Lillen wrote:Tom, Thank you for answering my questions.It was pretty much as I thought. I will probably get the set first and then expand on it with the CAB-04pR later. The same with the boosters that I will need. I'm still waiting for the Swedish company to see if they can get these things for me. I hope you don't think my questions are stupid. I just rather ask twice now and look a foll then order these things for quite a lot of cash and finding out that I am a fool!
Tom, Thank you for answering my questions.
It was pretty much as I thought. I will probably get the set first and then expand on it with the CAB-04pR later. The same with the boosters that I will need. I'm still waiting for the Swedish company to see if they can get these things for me.
I hope you don't think my questions are stupid. I just rather ask twice now and look a foll then order these things for quite a lot of cash and finding out that I am a fool!
Magnus,
Not at all. It's always good to ask questions so you have a better understanding and knowledge of something before you dive into it.
The ultimate thing for I guess would be to have a a Pro Cab that I had a wire to save the cash on that and then a wireless CAB-04pR for operations since that is the one I would like to be using. Is it possible to just buy the not cordless set and upgrade it to radio control? Or is that just stupid costing me more then getting the normal radio set at once?
It think it's a matter of what you can afford to do. If you're ultimate goal is to go wireless, can you afford to buy the wireless now? If so, get the wireless.
According to the FDT web site, the regular NCE Powerhouse Pro 5-amp system will run you roughly $132 less for the Pro Cab throttle and command station than buying the NCE Powerhouse Pro Radio Control 5-amp system, which has a modified Pro Cab throttle and the additional RB02 radio base station. However, if you decide to "upgrade" from the PH Pro to a PH Pro-R, it's going to cost you substantually more to do it this way.
Say, you bought the regular PH Pro system and wanted to upgrade to radio, you would need (at a minumum) the RB02 radio base station (~$160 MSRP US) and you'd still have no radio throttle. Your choice would be to either:
What do you use to make a wired system wireless? Is it this: http://www.walthers.com/exec/productinfo/524-24 Magnus
http://www.walthers.com/exec/productinfo/524-24
Magnus
At a minimum: a RB02 radio base station and a radio-installed throttle, like those mentioned above. If you layout is more substantial in size, you may need an additional repeater(s) so that command signals aren't dropped.
Magnus, the guy to really talk to about this is Joe Fugate. He had the CVP Easy DCC wireless system on his Siskyou layout for years and it worked well for him. However, within the past year, Joe has convert his layout over to NCE wireless.
Joe said he initally had some communication problems with the NCE wireless in his first OPs sesssion. I believe those problem have pretty much been resolved - either by Joe or by NCE improvements.
Hope that helps...
Tom
https://tstage9.wixsite.com/nyc-modeling
Time...It marches on...without ever turning around to see if anyone is even keeping in step.
What do you use to make a wired system wireless? Is it this:
Lillen wrote: tstage wrote: Magnus, Both kind of controls? I'm not sure what you're asking there.Tom I'm sorry. I meant the control that comes in the starter sets like this:http://029ebf1.netsolstores.com/powerhouseproradiocontrol5amp.aspx
tstage wrote: Magnus, Both kind of controls? I'm not sure what you're asking there.Tom
Both kind of controls? I'm not sure what you're asking there.
I'm sorry. I meant the control that comes in the starter sets like this:
http://029ebf1.netsolstores.com/powerhouseproradiocontrol5amp.aspx
The Pro Cab-R throttle is the only throttle you'll need to run your layout. If you want an extra throttle, the CAB-04pR will work fine for you. You can also use tethered throttles with your radio setup, too. (They just have to be plugged in a UTP panel.) You aren't forced to use radio-only throttles with the NCE radio DCC system.
Are all the components available separately? I would assume so. But my guess is that a "set" is cheaper.
Yes to both questions. You can buy the components separately but they will be cheaper in a set. The extra throttles you do have to purchase separately.
But can you do everything with the simpler CAB-04pR? My guess is that you need the more advanced control to program with.Magnus
You can use the simpler CAB-04pR to operate your layout but you'll still need the Pro Cab throttle for programming purposes. From what I've been able to tell, the CAB-04pR throttle has just the first two rows of buttons that the -04p throttle has. Therefore, there are no number buttons to push.
But can you do everything with the simpler CAB-04pR? My guess is that you need the more advanced control to program with.
gandydancer19 wrote:...I have NCE at home ... if you want to turn the lights on, you push the button labled headlight. If you have sound and want to ring the bell, you push the button labled Bell. If you want to program a loco, you push the button labled Program...
tstage wrote: Lillen wrote:That seem great. Thanks to all of you helping out. But I do have one more questions. Is this available wireless?Magnus,Yes, it's called the CAB-04pR. Tom
Lillen wrote:That seem great. Thanks to all of you helping out. But I do have one more questions. Is this available wireless?
Yes, it's called the CAB-04pR.
Thanks once more. I found it Walthers! Well there is another point to NCE. I can get that later as well since I have no need to rush and buy that. Because I assume that you need both kind of controls?
tstage wrote: Magnus,If a knob (or potentiometer) is preferable, NCE does make the CAB-04p[otentiomter] throttle:Click picture to enlargeI once saw a picture of a Power Cab/Pro Cab throttle that an NCE user modified slightly to incorporate a potentiometer. Pretty slick idea. Sorry I don't have a picture of it for you though.Quick question for the Digitrax users: Do all Digitrax throttles have a "knob" of some kind? Tom
If a knob (or potentiometer) is preferable, NCE does make the CAB-04p[otentiomter] throttle:
Click picture to enlarge
I once saw a picture of a Power Cab/Pro Cab throttle that an NCE user modified slightly to incorporate a potentiometer. Pretty slick idea. Sorry I don't have a picture of it for you though.
Quick question for the Digitrax users: Do all Digitrax throttles have a "knob" of some kind?
That seem great. Thanks to all of you helping out. But I do have one more questions. Is this available wireless?
About visiting somewhere around or checking the LHS. I do not know of anyone around here that have either Digitrax or NEC. Wireless is not that common in Sweden I think. I do not know anyone who have it. My LHS would be in Stockholm and that is 300 miles away so I'm pretty much stuck with what info you guys can provide.
I like the fact that NCE seems to be easy to get into. I'm not interested in looking in manuals for two weeks.
Thanks, Bertil and Fritz! That's good info to know.
Even though I am an NCE user, I did try out a Digitrax DT300 throttle recently at an open house and found that the dual speed knobs were very handy and convenient to use. Still not enough to make me want to switch though.
tstage wrote: Quick question for the Digitrax users: Do all Digitrax throttles have a "knob" of some kind? Tom
Yes. There are two sizes of knobs- the large knob on the Utility throttles (UT1, UT2 and UT4-series) and the smaller knobs on the DT-series throttles (DT100x, DT200, DT300x, DT400x) and the BT1 "Buddy Throttle". For those who find the smaller knobs on the DT-series throttles too small to use comfortably, it is possible to replace the knobs with larger ones.
The knobs on the Utility throttles are connected to potentiometers, while knobs on the DT-series and BT1 throttles are connected to digital encoders. The DT-series throttles also have pushbuttons on the keypad which can be used to change speed.
-Fritz Milhaupt, Publications Editor, Pere Marquette Historical Society, Inc.http://www.pmhistsoc.org
tstage wrote:Quick question for the Digitrax users: Do all Digitrax throttles have a "knob" of some kind? Tom
Yes, at least the current ones, DT400 and UT4.
Lillen wrote: Thanks for explaining guys.It's not the best solution if I had the choice between that and a "normal" knob. Magnus
Thanks for explaining guys.
It's not the best solution if I had the choice between that and a "normal" knob.
If you're interested in NCE, you don't need to let thumbwheel on the ProCab deter you. NCE offers the Cab04, which is a smaller, "traditional-style" handheld throttle with a large knob, toggle switch and buttons (see http://www.ncedcc.com/nce2_015.htm). It is available with a potentiometer control (with a hard stop at 0 speed) or an encoder-style control (full 360+ degree rotation).
Most of the guys I know who use NCE don't use the ProCab for regular operation- they use it only to set up consists and program decoders, and instead use a Cab04p or Cab04pR to run their trains.
In my experience evaluating DCC systems for friends who want to convert their layouts, the ProCab has been polarizing, being either the biggest "plus" causing them to choose NCE, or the biggest "minus" causing them to choose against it, largely on the basis of size.
jktrains has summed up the NCE system better than I could have done. I have NCE at home and Digitrax at our club. The only thing I like about Digitrax is their LocoNet. Other than that I wouldn't have a Digitrax system if you paid me. I was able to use the NCE system without spending hardly any time at all with the manual. As an example, if you want to turn the lights on, you push the button labled headlight. If you have sound and want to ring the bell, you push the button labled Bell. If you want to program a loco, you push the button labled Program, and you get a menu on the display in Plain English. Really easy.
Since most of the comments I have seen here are for either NCE or Digitrax, you should try to find someone who has those systems in your area and arrange for a visit. Most modelers are willing to 'show off' their systems. A hobby Shop in your area may be able to help you find layouts that you can visit that are using each system.
By the way, the way the knob and speed buttons are set up on the controller, it's a one-handed operation. You will be carrying your paperwork, or uncoupling tool, or throwing turnouts with the other hand.
Elmer.
The above is my opinion, from an active and experienced Model Railroader in N scale and HO since 1961.
(Modeling Freelance, Eastern US, HO scale, in 1962, with NCE DCC for locomotive control and a stand alone LocoNet for block detection and signals.) http://waynes-trains.com/ at home, and N scale at the Club.
It's an encoder wheel in the middle of the throttle, between the two sets of gross and fine speed buttons. It has resistance to it but no physical stops. It's also "ballastic" in design - i.e. the quicker you rotate it; the faster the speed increases or decrease.
I've found that I actually prefer the speed buttons when operating. However, when using the Yard mode to switch out cars, the thumbwheel is very handy to use. It's nice having the option.
Lillen wrote: Bapou wrote: With NCE, the ProCabs have push button and thumbwheel control so choose what you want. (im guessing you would say thumbwheel) How does this work? Is it a small wheel at the right side of the control that I use with my thumb? I know it might seem like a really dumb question but I can not see it on the pictures that I've seen. Magnus
Bapou wrote: With NCE, the ProCabs have push button and thumbwheel control so choose what you want. (im guessing you would say thumbwheel)
OK,
I hinted to Anders Ö. last year that NCE could be interesting on the Swedish market. An yes they are a very good company to make business with.
With NCE, the ProCabs have push button and thumbwheel control so choose what you want. (im guessing you would say thumbwheel)
How does this work? Is it a small wheel at the right side of the control that I use with my thumb? I know it might seem like a really dumb question but I can not see it on the pictures that I've seen.
ami6 wrote:I think that of NCE and Digitrax, NCE is the easiest to use. Digitrax has a steeper learning curve, but I like it. Have you found a company importing NCE to Sweden ?
I'm checking with Nmodell as we speak. I hope to get an answer soon, he answers quickly usually.
Lillen wrote: fmilhaupt wrote: You can find details on this adapter at http://www.lenz.com/products/xpressnet/index.htmThe drawback to this is that you'd still need to locate a cordless phone that is comfortable to use as a throttle. And, of course, nobody makes a cordless phone with a speed control knob built in, if that's important to you. Thanks for the help. i was able to find a store in Sweden that carries them. Maybe it's worth considering. It is the "knob thing" that is the killer. I seems like a disturbing thing pushing buttons to control the speed. Magnus
fmilhaupt wrote: You can find details on this adapter at http://www.lenz.com/products/xpressnet/index.htmThe drawback to this is that you'd still need to locate a cordless phone that is comfortable to use as a throttle. And, of course, nobody makes a cordless phone with a speed control knob built in, if that's important to you.
You can find details on this adapter at http://www.lenz.com/products/xpressnet/index.htm
The drawback to this is that you'd still need to locate a cordless phone that is comfortable to use as a throttle. And, of course, nobody makes a cordless phone with a speed control knob built in, if that's important to you.
Thanks for the help. i was able to find a store in Sweden that carries them. Maybe it's worth considering. It is the "knob thing" that is the killer. I seems like a disturbing thing pushing buttons to control the speed.
ami6 wrote: Lillen wrote: Maybe the new one will be better but I prefer a system that is also common is the US so I can get help from over there to. Just look at BLIs stickys at their forum for the Blueline models, no Roco help! I tried to program my Blueline locos with my Lenz System It is much easier with Digitrax.
Lillen wrote: Maybe the new one will be better but I prefer a system that is also common is the US so I can get help from over there to. Just look at BLIs stickys at their forum for the Blueline models, no Roco help!
Maybe the new one will be better but I prefer a system that is also common is the US so I can get help from over there to. Just look at BLIs stickys at their forum for the Blueline models, no Roco help!
I tried to program my Blueline locos with my Lenz System It is much easier with Digitrax.
That is the impression I've been getting to. Lenz makes the Roco system if I'm not misinformed. Seeing that I want to be able to easily program the Blueline engines that kind of ruins the whole Lenz/Roco systems.
Right now I'm undecided between Digitrax and NCE. I think that NCE is in the lead right now for different reasons. But it's not a big lead. I have e-mailed a Swedish company to find out more about this and what they can get hold of. This is the kind of thing I do want to buy at home rather then abroad. Just one of the reason for that is the fact that I'm not a 100% sure of what power supply to get. Electronics is NOT my strong point. I just want it easy.
Lillen wrote:Maybe the new one will be better but I prefer a system that is also common is the US so I can get help from over there to. Just look at BLIs stickys at their forum for the Blueline models, no Roco help!
ami6 wrote: Magnus, I dont think using them is a "real" problem. I know of several Digitrax wireless systems in use in Sweden without a problem. But as it is illegal it can be hard to have it shipped to Sweden, you might have to make a business trip to the US and transport it yourself
I dont think using them is a "real" problem. I know of several Digitrax wireless systems in use in Sweden without a problem. But as it is illegal it can be hard to have it shipped to Sweden, you might have to make a business trip to the US and transport it yourself
Hi, Ive also been looking forward to the Digitrax system. The Roco system is not interesting for me. I do not like the one I got now. Maybe the new one will be better but I prefer a system that is also common is the US so I can get help from over there to. Just look at BLIs stickys at their forum for the Blueline models, no Roco help!
Nmodell do sell the Digitrax systems. It might be an issue importing these but I would be surprised if I couldn't get a hold of one from a website.
But I better check it up. So thanks for the heads up.
I have and love the Digitrax Chief.
http://www.johnshobbies.com/store/product_info.php?cPath=34_37&products_id=48
I have never used any of the others except at train shows, so I cannot compare them.
Dave
Lackawanna Route of the Phoebe Snow
Lillen wrote:What is this Lenz solution, I have not seen it. Anyone got a link?Magnus
What is this Lenz solution, I have not seen it. Anyone got a link?
Lenz offers the XPA ExpressNet Phone adapter to use cordless telephone handsets as pushbutton throttles. It's a pretty ingenious solution to the wireless control problem.