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<p>[quote user="BMMECNYC"]</p> <p> </p> <div class="quote-header"> </div> <blockquote class="quote"> <div class="quote-user">richhotrain</div> <div class="quote-content"> <p> </p> <div class="quote-header"> </div> <blockquote class="quote"> <div class="quote-user">Paul3</div> <div class="quote-content"> <p>Brakie,<br />The NCE PowerCab is nice, but it's not a "step above" the Zephyr Xtra.</p> <p>Sure, the PowerCab is "walkaround", but it isn't really.  As soon as you unplug the PowerCab to move to another socket, all the trains stop because the throttle <span style="text-decoration:underline;">is</span> the command station.  To keep the trains running while unplugged, you need to buy the SB5 SmartBooster for another $220.</p> <p>The PowerCab is limited to 2 amps continous, 3 amps peak load.  The Zephyr Xtra is 3 amps continuous, 3.5amp peak.</p> <p>The PowerCab can only have a maximum of 4 throttles.  The Zephyr Xtra can have up to 20.  <br /><br />To go wireless throttle control with the PowerCab requires the SmartBooster SB5 ($220), RB02 radio ($160), and either then Procab-R ($250) or Cab06r ($190) for a total of either $570 or $630.<br /><br />For wireless throttle control with the Zephyr Xtra, it requires the UR92 radio ($160) and either the UT4D ($135) or DT500D ($254) throttle for a total of either $295 or $414.<br /><br />In many ways, the Zephyr Xtra is more advanced than the PowerCab.  What it isn't is portable like the PowerCab.  However, the upgrade path is significantly less money with Digitrax due to that portable nature of the PowerCab.<br /><br /></p> </div> </blockquote> <div class="quote-footer"> </div> <p> </p> <p>Great comparative review, Paul.  <img style="display:inline;" alt="Yes" /></p> <p> </p> <p>Rich</p> <div style="clear:both;"> </div> <p> </p> </div> </blockquote> <div class="quote-footer"> </div> <p> </p> <p>Except for total price for walkaround capability.   Because it inaccurately states that you MUST buy a SB5 for walk around capability.  This is not true. </p> <p><a href="https://ncedcc.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/articles/201621389-Step-2-Option-B-Wireless-operation">https://ncedcc.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/articles/201621389-Step-2-Option-B-Wireless-operation</a></p> <p>So the actual number is $350-410.  </p> <p>If you want to just make the PowerCab wireless, then you need the SB5, but do not need additional radio throttles.  So the price is then 220+160=$380+shipping the powercab back to NCE for the upgrade to radio (not sure what that costs).  </p> <p>And if you want to get really technical:</p> <p>NCE USB ($50) (or Digitrax equivalent) + JMRI (free)  + wireless network likely alread installed in your house + android or iphone that you probably already have + wifi throttle app.</p> <div style="clear:both;"> </div> <p>[/quote]</p> <p>That all being said, I am buying the TCS LCC command station when they release it.</p>
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