquiries from forum members, answers to those questions, and issues and some resolutions to using the Power Cab.  I think it's a pretty honest assessment of the NCE system at first glance.

Really, the best way to decide between the two is to actually use BOTH systems and determine which one is the best fit for you and your needs.  Hope that's a help...

Tom

Ok I read your review and you've convinced me. NCE it is!
Besides they make quite a few decoders as well. Yea I know they work for digitrax too.

[Anonymous]

Hey! glad you made a descision. Most people go back and forth for a long time, which can be good, but these two systems are very comperable and you cant really go wrong with either.

As far as decoders get whatever you need. If you are looking for drop ins NCE and Digitrax make a lot of those. But if you cant find what you want TCS makes a few too. If I'm just looking for a generic decoder for any engine I ususally go the TCS route, but thats just me.

Welcome to DCC!

[Anonymous]

Good onyer Driline,

I just bought an NCE Power Cab too, but:

1. I was no where near as analytical as you were, and
2. I paid the equivalent of US$183 (excluding tax).

On #1, I envy your thoroughness.  Apart from that Digitrax does not seem to be very active in our market, so NCE is out in front.

On #2, that is the cost of bringing it across the Pacific and paying duty to get it into the shop in Australia.  I could buy it "cheap" on-line, but then:

1. By the time I pay freight it would be a close call on price.
2. If I was lumbered with duty - chipping away at the "cheap" price.
3. It would not have an Australian warranty - if it broke down send it back to the States?
4. The guy who imports and stock NCE would go broke and close down.  He also stocks other cool stuff like Loksound, so would be a shame to lose him.

Hope it works well.  I have not had a chance to try it yet.  BTW, the guy I bought it from can't get enough.  They are selling like hot cakes in Oz.

[Anonymous]

...You can NOT disconnect the Power Cab from the power panel without shutting down the entire system.  However, I believe the same would be true for disconnecting the command station of the Zephyr.  ...

Words temporarily fail me.





The Zephyr is a command station/booster all in one. To unplug it from the layout is to remove <everything> from the layout.

[tstage]

...You can NOT disconnect the Power Cab from the power panel without shutting down the entire system.  However, I believe the same would be true for disconnecting the command station of the Zephyr.  ...

Words temporarily fail me.





The Zephyr is a command station/booster all in one. To unplug it from the layout is to remove <everything> from the layout.

Jsmaye,

Much like the Zephyr, the Power Cab is a command station/booster/throttle rolled up into one.  My comment was not meant to be a "Well, duh! statement but a response to the following point made by Steve in his post above:

5) Don't fool yourself too much about the "tethered" part.  You can't unplug the Power Cab, move to a new spot on the layout, and plug back in.  Unplugging will shut the whole system down, which in my opinion is a MAJOR flaw.

Steve    

I believe I understand the point Steve is trying to make.  He wants to be sure that folks understand that the Power Cab is not a "true" walk-a-round system - i.e. where you can plug and unplug the throttle as you follow the train around your layout.  Yes, the Power Cab is a "tethered" DCC system.  Yes, you can NOT unplug the it from the power panel without shutting down everything.  However, I would have to respectfully disagree with calling that a "MAJOR flaw".

Albeit "tethered", the Power Cab does come with a 7' cable to enable you to move around your layout if you want.  You don't have to stay in one particular location, as you would with the stationary console of the Zephyr.  If the Power Cab only came with, say - 2' of cable, I would then have to agree wholeheartedly with Steve's point.  (Why would I want a tethered DCC system if I can't even move much from the spot where I have it plugged in?)  Like the Zephyr, ideally you would use a separate extra throttle with the Power Cab to follow your locomotive around your layout.

The Zephyr and Power Cab are both good systems.  They both have their pros and cons.  The fun is discovering what which system is right for you.

Tom

[canazar]

I also have the NCE  Power Cab system and have not thought twice about it.  I do love it.  

I have a fairly large layout based in a garage.  Over all is 15x19 feet with a  walk around U shape isles.   I foudn myself in a bad spot with the tethered cord but I adapted a trick I did with my old Prodigy system....  I just found longer cords.   I got 2, 20 foot long (one for the Power cab and one for the extra throttle) cords that have the same plugs and bam, I have 20 feet of walking length.  Plenty of cord to reach everywhere.  Maybe hit up a comptuer store or search a Radio Shack to see if you can find the cords.   I admit, I got lucky and a freind made mine for me.

[spidge]

NCE will be releasing the Smart booster soon an if read correctly you will be able to unplug the Powercab and move it to another panel as long as the Smart booster is powered up. I have been looking foreward to this as the seven foot cord although great for a yard or town is not long enough for me.

If you think power is an issue I have run as many as five train at once on my N-scale layout with the powercab and one additional throttle. Three single engine and two double headed on 2.5% grades. I know I am close to the Powercabs limit but the Smart booster will give me plenty, which by the way, should be available in about two weeks according to Larry at NCE.

[tstage]

I know I am close to the Powercabs limit but the Smart booster will give me plenty, which by the way, should be available in about two weeks according to Larry at NCE.

Thanks for the update, John.

Tom

[jwils1]

The only thing that bothers me is that the NCE uses pushbuttons on the main powercab instead of a rotary dial. Has anyone had a problem converting from the old reohstat dial to this?

I too thought I would miss the knob control.  But I've come to much prefer the push buttons on my Lenz hand held.  It seems more realistic and I can control them them with one hand.  I also think a cordless throttle, whether it be radio or a cordless phone like I use is much preferred over a tether.  Although this would depend on your particular layout.

No doubt NCE is a very fine system.  I was wondering what cordless options do you have with NCE?

Jerry

[spidge]

I have an additional cab for my Powercab with the knob and I don't like it as much as the push buttun. In fact the wheel on the Powercab itself feels better but is not used much. The kids like the knob, so I leave it for them.

[tstage]

I like the encoder buttons over the potentiometer.  However, if it were a stereo receiver - give me the knob.

Tom

[Driline]

I also have the NCE  Power Cab system and have not thought twice about it.  I do love it.  

I have a fairly large layout based in a garage.  Over all is 15x19 feet with a  walk around U shape isles.   I foudn myself in a bad spot with the tethered cord but I adapted a trick I did with my old Prodigy system....  I just found longer cords.   I got 2, 20 foot long (one for the Power cab and one for the extra throttle) cords that have the same plugs and bam, I have 20 feet of walking length.  Plenty of cord to reach everywhere.  Maybe hit up a comptuer store or search a Radio Shack to see if you can find the cords.   I admit, I got lucky and a freind made mine for me.

Hey thanks for the info. BTW are you using any sound in your locomotives? I'm planning on dropping in a few DSD-100LC all in one decoder and sound to see how they work. Have you had any problems using sound? Any suggestions? I think I'll need to plant the speaker in the cab. There's no way I'm going to dremel out a spot in the weights.

[canazar]

Hey thanks for the info. BTW are you using any sound in your locomotives? I'm planning on dropping in a few DSD-100LC all in one decoder and sound to see how they work. Have you had any problems using sound? Any suggestions? I think I'll need to plant the speaker in the cab. There's no way I'm going to dremel out a spot in the weights.

 

Yup.   And it works fine.  I have 5 QSI equipped engines, 3 steamers and 2 diesels.   So far, all is good.   As far as I know, I havent had any power problems yet.   I am not running a booster either.

[Driline]

Hey thanks for the info. BTW are you using any sound in your locomotives? I'm planning on dropping in a few DSD-100LC all in one decoder and sound to see how they work. Have you had any problems using sound? Any suggestions? I think I'll need to plant the speaker in the cab. There's no way I'm going to dremel out a spot in the weights.

 

Yup.   And it works fine.  I have 5 QSI equipped engines, 3 steamers and 2 diesels.   So far, all is good.   As far as I know, I havent had any power problems yet.   I am not running a booster either.

Good. I'm heading over to Tony's Train Exchange now and am going to order the NCE power cab, along with a DSD-100LC #820041 sound decoder for my BN Atlas GP-40.(and a 3/4" speaker). I'll buy more decoders at my LHS. DCC....Here I come!

Hey post a pic of your layout, lets see what you've got so far. Here's mine...its not updated, but close. I have not begun wiring yet as I was waffeling between DC and DCC.

[scottychaos]

NCE will be releasing the Smart booster soon an if read correctly you will be able to unplug the Powercab and move it to another panel as long as the Smart booster is powered up.

Its now 2 years later..

has anyone confirmed if the NCE Smart Booster will in fact allow the Powercab to be disconnected and moved *without* stopping the train?

I just checked the NCE webpage, but I cant find anything about that..

thanks,

Scot 

 

[Vernon/IN]

Its now 2 years later..

has anyone confirmed if the NCE Smart Booster will in fact allow the Powercab to be disconnected and moved *without* stopping the train?

I just checked the NCE webpage, but I cant find anything about that..

thanks,

Scot 

 

 

I just went to the NCE web site and had a look at the online manual for the Smart Booster, the following quote was taken directly from the first page.

 

"When using a Power Cab with the SB3, the Power Cab can now be
unplugged and used in true walk around fashion. It no longer needs to
remain connected for the system to work."

 

It looks like the Powercab can be unplugged and moved during operation if the Smart Booster is part of the system.

 

I hope this helps.

 

Vernon

[scottychaos]

I just went to the NCE web site and had a look at the online manual for the Smart Booster, the following quote was taken directly from the first page.

"When using a Power Cab with the SB3, the Power Cab can now be
unplugged and used in true walk around fashion. It no longer needs to
remain connected for the system to work."

It looks like the Powercab can be unplugged and moved during operation if the Smart Booster is part of the system.

I hope this helps.

Vernon

 

 

excellent! :)

thanks!

Scot

 

 

[tstage]

NCE will be releasing the Smart booster soon an if read correctly you will be able to unplug the Powercab and move it to another panel as long as the Smart booster is powered up.

Its now 2 years later..

has anyone confirmed if the NCE Smart Booster will in fact allow the Powercab to be disconnected and moved *without* stopping the train?

I just checked the NCE webpage, but I cant find anything about that..

thanks,

Scot

Simple answer: Yes.  You can plug and unplug your Power Cab without shutting down the layout.

Scot, if you'd like to read a review on the Smart Booster (SB3), go to my web site link at the bottom of this post and click on "Reviews" on the left side of the screen.  The review for the SB3 will be near the bottom of the page.

Hope that helps...

Tom

[jrbernier]

Tom,

  I have a some questions about the Power Cab and SB3.

• You mention that once the SB3 is added, one still needs the PCP is still required for 'Programming Track' operation.  Is the PCP just wired to the 'Programming Track' and not wired to the cab bus?
• For programming, I will need to swap cables(use the 'thick' cable on the left port of the PCP)?
• Any address changes need to be done on the Power Cab?
• If one adds the USB port, that can can be added to the SB3 cab bus.  But if I want to program on the program track, I have to move it to the PCP's cab bus?

  I am a little confused here......

Jim

 

[tstage]

Tom,

  I have a some questions about the Power Cab and SB3.

• You mention that once the SB3 is added, one still needs the PCP is still required for 'Programming Track' operation.  Is the PCP just wired to the 'Programming Track' and not wired to the cab bus?
• For programming, I will need to swap cables(use the 'thick' cable on the left port of the PCP)?
• Any address changes need to be done on the Power Cab?
• If one adds the USB port, that can can be added to the SB3 cab bus.  But if I want to program on the program track, I have to move it to the PCP's cab bus?

  I am a little confused here......

Jim

Jim,

Sorry for taking so long to answer your questions.  I just discovered your inquiry while poking around My Forums:

You mention that once the SB3 is added, one still needs the PCP is still required for 'Programming Track' operation.  Is the PCP just wired to the 'Programming Track' and not wired to the cab bus?

Yes.  You will only wire the PCP panel to the programming track.  If the PCP panel is tied into the SB3, the SB3 software will override it and you lose access to the programming track mode on your Power Cab.

Any address changes need to be done on the Power Cab?

Yes.  I think it's always wise to change addresses on the programming track vs. using Programming on Main (POM)

If one adds the USB port, that can can be added to the SB3 cab bus.  But if I want to program on the program track, I have to move it to the PCP's cab bus?

That I'm not sure about because I haven't ordered the USB port yet.  My guess is that the answer is yes.  However, I'd ask the guys at NCE that question - just to be sure.

Jim, perhaps you could wire the USB port with a DPDT(?) switch in order to use it with either the PCP panel or the SB3?  Again, another question for the experts at NCE.

Tom

[ChrisNH]

Putting aside the Digitrax vs NCE issue (both are excellent) I would not want to do without walk around cab, even for a small shelf layout. I like being where the train is.

The NCE powercab is walk around out of the box. If you do decide to go with the Zephyr, I would factor in the cost of at least a small hand-held walk-around throttle. The UT4, for instance, is around $60 street.

If you can, try the feel of the NCE throttle. Its a fairly big throttle and the wheel has a different feel then a digitrax ballistic throttle knob. You may find you favor one over the other.. much like the difference in feel between a Nikon and Canon which is entirely personal and has nothing to do with which is "better".

Chris

[BriansGrandy]

I faced the same dilemma a couple of years ago when I decided to take the leap into DCC.  I did the usual research but what it finally came down to was a discussion I had with my LHS.  I asked which one they sold more and their answer was Digitrax, 4 to 1.  They had customers that initially went with DCE but switched to Digitrax when they wanted to expand.  A discussion with your LHS in which you discuss how you plan to operate your layout would be beneficial.  A Zephyr should easily handle 4-5 non-sound equipped locos or 2-3 sound equipped, all running simultaneously.  My LHS knew how I operated and flatly said that the NCE would not handle it.

 

[rrinker]

BriansGrandy

I faced the same dilemma a couple of years ago when I decided to take the leap into DCC.  I did the usual research but what it finally came down to was a discussion I had with my LHS.  I asked which one they sold more and their answer was Digitrax, 4 to 1.  They had customers that initially went with DCE but switched to Digitrax when they wanted to expand.  A discussion with your LHS in which you discuss how you plan to operate your layout would be beneficial.  A Zephyr should easily handle 4-5 non-sound equipped locos or 2-3 sound equipped, all running simultaneously.  My LHS knew how I operated and flatly said that the NCE would not handle it.

 

 Actually, the Zephyr could handle all that AT THE SAME TIME. At least, mine did. 8 was the most I could keep from crashign into one another, my layout was only 8x12. I had 3 sound plus 5 non-sound locos running at the same time. They were all newer locos, P2K and the like, no old Blue Box Athearns - one was my Stewart DS4-4-100 which when measured on DC drew 0.025 amp STALLED. Yes, 25ma. But notice in the MR reviews, even the sound-equipped locos don't draw all that much stalled - running even less. A lot of people go in for the overkill "OMG, I'm going to have 3 trains running on my layout, better get that 10 amp booster" Maybe if you're in O scale or larger.

                     --Randy