NCE USB Interface IN HAND!

Hi Guys,

Finally, I now can "see" inside my decoders! I received my USB adaptor, follwed the instructions and am up and running with Decoder-Pro! (I love it) I highly recommend it for anyone using a PowerCab System. It has opened up a whole new world of programming my decoders...Now I just have to "learn" more about JMRI Decoder-Pro and Panel-pro! I have hooked the adaptor up to the UTP on my work bench, but have not tried it on the SB-3 yet. I did have to make a cable just like the one that came with the system (RJ-12 to RJ-12) (DO NOT TRY AND USE A 6 WIRE TELEPHONE CORD) for the adaptor to work.....instructions said "included cable" but there was not one. Well, I'm off to go try some programming (wish me luck):tb-biggrin::tb-biggrin::tb-biggrin:

 

Where'd you get yours?? I've been wanting one too, but no one seems to have 'em yet.

 

Hi Diezmon,

I got mine from LITCHFIELD STATION. I did reserve one when they were first announced though....From what I've heard, NCE spread out the first shipment so everybody got just a few.

 

I got mine from my local hobby shop a few days ago. I think he still has a few. Works great. I wish it was in an enclosure. I don't plan on this being a permanent part of the layout and would rather it be more portable.

 

still waiting for mine. its on order at a local shop

 

I just ordered mine. trainsetsonly.com had three left. You may want to check there

 

I finally got mine set up over the weekend. Had the laptop by the layout.

Now I have to learn the in/outs of decoder pro

 

I have a serial Digitrax connector. You will be thrilled with your ability to tweak your decoders. This really makes decoder programming a SNAP.

 

Finally got mine from the local (AU) agent for a few dollars more than ordering from the US, and looking at the package I noted the v1.28c EPROM included. Don't recall any mention of that in any previous discussions.
He recommended using the 4-core 'coily' cord that come with the PowerCab so that may be the included cord referred to. Have still to get the notebook set up with the USB driver and DecoderPro, and to figure which 'Zippy' box to install it into rather than having it in the open.
Mine will be used at the workbench more often than not.

 

yeah, I was a bit surprised that I had to take the cab apart and replace the IC.. but oh well.

I'm also not thrilled with how none of the NCE additions are in a chassis.. saves some $$ I guess I've got plenty of Tupperware around

 

Had a bit of a play with the USB interface (after a bit of trouble getting it to communicate - my delay in recognising I had a COM8 choice that works) over the last few nights and programmed a couple of Atlas factory DCC locos with much better results than doing it 'long hand'.

But the surprising thing this morning was bringing up PanelPro throttle and placing MP15 BN1000 on the track and calling it up from the drop down menu (linked to your saved loco profiles), selected the lights and beacon and advanced the virtual throttle.... lights and action! Cool!!

Now to create a simple panel and see if I can remotely operate the turnouts via the notebook...

 

surprising why? were you expecting it to NOT work? LOL Isn't there a throttle in decoder pro as well? or, I wonder if they're the same throttle, in both apps.

Now, if I can figure out how to play my mp3's through my locos I'll be all set

 

What did you end up using? (I need a box for one too....)

 

Hey Rob! I took the notebook I was using to work over 18 months ago and only just brought it back home, so I never actually got to putting it in one.

With the layout being (slowly) built I am looking at fitting a slide out shelf for the notebook so I may just fix it under the bench work and do all programming on the layout itself.

Still, no reason not to visit Jaycar with the adaptor in hand...

ps - it works with the SB3A as well.