Me and my 2 buddies went to a local train show and managed to buy 4 more DCC locos. I am now out of programming spots in my EZCommand DCC system. Obviously that is no good! I was doing some research and the Power Cab seems to fit perfect for what we are doing, small room lay out in a sort of U shape. And the price seems good, ~$135. Does anyone here use it? How many locomotives can be programmed to it? A quick read on NCE's website about it does not really say how many locomotives you can program! I tried reading the manual but it was far too in depth for the quick answer I was looking for. Thanks!
Works great for me. Even had NCE convert it to radio operation wireless operation for switching. Also have the SB3A to provide more amps for more locos when more operators come over. And loco programming is so easy compared to other DCC systems I've used!
Garret, simple answer is.... : NO LIMITS! In the PowerCab there is not such "SLOT" concept. Just put your loco on a programming track ( or a flex on your desk )) and program it. Then connect the Cab to your layout, press "select loco", type in the addres of the loco you want to drive and ... enjoy your trip! Basically you drive one loco at time, I suppose? Well, there is a "Recall" key that will hold a memory of (if I remember well) 2 ( or more) address. This is useful when you start a trip with one loco, then you leave it run for a moment and in the meantime you want to do some switching with another one. In this case, select the first loco to modify speed or stop it is simple without to re-type the address. Hope helps? In the future, if you like to have for example two Cabs (one for a kid or a friend) just add a Cab4 or another model. If you want to be able to unplug the PowerCab from the fascia connector, just add one SmartBooster (it give you 3 A power too).... NCE systems are .... smart and I like (you guess it?) Cheers
DCC controller I have had a Power Cab for about three years and like it a lot. I found that reading the instruction manual that comes with it is a great learning tool. There is also a great NCE Yahoo Group with a lot of NCE specific information and expert users are in the Group. Rich
I have a PowerCab as well and love it!! I have no complaints, or even anything remotely bad to say about it. The cab can hold up to two locomotive addresses at a time and can switch freely back and fourth by hitting the recall button. I suppose the only thing I can say bad about it is that if you have say, 4 or 5 trains running, and you want to switch to one of the engines or consists that's not one of the two that is stored, the second you switch to that engine the system will stop it and you will have to get it started again. I think that may be the only down side to it. I don't care though because I only have a 4x8 and any more than 2 trains running is out of the question right now (mostly just because my switcher doesn't have a decoder yet :tb-confused
I've had one for 4 years and recently added the SB3A to it. It does what I want very nicely. In standard form the PowerCab has two 'recalls' so you can have two locos (or consists) stored to the handset. You can change or add by using the select loco feature but when recalling the loco that is not in the recall list it will stop as the speed control is at 0 (default). It used 2-digit and 4-digit addressing, it has a maximum of 16 consists (#127-112) and 2-digit and 4-digit numbers 0-127 can be used simultaneously as they are entered differently - eg. 090 for 2-digit and 90 for 4-digit. Take the time to read the manual as it has to be the easiest manual to understand. There is one undocumented feature (Microsoft talk) I know of. When using the select accessory feature for throwing turnouts, for example, repeatingly pressing the sel accy button will toggle the last accessory between normal and reverse.
I can only imagine how you discovered that little tidbit. Hopefully there was no magic smoke or wheels welded to rails. I like the ease of use the NCE Powercab offers. It does have its limits but keep in mind it is an entry level system. Since there are three of you one will have to sit out while running or be a switchman or dispatcher as the Powercab only allows for one(1) additional throttle. To gain more expand to the SB3 for more power and the ability to move any throttle anywhere a panel is mounted. The Powercab is a command station and must stay plugged into its power panel in order for there to be track power. The SB3 or even better the new SB3a takes over as the command station and also expands the features of the Powercab. The most notable is the recall stack goes to 6 if I remember correctly. Good choice.
I recently joined a MRR Club that uses the NCE system...so I purchased a PowerCab. I use it as a throttle at the club and I have a DCC system at home. When I build my layout I can expand the system to fit the layout's needs. It's very user friendly and easy to use.
I fully agree. I've had the SB3 since its release and am still enjoying the benefits. When the extra funds hit the wallet and the time is right I fully intend to move to the SB3a as it has many more benefits.
The Powercab also makes for a great traveling program system. I simply stapled some track down and we use this set up with a laptop, Powercab, and NCE interface for speed matching and break ins. From what I have come to understand is the Powercab has a knack for programing stuborn decoders to. I was told I would need a booster of some sort to read my tsunami but it read it straight away and made changes upon command. Very crude but cheap and effective.
I have a power cab and I'm very happy with it. I am using it with a SB3A booster. Also I take the cab and use it on my test track. My test track is set up for both DC and DCC. I just flip the switch. Great for testing locos before installing my decoders. I know it doesn't have all the bells and whistles of the more expensive units. But it is a great little unit.
I have a NCE Powercab which goes with me to every show I attend with my layout. It has performed faultlessly for the past 3 years i've been attending shows with Mason's Bridge Yard, plus using it at home as well.
The PowerCab is an awesome system and very user friendly. It's seriously so easy to use even a 3 year old can do it. Here's the proof!!! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0hXZKIaWE1k That's my little boy running trains on my layout. All he really knows is how to make it go, stop, ring the bells, and blow the whistles, but still! :tb-biggrin:
If I get a cab and 2 "remotes," can I run 2 trains at the same time with one friend (Each on a remote)?
You can not use two additional cabs with the base Power Cab, it will only support one additional cab. To be able to use a total of three cabs, you would have to upgrade to the Smart Booster(SB3A).
You only need the Power Cab and one remote for two people to operate simultaneously. With the Power Cab and a Cab04 you should be able to get three locomotives running at once. Two controlled by the Power Cab and one controlled by the Cab04.
