ryan,
The Power Cab is a very good starter system. I've had one for over 4 years now and have been very happy with it. FYI: It's actually a 1.7A system but I believe can operate at 2A peak.
The command station, booster, and throttle are rolled up into one. So, if you disconnect the Power Cab from your layout, it will shut down the layout. However, it comes with a 7' long cable that allows you some freedom to move around your layout, albeit tethered.
Some complain about the size of the throttle. It's never been an issue for me...but I have big hands. Other limitations are the 2-locomotive recall stack limit.
If you have the opportunity to try a Power Cab out, ryan, I would strongly encourage you to do that. That way you can actually see how well it fits in your hand and if the button layout is intuitive for you or not.
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 mean by 2-locomotive recall stack limit?
The recall stack is being able to toggle quickly between locomotives or trains. Toggling is faster than selecting and addressing loco numbers. FWIW My Power cab is over four years old and has run 5 sound and 6 non sound HO locos at the same time. For a small fleet it is plenty of power. The real plus is the programing ability. Mine reads and programs every decoder put on the rails so far.
Pete
I pray every day I break even, Cause I can really use the money!
I started with nothing and still have most of it left!
r.y.a.nWould this be a good starter set for dcc? i researched the bachman ez command and other cheap starter sets. They seemed to have limited options....not as many functions or programs. When i came across this set, i said wow. I researched NCE and seems to be a good company. I would like feedback from someone who has used this product or knows about it. Thank you
I personally use the 5 amp Pro Cab from NCE, but the 2 amp Power Cab is an excellent starter system. Go on the NCE-DCC forum on Yahoo and check out the comments about the Power Cab.
Rich
Alton Junction
I agree with Pete, my Powercab has been all I need. It reads and write CVs and powers as many trains as I can put on my layout. The layout is now 5' x 27', I have one additional throttle and ten locos all sound. I don't keep everything on the track at once but you could have a storage track and cut the power to that if you wanted to. I even use a laptop and Decoder Pro with it. I get all the fun for a small price.
Good Luck
Lee
r.y.a.n what do you mean by 2-locomotive recall stack limit?
This means that the handset can remember two individually selected locomotives, and you can toggle between them by using the "recall" button on the handset. If you select an additional locomotive, its address will overwrite one of the already selected locomotive addresses.
However, if you happen to use your handset on someone else's railroad where they have the larger capacity PowerPro system, the recall capability of your PowerCab handset will be the same as one of the PowerPro handsets (6, I believe).
For whatever it might be worth, I belong to a club that uses the ProCab system and has about 20 members. We ended up purchasing a PowerCab so that we could do programming without affecting mainline operations. Somewhere between 6 and 8 of the members have also purchased PowerCab systems for their home use, and I have not heard any complaints. A couple others of us use the PowerPro system, some like myself because the PowerCab was not available when we made the leap to DCC.
thank you
I started out with the power cab and then went to the pro. The nice thing is that the power cab can be used with the procab as an additional throttle. It can also be used on the side to program loco's. Also if I ever have a problem with the pro I can always swap out for the power cab while it's being repaired. Another neat feature is the yard function. When in that mode you can use the rotary throttle to go both forward and reverse without using the direction button. You'll love it.
Totally different league than the bachmann you were looking at.
Springfield PA
Modeling the Motor City
barrokAnother great thing about this set is that you can add a booster to up the overall amps. Chuck
Actually, a booster can be added to just about any DCC system. Many times it doesn't have to be made by the same manufacturer. There are even some DIY boosters.
Martin Myers
On Bachmann EZ whatever it is - any other late model DCC system will outclass it.
Firstly, I own a power cab and have recently(this month) researched or experienced the pros and cons of the unit itself and its optional components.
It is important to note that while any booster may work, it is important for the Power Cab users to purchase the NCE booster. Why? Simple, the SB3(the original 3amp version, ~60 dollars) will expand the woefully inadequate recall stack from two to four. Also, allows four cabs to be used at once. Additionally, the newer SB3a(now full 5amps!!!) will expand the stack to six, and allows for eight cabs(I think).
My understanding at this point is that the power cab does not need a programming booster to program QSI sounders on the programming track???
The NCE is a fine product from a great company.
Optional components - NCE has a switch eight for turnout control(tortouis), a killer minipanel for even more accessory/train control, short circuit protection devices, and a USB interface for using JMRI. All reasonably priced and available.
Now for the cons:
1). Power cab cannot remember the macros when shut down or short circuited. This is a real buzz killer. TO NCE - how could you do this to me. Why have it if I have to reprogram them each time I use it? This fact makes the macro button a non-feature as far as I am concerned.
2). My Power cab came with a defective thumbwheel. It is physically screwed up - binds up in one spot. Oh, and it does not function correctly either.
3). The number pad is odd. You will find yourself entering wrong numbers sometimes. Why? Because our brains are predisposed to entering phone numbers, calculator values, ect.., on a 3x3 number pad with a 0 at the bottom. Power cab's pad is different. You will have to look at it to enter numbers whereas if it were like a phone pad, you could enter correct numbers without hardly looking. Nit picking here, but maybe the CEO or somebody from NCE will read this and actually think about it.
4). To throw a switch, it requires four button presses. A real bummer, especially since the macros are not remembered.
Bottom line - prefer the NCE for a starter sys.
MLB
Tom Jones It is important to note that while any booster may work, it is important for the Power Cab users to purchase the NCE booster. Why? Simple, the SB3(the original 3amp version, ~60 dollars) will expand the woefully inadequate recall stack from two to four. Also, allows four cabs to be used at once. Additionally, the newer SB3a(now full 5amps!!!) will expand the stack to six, and allows for eight cabs(I think). MLB
A small correction here, the SB3a will allows for 4 cabs not 8.
Jack W.
Tom Jones...the SB3(the original 3amp version, ~60 dollars) will expand the woefully inadequate recall stack from two to four.
Another correction: The original Smart Booster (SB3) only had a recall stack of 2 - just like the Power Cab. What it did increase was the number of additional cabs you could use in conjunction with your Power Cab - i.e. from 1 to 3. The newly updated SB3a is the only version of the Smart Booster that increases the recall stack of the Power Cab - i.e. from 2 to 6.
I had trouble with the original SB3. Two of them burned up after a short circuit. I gave up and switched to the power pro. The SB3A probably fixed whatever was going on with the short detection.
Absolutely hands down yes in my o/p the best bang for your buck. What was appealing to me was that you have plenty of room to build with the NCE and for the average to mid sized model railroad virtually no limitations. I am not referring to these big 2000 plus square foot basement empires who run over 100 locomotives then you'll need to bump up to the power house pro. If your engine roster starts to grown and you find you want to run more trains at the same time simply upgrade to a larger power supply.
For me I couldn't ask for anything more but maybe some day down the road a wireless throttle.
Allegheny2-6-6-6...for the average to mid sized model railroad virtually no limitations. I am not referring to these big 2000 plus square foot basement empires who run over 100 locomotives then you'll need to bump up to the power house pro...
Allegheny2-6-6-6 If your engine roster starts to grown and you find you want to run more trains at the same time simply upgrade to a larger power supply.
Adding a larger power supply to a DCC system does not increase the power output and may actually damage the system. The only way to increase the power output of a Power Cab is to purchase a booster. Once you have the booster and its associated power supply, again replacing the power supply with a larger one will not increase the output of the booster.
Adding a booster is probably what you meant, but since adding a larger power supply can be harmful I thought it worth pointing out.
Simon Modelling CB&Q and Wabash See my slowly evolving layout on my picturetrail site http://www.picturetrail.com/simontrains and our videos at http://www.youtube.com/user/MrCrispybake?feature=mhum
With the Power Cab/SB3a the Macros work just fine. No memory loss on shut down. But, it should be noted that this system only allows 15 macros. If you need more then you might need the Power Pro with 256 Macros.
I run solo so 4 cabs is plenty for me. I only use the computer interface for programming and roster storage and don't use a Mini-panel so I could add 3 more operators should I ever want to.
So far I've experienced no defects with any of my NCE equipment and the radio is flawless. And, their tech support for my new user questions has been excellent.
Jerry
Rio Grande vs. Santa Fe.....the battle is over but the glory remains!
The PowerCab is an excellent DCC system, for starters...and more...My only complaint is that starts in 28 speed steps, and each time you may change to 128 steps. It take just 3 seconds, by I prefer that by default, it´ll starts in 128.
Harley-Davidson The PowerCab is an excellent DCC system, for starters...and more...My only complaint is that starts in 28 speed steps, and each time you may change to 128 steps. It take just 3 seconds, by I prefer that by default, it´ll starts in 128.
Another nice thing about the power cab is that if you upgrade to the pro version, the cab can be used as an extra throttle with full functionality. The cab can quickly become a backup in case of any problems, or be used to run a separate programming track. It's a well thought out system with a designed in upgrade path.
Hamltnblue It's a well thought out system with a designed in upgrade path.
tstageSome complain about the size of the throttle. It's never been an issue for me...but I have big hands. Other limitations are the 2-locomotive recall stack limit.
On the NCE Powerhouse Pro system you can have up to 6 slots in the loco recall area. I know its a configurable parameter though and it probably does come with only 2 slots set up. All that is needed to change it to 6 is to go into the 'Cab' programming section (programming button, press enter a few times until the 'Cab' setup option appears, and then roll through until you get to the loco recall parameter). I got a new PowerCab-style (wireless) throttle recently and had to set it up for that one-- so I know its there on the new ones.
I *presume* its there on the PowerCab 2A version also-- particularly since I'm using that version of the NCE Manual-- I lost or misplaced my original PowerHouse Pro manual years ago.
If you've never done it, there's actually a number of useful things you can configure, both for your throttle and for other stuff. Check your manual for complete details.
John
Tom JonesThe NCE is a fine product from a great company.
Definitely agreed. And they stand behind it too-- I've had mine for over 10 years and have recently upgraded it to the very latest firmware for the cost of the chip and postage.
Tom JonesNow for the cons: 1). Power cab cannot remember the macros when shut down or short circuited. This is a real buzz killer. TO NCE - how could you do this to me. Why have it if I have to reprogram them each time I use it? This fact makes the macro button a non-feature as far as I am concerned.
Hmm-- wasn't aware of that one. Will have to check it out.
Tom Jones2). My Power cab came with a defective thumbwheel. It is physically screwed up - binds up in one spot. Oh, and it does not function correctly either.
My first throttle has a similar problem. It isn't broken but it does bind in one spot, but I can press a little harder and push past it. My other throttles, which are newer, have no issues though. So it may say something about the vintage. When did you get yours?
Tom Jones3). The number pad is odd. You will find yourself entering wrong numbers sometimes. Why? Because our brains are predisposed to entering phone numbers, calculator values, ect.., on a 3x3 number pad with a 0 at the bottom. Power cab's pad is different. You will have to look at it to enter numbers whereas if it were like a phone pad, you could enter correct numbers without hardly looking. Nit picking here, but maybe the CEO or somebody from NCE will read this and actually think about it.
IMO, *this* is the issue. I hate the keypad and I'm always entering wrong digits. I also don't like the way all of the buttons are crammed in together. It makes it really easy to hit a wrong button-- and almost always at the worst possible moment.
I myself would like it if there was a "lockout" feature that would disable the advanced functions (building consists, programming, etc) so that you couldn't accidentally activate them by mistake. Or maybe add a 'thumb' button on the side ('push-to-talk' style) that would only allow these functions while that button was also being pressed.
Nit-picking perhaps, but have you seen the size of those nits!?!?
Tom Jones4). To throw a switch, it requires four button presses. A real bummer, especially since the macros are not remembered.
Yeah, I have to agree with that one too.
Tom JonesBottom line - prefer the NCE for a starter sys.
You might be right, although the NCE is a *very* nice system overall-- the aforementioned notwithstanding.
If I had it to do all over again-- which I'm not going to do anytime soon-- I might try out one of the more advanced Digitrax systems and see how I liked that. I've never used one, but in researching systems, they seem to be decent systems too. I'd like to try one to see how its different (better / worse / etc). But for the price of these things, its like getting married: "for better or for worse!". I've got over $1000 bucks tied up into my NCE Powerhouse Pro with wireless receiver and the several wireless throttles and such. Switching just ain't really an option. And since you generally only get to read about them before mail-ordering-- at least that's all I could do when I bought mine-- you pays your money and takes your chances.
Hamltnblue Another nice thing about the power cab is that if you upgrade to the pro version, the cab can be used as an extra throttle with full functionality. The cab can quickly become a backup in case of any problems, or be used to run a separate programming track. It's a well thought out system with a designed in upgrade path.
Yes, I have the Powerhouse Pro version and I have been strongly considering getting a PowerCab 2A version to use for offline programming. The Powerhouse Pro does fine for all that, but it shuts down everything (on the main) whenever you use the programming track (not programming on the main), which is a pain if you just want to do some side-work while you're running trains. At $150 (+/-) having a secondary PowerCab 2A systems just seems like a sensible solution.
jwhittenOn the NCE Powerhouse Pro system you can have up to 6 slots in the loco recall area...I *presume* its there on the PowerCab 2A version also-- particularly since I'm using that version of the NCE Manual--
On the NCE Powerhouse Pro system you can have up to 6 slots in the loco recall area...I *presume* its there on the PowerCab 2A version also-- particularly since I'm using that version of the NCE Manual--
simon1966 Hamltnblue It's a well thought out system with a designed in upgrade path. It is now, but I think even NCE would admit that the original Power Cab booster was a poorly conceived product that provided an awful upgrade path. The new Smartbooster being released to address most of the shortcomings of the first one.
jwils1What are the short comings that were not addressed?
Some comments have been made about numeric keypad arrangement, button spacing, etc. The photo below shows a comparison of the NCE primary throttle with the popular Digitrax primary thottle. You can see that they are quite different, as are the MRC, Lenz and CVP throttles. Herein lies one very big question in selecting a system. Which throttle arrangement and feature-set suits you best?
I personally have found the Digitrax DT402 series to be the most comfortable and efficient for my use. But I am now an NCE user and it too has become very enjoyable to use. So, what a tough decision for many. A pre-puchase trial would be great but many can't do that. So one just needs to research the best they can and we need to try to address points of interest that will best help them make a decision.
Many of us end up running our trains with one of the auxilliary or "engineers" throttles and that brings up another question and one that should be researched. Which one of these best suits you. In this case I find the NCE 04 and 05 throttles to be superior to the Digitrax UT4. But that's me and you may totally disagree. Check them out and make the best decision you can.