Adding another DCC NCE panel

Model Railroader Electronics and DCC
1

Any way to avoid buying another NCE cab and panel to move the former around the layout? I’m trying to more closely/easily control trains at different areas of the layout with one power cab. Apparently, I need to get a new cab and panel based on this summary from NCE: https://ncedcc.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/articles/207811543-Moving-the-Power-Cab-to-a-different-panel-location

Looking online, the cabs are around $120.00. Any cheaper options? That price is almost the amount for an entire starter set.

Thanks!

2

a longer 6 conductor cord.

3

I don’t know NCE, but the plugs and jack’s for my Lenz system are common electronics parts. I bought a bunch and just ran a control bus around the layout, putting a jack every 4-6 feet.

4

The NCE PowerCab is a hand held unit comprising a cab, command station and booster provding track power. Disconnecting from a panel removes power to the tracks

5

Most economical way to add throttles would be with an NCE USB adapter. That would also require a computer running JMRI (free) and a USB cable. Add to that a local WIFI network and a phone or tablet with the appropriate throttle software installed (also free).

https://www.ncedcc.com/online-store/USB-Interface-for-Power-Cab-p38322160

Martin Myers

6

The powercab is the command station, so he can’t just unplug and move it.

The Cab06P is around $85, but you still need the UTP panel for $24

Trainworld also has a Cab05 which I hadn’t heard of. It looks like the bottom half of the Powercab an is around $71. The lack of a display looks like a big drawback to me.

7

I hav the 06 cab and can have two operators. when I expand I plan to have a second UTP location.

There is an alternative, if you add an SB5 booster you can move the handheld unit, as the booster takes over. However, I still plan to have a second port as well as a booster so I can run more than three locos, if I have a second operator. Second UTP keeps the aisles free from wires.

Have fun,

Richard

8

NCE did have Cab 04 & 05’s which have been taken over by Cab 06. The 04 & 05’s are mainly for yard use - I have all versions of 04 & 05’s plus 3 Power Pro cabs used mainly for main line trains.

Ron

9

I looked at the Cab05 and it is quite different from the Powercab. I’ve not decided which to get. The Cab05 is one option since the other person is only working the yard.

10

aside from the PowerCab and ProCab, i thought NCE is still only making the cab06.

did you find somewhere to purchase a cab05?

11

Trainworld had one in stock when I posted about it.

12

If you prefer a knob, the old Cab04 or the current Cab06 are the way to go. Main difference between the 04 and 06 is the 06 has an LED display to show the address of the loco you are controlling.

They are quite a bit different from the PowerCab/proCab, because they are designed to simply run a train, not do programming. Hence no big LCD display and fewer buttons.

–Randy