I heard through an internet model supply shop that in July NCE was going to release a new starter set called the " Power Cab" . Has anyone heard anything like this. There web site has nothing on this system. All I know is it is supposed to be 5 Amp and be under $200 complete. I was looking for specs on this unit.
Firechief811 -
The limited info that I have seen indicates that the new system is only rated at one amp and can only control a limited number of ID’s. Below is a link to a related page on the Tony’s Trains web site.
I believe that NCE also has a description of their new system on their web page.
That’s still more than a Zephyr and not as many amps. Seems nice though…
Tom
It has all the functionality of a regular NCE system. Actually it can be used as a regular NCE Pro-cab if you have a full NCE system. One suggestion has been to use it to run the programming track on a layout with a NCE system so you can program and run train at the same time. It does have a limited power, but then its designed to support a small layout, that’s what a starter set is. It might not have the amperage of another starter system but it sure will have any of them beat on being able to do things with it.
I have an NCE system and I am thinking about getting one for my son to run his layout, then I could “borrow” it for operating session on my layout.
Dave H.
SO do you guys think that by adding a power booster it would be a good starter set for a small HO size layout?
zephyr list = 199.99 tony’s price = 159.99
powercab list = 179.99 tony’s price = 139.95
how is that more expensive ? the lowest price i could find for the zephyr is 147.99 , still more than the powercab
if it’s only 1 amp (i didn’t see that spec anywhere) that will eventually be an issue . you could probably run 2 new N scale locos with it without any problem . possibly even HO if they don’t have sound
smartbooster list = 69.95 tony’s price = 54.95
you have to buy the smartbooster if you want to use more powercab controllers , so the eventual cost of the system will be higher than the zephyr , but being able to buy it in stages is an advantage
i think the powercab is interesting , IF it has a computer interface i will consider buying it instead of the zephyr . in my opinion the handheld controller as the base unit outweighs the eventual cost of the system
ereimer,
Sorry. I took the Power Cab MSRP price that firechief811quoted and subtracted the discounted Zephyr price - forgetting that the Power Cab would be discounted, too. [:(]
Tom
i thought that might be what you were doing [:D]
tremendous, now theres an afordable NCE system for my layout!
I love NCE (I use it at the club) but i dont have the capital to aford the expensive system.
I’ve been a NCE user for about 6 years now - been a great investment. I will get one of those power cabs for a small coffee table layout I’m building - suits it better than the full system or running on DC…
Tim
I am a confirmed Zephyr user, have been for almost 2 years and love it. At no point did I even consider NCE because I did not want to spring for a top of the line system and wanted to “build” a system as grew in the hobby. The Procab looks like an excellent alternative. I think it is very clever of NCE to come out with a starter set that can grow, but offers a different set of features to the Zephyr. The Zephyr has more capacity (amps and slots) but is static. The Procab can run less, but is a walk around. Different starting points that will appeal to different modellers needs. Yet both can grow to unlimited capacity. I know that Lenz has a starter, but in reality, in the US, Digitrax has rather cornered the entry DCC market, so this new NCE product will offer some good competition.
I still don’t understand something about the new PowerCab.
Ok, so it is a ONE amp system with a built in power supply, all those functions and all that jazz…fine and dandy.
If you want to add the SmartBooster, which will add 3 amps to its capability…does that include the power supply which powers that additional 3 amp cabability? or no?
If it doesn’t, that would be a pretty crappy deal, since the SmartBooster is 54.99 at Tonys, then if you had to buy another power supply, that’s another 40-50 clams…and wires all over the place.
Anybody know if the SmartBooster for 3 extra amps has to get its juice from the PowerCab power supply or if you have to buy yet ANOTHER power supply for it?
I think that’s an important question.
I am not sure it it has if the smart booster has its own power suppy, but I have read that it does not give an additional 3 amps. I will boost the output of the DCC signal to 3 amps from 1 amp, so in effect you get an additional 2 amps.