I want to upgrade to dcc before the year ends. I got several recommendations for NCE's Power Cab system. The power the system provides will be ample, I don't plan on more than 3 locos running at once. Any thoughts, opinions or experiences you would like to share?
Acela
The timbers beneath the rails are not the only ties that bind on the railroad. --Robert S. McGonigal
I have one and love it. I might expand it with another cab and add an more powerful booster. I've had mine for about 2 years now and have considered it a wise investment. They are worth the price.
Will
I like mine! learning to use it took literally minutes. I recently read (can't remember where) that it was rated as the best entry level system.
Dave
I'm just a dude with a bad back having a lot of fun with model trains, and finally building a layout!
Talk to Tom Sage,
He can give you the 'expert' opinion on the 'in's & outs' of the Power Cab system. The NCE Power Cab and the Digitrax Zephyr are the two best 'starter systems' for the average home layout(at least in my opinon), Back in the late 90's all we had available were the Digitrax Chief and the NCE Power House systems.
First Digitrax offered the Zephyr, and later NCE offered the Power Cab systems. Home layout 'expandable' systems with 'full function' were available. Systems that offered 4 digit addressing/consisting & multiple throttles hit the home layout market.
Jim
Modeling BNSF and Milwaukee Road in SW Wisconsin
Acela,
I've had my Power Cab since it first came out in early 2006 and enjoy it very much. The OS chip has been upgraded to V1.28C (what the current Power Cabs are being released with) and I use it with the NCE Smart Booster (SB3a), which gives me a total of 5A of power and allows me to unplug and plug the Power Cab into a UTP panel without shutting down the layout.
Acela, if you'd like to read an initial review of the Power Cab, click on my website link at the bottom of this post then click Reviews on the left side of the homepage. I've included pictures for clarification. There's also a review of the CAB-04p throttle and the Smart Booster.
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.
I love mine- I upgraded to the power house pro system and I use my Powercab as a pro cab.
Definitely a great investment!
Craig
I.ve got one,
Easy and logical to use, you'll be up and running in no time. Some minor limitations but for a small home layout running 2 or3 locos it will be fine. With 2 sound locos running it only uses 0.47amps of the 1.7 amps available.
Get one yourself, you won't regret it. Have a look at the yahoo group for NCE DCC and you'll find many happy customers. Beware that they also talk about the PowerHouse and it can get confusing.
cheers
Alan Jones in Sunny Queensland (Oz)
what is the difference between the power and pro cabs?
greg - Philadelphia & Reading / Reading
Excellent starter system as long as you are aware of the limitations and that they do not impact you.
At 1.7 Amps, there are limits to the number of locomotives/trains that you can run at one time. It does not sound from your description that this will be a big issue, but if you want to run lighted passenger cars and multi-unit consists of sound equipped locomotives you might hit the limits. You can of course add a Smartbooster to add additional amps, but of course there is cost involved in doing this.
There are limits to the number of additional throttles that you can add to the system, without adding the Smartbooster. When you add the Smartbooster you can use up to 4 cabs. When the Adding a PC interfaces cuts into that limit, so if you plan to have additional throttles and or options like a PC interface be aware of what your plan either now, or in the future and see if the system can handle what you want to do. For example, I have 2 sons, the 3 of us, plus a friend so 4 in all frequently run trains together, add a PC interface and wireless, and we would have hit the limits of the system even with the smartbooster upgrade.
Since the PowerCab has a hand held cabled throttle, do you want to walk around your layout and run trains? If so, make sure that the cable length fulfils your needs since the throttle can not be unplugged and moved to another location without the layout shutting down. You can address this with either purchasing additional throttle, or adding the Smartbooster upgrade.
Do you have wye's, reversing loops and or turntables that require auto-reverse devices? Do you plan on breaking your layout up into power districts now or in the future? If so, make sure that you select devices that are known to work with the PowerCab. This comes up quite often when folks discover that the more common auto-reverse devices and power management do not play well with the PowerCab.
So in conclusion, a great system that does have limits. You need to be aware of the limits so that you can determine if you are likely to fall foul of these limits at some point as you expand. You may discover that the PowerCab is not the ideal system for you personal situation?
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
gregc what is the difference between the power and pro cabs?
The Power Cab is the complete basic starter system package sold by NCE. The Pro Cab is the name that NCE gives to its top of the line throttle used with the higher end Power House Pro system.
A really nice feature of the Power Cab throttle, is that you can take it to a Power House Pro layout, plug it in, and it now works as if it were a Pro Cab throttle.
So in many respects they are the same, except that the Power Cab throttle also has the booster electronics built into the hand held for when it is being used as part of the basic Power Cab starter system. Which is why you can't unplug and move about to another location without the layout shutting down, because you are disconnecting the power booster from the track.
It is one of the best bangs for your buck.
I have had mine for over 4 years- has been upgraded with the Smart Booster (5 amps).
It will not run a DC loco without a decoder, very few reverse loop modules work with it.
Can't unplug and move from panel to panel. these are some of the bads.
Goods out weigh the bads by far.
Well I own both a Digitrax Zephyr and an NCE Power Cab. Due to the limitations of the Power Cab, as explained by Simon, the Zephyr will be powering my modules under construction. The Power Cab which I think is an excellent system I use as a mobile programming station. You can't go wrong with the Power Cab providing you are well aware of its limitations.
Jack W.
I love mine.It is easy to use and programing is easy.
I have used both NCE and Digitrax and I found out that the Digitrax was much harder to promgram on compared to other systems.
Well, since the Digitrax Zephyr has been brought up, It has to sit in one place like the DC power packs of old. The Power Cab is a walk-around unit although it does have to remain plugged in.
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.
simon1966 Do you plan on breaking your layout up into power districts now or in the future?
Do you plan on breaking your layout up into power districts now or in the future?
It is already broken up into 7 electrical blocks, and is wired for 2-train operation. Why not just go with a dual-control transformer, seein as the layout is wired for it? I like the extra benefits that DCC offers.
simon1966 Do you have wye's, reversing loops and or turntables that require auto-reverse devices?
Do you have wye's, reversing loops and or turntables that require auto-reverse devices?
Not yet. I am making plans for an extension, but no reverse loops or wyes. Possibly a motorized turntable if I can get one that doesn't cost a small fortune.
simon1966 Since the PowerCab has a hand held cabled throttle, do you want to walk around your layout and run trains?
Since the PowerCab has a hand held cabled throttle, do you want to walk around your layout and run trains?
Since it is only a 4x8 (soon to be 4x12) that will not be neccesary. If I do need to move the 7' cord provided will be sufficient.
Hi Acela
It looks to me as if you will not be limited by the PowerCab and that it will fulfill your needs quite well. NCE makes good equipment, here in the USA. I use a lot of their decoders with my Digitrax system and have no complaints. Much as I like the PowerCab, having used one several times, it simply won't accommodate my requirements, even with a Smart Booster option, so it would not be a good choice for me. This is why I think it is important to consider a systems limitations and what is needed to over come them. There would be nothing worse that purchasing a system because a bunch of folks say that they like their systems, only to discover that some limitation you were unaware of was a big problem for you.
Good luck with your switch to DCC, you will have a blast!
I have the NCE and am concerned about the reversing loop problems that some people are mentioning in this thread. Will the AR1 reverse module have problems with the NCE Power Cab System? Can someone tell me which reverse loop modules work well with the NCE Power CAb and which ones should be avoided?
wdcrvr
I believe that the AR1 is a good example of a reverser that does not work with the PowerCab. As I understand the problem, the relay based AR1 is slower to respond than the PowerCab's own protection and as a result the PowerCab shuts down the power before the AR1 can effect the reverse.
I would recommend posting to the NCE Yahoo group and see what reversers are recommended. I think NCE was in the process of designing one that would work, but not sure if they ever came out with it.
Are you in Columbia, just south of Dupo? If so, we are not very far from each other. I am in Troy.
I was looking through the online manual--what is the difference between an "old style" consist and an "advanced" consist?
In NCE-speak, Old Style consists use the command station to keep track of which locos are in the consists and making sure commands get sent to all of them. AN 'advanced' consist puts the consist address in CV19 on each decoder.
CV19 consists are portable, once CV19 is programmed, it has to be reset to 0 to remove teh loco from the consist, so locos that are consisted on one system, if carried to another, are still consisted.
Old style consists exist only in the command station. Take your locos elsewhere, and they will not be consisted anymore.
CV19 consisting adds the complication of CV21 and CV22 to set which functions are enabled while in consist. NCE helps overcome some of this by aliasing the consists to whichever loco is the lead loco - so there is a menu option to reverse the consist at the end of the run to go back the other way. Without this feature, IMO CV19 consisting is WAY more limited than the 'old style'. Old style consists on other systems are only limited by the total number of locos the system allows you to control, and you cna address function commands to any individual loco in the consist. On a system liek Digitrax where the throttles have 2 knobs, say you had 3 locos, 2 non-sound and one with sound. You put the sound on as the middle unit in the consists., You control speed and direction of all three with one knob on the throttle, and dial up the middle loco on the second knob to blow the horn and so forth,
--Randy
Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's
Visit my web site at www.readingeastpenn.com for construction updates, DCC Info, and more.
DCC specialties makes the PSX-AR that is adjustable to work with the Power Cab. Also using two outputs from a Tam Valley Hex Frog Juicer will work as an auto reverser for the Power Cab. You can not forget the old double pole double throw switch for a large reverse loop.
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!
simon1966 wdcrvr I believe that the AR1 is a good example of a reverser that does not work with the PowerCab. As I understand the problem, the relay based AR1 is slower to respond than the PowerCab's own protection and as a result the PowerCab shuts down the power before the AR1 can effect the reverse.
If the AR-1 doesn't work with the Power Cab, then you can be sure that the PSX-AR won't work with the Power Cab either.
Rich
Alton Junction
I have a Power cab system with a sb3a booster. I have 5 AR-1 on my layout and they work just fine. Just have to use the setting adjustment to get the right touch for them.
jackwade I have a Power cab system with a sb3a booster. I have 5 AR-1 on my layout and they work just fine. Just have to use the setting adjustment to get the right touch for them.
That is to be expected. The original Smartbooster did not work with any reversers or power management devices. This was one of the primary reasons that the Smartbooster was redesigned. I believe that NCE even did "the right thing" and offered very inexpensive trade for the new Smartbooster for those that were saddled with the old one. The sb3a upgrade cures most all of the shortcomings of the Power Cab. I think it is rather clever marketing by NCE. The street entry level price for the basic system is very attractive, but a large percentage of users will quickly find that they want the enhancements offered by the Smartbooster, so NCE gets a nice stream of additional revenue. Kind of like all of us Zephyr users that quickly decide to add a walk around throttle or two to our systems.
simon1966 I believe that NCE even did "the right thing" and offered very inexpensive trade for the new Smartbooster for those that were saddled with the old one. The sb3a upgrade cures most all of the shortcomings of the Power Cab. I think it is rather clever marketing by NCE.
I believe that NCE even did "the right thing" and offered very inexpensive trade for the new Smartbooster for those that were saddled with the old one. The sb3a upgrade cures most all of the shortcomings of the Power Cab. I think it is rather clever marketing by NCE.
Simon,
NCE is supposed to be releasing an upgrade EEPROM for the Power Cab (v1.28 to v1.6) that will offer some of the same features (e.g. 6-address recall stack, 4 total address slots for throttles, etc.) found with the new SB3a. I think the only thing it doesn't do is increase the max. output of the Power Cab. And, you still can't unplug it from the layout w/o shutting down the layout.
The PSX-AR is adjustable for down to below 1 amp. It works with the Power Cab alone with no smart booster if set below the 1.5 to 1.25 amp range. I have also heard the Lenz LK200 reversing module will also work with the Power Cab. It automatically changes polarity with 1 Milli amp detected. I personally have not seen the Lenz unit used but have heard nothing but good revues of them. Our club uses the Lenz system with PSX OG-AR units and they work great. The OG-AR units will not work with the Power Cab. They are rated at 3 amps and above the breaker level of the Power Cab.
The problem with making autoreversers work witht he PowerCab isn;t the amps for trip, but how fast it trips. Even all electronic breakers have SOME delay, often configurable, but the PowerCab's internal breaker does not have a configurable trip speed. So you need somethign that will react faster than the PowerCab's internal breaker. That's probably the issue with the original SB3 as well, the redesigned one probably has a slightly delayed trip time so it will work with various autoreverse units.
I have an NCE PH-Pro 5 amp system that I have operated on my layout for about 7 years now with great success. I have four Digitrax AR-1 units on my layout, and they have all performed flawlessly on a continuous basis.
I have never operated a Power Cab or had a PSX-AR on my layout, but I constantly read remarks on this forum about problems with operating the PSX-AR with a Power Cab. So, my question is: does the PSX-AR work with the Power Cab? And, does the Power Cab have problems with all auto-reverse units including the AR-1?
We just hooked up our Power Cab last week and so far, we couldn't be happier. My 8yr. old son just loves it. He is even running two trains by himself, and has learned how to adjust the momentum to make them look "more like real trains, Dad!"
I'm also watching about the auto reverser issues. We have a turntable that, for now, is running independently off of a DC power pack, just to power the motor. The turnatable tracks are running off the main bus, making us enter and exit the turnatable from one end only, to maintain polarity. It's a work-around that could get better.
Just add a DPDT switch to the turntable deck feeder, wired with an X pattern for a reversing switch. If you spin the table 180 degrees and want to drive off the opposite end you entered, just flipt eh toggle.
DC reversing methods still work with DCC, you don't HAVE to automate things.