bearman I will differ to rrinker or anyone else, but I dont think you want to mix a Digitrax booster in with an NCE cab.
I will differ to rrinker or anyone else, but I dont think you want to mix a Digitrax booster in with an NCE cab.
Yes, probably a good idea to stay with NCE.
Bear "It's all about having fun."
OK, thanks for the input, yes I use the UTP so will use that for the antenna.
And to answer everyone else:
1. 18-22 inch not my first choice for radius curves but I outsourced the benchwork and track plan to a professional firm and they stated with the space I have available that is the best they could do for what I wanted. The 18 inch radius only exists on track #2 for the Helix that goes to the upper level, outer track is 22 inch. I will have cross overs on Helix approach so that I can choose which radius for which train. More visible parts of the layout will have a min of 22 inch...........possibly as low as 20 inch but no need to use 18 inch outside of the helix.
2. Yes I know the difference between DCC and DCC ready.
3. Decoder types, Lokosound (BLI?), Tsunami (Athearn), Quantum (Intermountain).........yes, I have a mix of locomotive brands.
4. Power Booster: OK in the manual NCE stated they fixed that issue with the Cab I have but apparently they have not so will pick up a Digitrax booster......Oy! Yeah I was also a little confused on this as well they say the power pack is divided in half with the Programming Pack half not having access to the 5 amps that the track layout path has.
5. On the feeder wires.........oh what a pain the arse, are you kidding? Back in the 1980's had a MRC power pack and it was enough to power Athearn locomotives aorund a small basement layout with no feeder wires........what happened? OK though will take your advice on that and run the bus everywhere with junction terminals. Layout is in a 10 by 11 spare bedroom but has two levels. I think most of the track is taken up by the Helix which required 13-14 packs of six sections of 18" and 22" radius curve track each (cha-ching).
I think it is 24 to 28 inches between levels. I am working on the lower one before I install the second pre-fab level. The whole layout only has two legs to the floor to access to the under benchwork wiring is really easy, the helix only had 4 legs because I requested it be on casters so I could get better access to the window and closet. Most of the layout weight is carried by the studs behind the drywall (it's pretty light, so I am not too worried). Great benchwork design, they did good work.
Thanks everyone for your feedback.
I agree with Randy. Every sound decoder needs to have a power booster on the programming track output for the NCE PH Pro.
Don - Specializing in layout DC->DCC conversions
Modeling C&O transition era and steel industries There's Nothing Like Big Steam!
What decoder are you trying to read on the program track? If it's a Tsunami, you will probably need to get a program track booster. Try a non-sound loco, it should work fine.
--Randy
Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's
Visit my web site at www.readingeastpenn.com for construction updates, DCC Info, and more.
CMStPnPThe isolated programming track I keep getting CAN NOT READ CV but I am pretty sure that was me and the electrical connection, so I can fix that in the next day or so. I am using an Atlas Terminal Track for the programming track and I don't think enough juice is getting through to the rails.....so will just solder the connections direct to the rails tommorrow and try again.
If that doesn't work you will have to reset your decoder. We can't see what decoder you have from here. Most are reset by changing CV 8 to 8 in programming on the main mode. Then cycling the power off and on. I think MDC may be a different CV.
With a couple thousand posts, I'm going to assume you know the difference between DCC ready and DCC
Henry
COB Potomac & Northern
Shenandoah Valley
Neal, the OP has the radio version. Wrong diagram.
Does this help you out?
Neal
CMStPnPAlso, been watching the youtube videos on NCE and I see some folks running feeder wires to each rail between rail joiners. So I presume that is a method to get around potential shorts. Now, like I said before my layout track is short and I think it is sectional Atlas track with about 10 sections
Nothing to do with preventing shorts. Think about it, adding more electricity wouldn't help a short, it would only cause heat, smoke and fire.
It reliably supplies power to all the rails. DCC is more sensitive to voltage drop off over long runs. You don't have a long run. Sometimes rail joiners do not conduct electricity very well because they can be loose; ballast glue and track weathering all get in the way of those pesky electrons.
On a big layout you would want feeders every 6 feet. You only have about 8' of track and if you power it from the middlem, your longest run is 4'.
According to the manual, that UTP panel was included in the box.
CMStPnP So I am somewhat ignorant in DCC operation and bought the NCE powercab 5 AMP with wireless option, I think I paid $630 for the whole package deal.
So I am somewhat ignorant in DCC operation and bought the NCE powercab 5 AMP with wireless option, I think I paid $630 for the whole package deal.
CMStPnP So it seems I am up and running already with DCC and sound on the short layout test track I setup. The isolated programming track I keep getting CAN NOT READ CV but I am pretty sure that was me and the electrical connection, so I can fix that in the next day or so.
So it seems I am up and running already with DCC and sound on the short layout test track I setup. The isolated programming track I keep getting CAN NOT READ CV but I am pretty sure that was me and the electrical connection, so I can fix that in the next day or so.
CMStPnP Here is where I am a little lost. I can't find where in the instructions it says how to plug in the wireless antenna box to the NCE cab. I thought I would ask here first before I call or email NCE. I want to test wireless operation pretty soon. Anyone have any ideas what outlet I plug that into exactly?
Here is where I am a little lost. I can't find where in the instructions it says how to plug in the wireless antenna box to the NCE cab. I thought I would ask here first before I call or email NCE. I want to test wireless operation pretty soon.
Anyone have any ideas what outlet I plug that into exactly?
CMStPnP Also, been watching the youtube videos on NCE and I see some folks running feeder wires to each rail between rail joiners. So I presume that is a method to get around potential shorts. Now, like I said before my layout track is short and I think it is sectional Atlas track with about 10 sections connected.........no shorts. So why would I want to go overboard like that with feeder wiring to each rail in each section? So I need some further explanation on that and why it is done if anyone knows.
Also, been watching the youtube videos on NCE and I see some folks running feeder wires to each rail between rail joiners. So I presume that is a method to get around potential shorts. Now, like I said before my layout track is short and I think it is sectional Atlas track with about 10 sections connected.........no shorts. So why would I want to go overboard like that with feeder wiring to each rail in each section? So I need some further explanation on that and why it is done if anyone knows.
CMStPnP With this layout I think I was able to keep the minimum radius at 22" on the mainline with 18" on the inside secondary.........per the track plan but the track is not laid yet.
With this layout I think I was able to keep the minimum radius at 22" on the mainline with 18" on the inside secondary.........per the track plan but the track is not laid yet.
In HO scale, the radius of those curves is considered tight. But, if you have limited space, you may have no choice. It would be better if you could use 22" and 24" radius. Everything that moves on the layout looks better and operates better, fewer derailments and fewer unintended uncouplings.
Rich
Alton Junction
There is a diagram on the NCE site and the antenna is not plugged into the cab, it is plugged into the back of the UTP panel. As for your wiring question, wait for rrinker to weigh in...the guy is an electrical genius. One more thing, NCE is used to getting what some would consider dumb questions. I have called them myself with a dumb question and the rep on the line was polite and considerate and patient.
Double check the box, I dont think PowerCab comes in a 5 amp version...are you sure you dont have the Power Pro?
So I am somewhat ignorant in DCC operation and bought the NCE powercab 5 AMP with wireless option, I think I paid $630 for the whole package deal. So it seems I am up and running already with DCC and sound on the short layout test track I setup. The isolated programming track I keep getting CAN NOT READ CV but I am pretty sure that was me and the electrical connection, so I can fix that in the next day or so. I am using an Atlas Terminal Track for the programming track and I don't think enough juice is getting through to the rails.....so will just solder the connections direct to the rails tommorrow and try again.
This is my third HO Scale Layout but first in the DCC era. I boxed my last layout in 1988. Last layout was exclusively Atlas code 100 Custom Line switches and Flex track. Mostly Atheran locos and rolling stock. Had a problem like everyone else with the #4 Atlas switches with 4 axle locomotives and sometimes the 6 axle would derail on them. So this time I think I am going with Bachman #5 turnouts and anything above that will be Atlas.