Forgive me if this has been answered before but a search did not give me what I was looking for. In looking over the JMRI site it says using the usb interface doesn’t allow an awful lot of the features available, so am I to conclude that JMRI and NCE Power Cab don’t work unless you have a booster. Really not looking to spend that kinda money for a layout that I have been told is not big enough to need a booster-other than to use JMRI. Anyone else using JMRI and a power cab ? My LHS didn’t know exactly either but does have the booster, I thank you .
I think you are referring to a programming track booster such as a Powerpax. With the NCE Power Cab you can read and write any decoder including sound without the need for a booster. I would go along with the project without fear.
I think Shannon is referring to the Smart Booster (SB3a/SB5) rather than the PowerPax…
Shannon,
The Power Cab works just fine with the USB module and Decoder Pro so you don’t need a SB3a/SB5. The only additional things you will need are 1) a computer with a USB port, 2) a USB A to B cable, and 3) the proper drivers* - which are available on the NCE-DCC web site.
*Note: Be sure to install the drivers FIRST before installing JMRI
Granted the NCE USB module does have “some” limitations. However, it does work quite well for programming and storing your locomotive’s CVs.
Shannon, be sure to follow the setup and installation suggestions for the NCE module as outlined on the JMRI site. If you have any difficulties getting it up and going, let us know and we’ll see if we can walk you through it.
Your original post was about using JMRI with a PowerCab. Power Pro is a different system. Note also that the comments refer to version numbers. Current-production PowerCabs are v1.65 and current-production USB interfaces are v7.
I don’t yet have a layout, but I use a piece of track to mess around with my PowerCab and JMRI, and I can program locomotives either on a programming track or on the main.
From the USB Interface v7 manual:
"Features of the USB Interface Board:
Supports train/accessory/signal operation and Ops programming with all NCE DCC systems
Also supports PowerCab program track
Optoisolated USB prevents “sneak path” short circuits
Multiple USB boards can be used with some NCE systems
USB drivers for Windows, Mac OS and Linux via Internet download"
“Ops mode programming” and “programming on the main” are the same thing; the other mode is using a program track.
If you have a PowerCab and your layout is small enough to operate without a booster you won’t need one just to use JMRI.
The USB module won’t work with the Power Pro (PH Pro) because the PH Pro (different from the Power Cab) uses an RS-232 connector rather than a USB connector. In order to do so you would need a USB to RS-232 cable or a computer with a RS-232 connector and a RS-232 cable. Very few newer computers are outfitted with RS-232 connectors.
Thank you all for your responses, my dad did read the power pro part and did not know it was different, one reason for asking the questions. We are grateful for all the replies and have just gotten the usb interface. We already had usb cord so it looks like a go, will probably not get to hook it up as we are going to funeral home for my dads cousins husband shortly and tomorrow he has to be pawl bearer, so maybe late tomorrow night or Sunday. We will keep everyone informed as to if it works or we have problems, thank you all again-great bunch here and always helpful, bless you all.
Hey gang, here’s update. So we installed the cp210xx driver first then the JMRI software, computer doesn’t recognize usb( unknown device ). Try to manually install (update) driver and says it isn’t compatible and to use the one installed already. Got win7 driver and checked it was right one as the NCE has chip cp2102 on it so should be correct. My computer has 2 com ports by virtual RIM–so I deleted so they don’t interfere and would have to use the usb but that didn’t help either. Went online to JMRI site and signed up for help and that has been no replies in 3-4 hrs., at this point I am stumped and going nowhere fast. I followed install instructions but I guess something went wrong, but where. I am using a Toshiba Satellite win7 pro, 8gig RAM, pent4 dual core 2.67Mhz. Oh and on top of everything it says my Java isn’t working and I know for fact I have version 1.7. My name is Ken and am using my daughters sign in as she originally started this thread. Thank you all.
Yes, I plugged the power cab in then once fully started I plugged usb cable into computer. The power cab is on address 2 so I also know it’s not interfering with communications, running version powercab 1.28. I also inserted the debug line into the target line of Decoderpro3 as suggested but it gives a 4 page readout-too long to post here.
Power Cab 1.28 is two versions ago, and might have issues with USB 7. The older Power Cab software only supported 2 addresses on the throttle bus. Current Power Cab is 1.65 - you might arrange for the upgrade EPROM ($25, I believe). V1.65 supports more addresses. Second area to look is default address for the USB adapter - especially with the old software.
Just spoke with Larry at NCE and have chip on the way, very nice firm to deal with. I will continue to see what I can make happen as it’s supposed to work but did have issues with some systems and usb. Will post back once I get the chip or get it working in mean time. Thank you for your help.
I’m sure Larry told you that the USB v7 should work with the power cab v1.28. I had that configuration with (I think) the same computer you are using and it worked fine on the programming track. One question I have is did you remove the jumpers as per the instructions. All four should be removed for 9600 baud rate. If you did that then the problem may be in your computer and not the interface and I would suspect you will see the same results with the new v1.65 chip.
Yes the four jumpers were removed and like I stated before this system had 2 virtual com ports already installed as 3 & 4 so I had to remove them so the usb could become com 3. After the install of driver for interface board the driver lists as Microsoft and not silab like it should, I try to update and not allowing and says most up to date already installed. Guess it’s time to dig out my old reliable Compaq computer of 13 yrs with xp pro and give it shot. Really appreciate all replies, I have joined both the nce dcc yahoo forum and the jmri yahoo forum today and everyone here so far are the only replies I’ve received. Granted I just joined the NCE site before replying here now. Yes Larry was very polite and helpful of situation today and I highly recommend their products, I in no way feel this is a result of anything faulty but rather just a wrong setting somewhere and will be talking to my network friend later this week and see what if anything he recommends.
Ok everyone, finally got this up and running. Had to purchase another usb interface board but it works and now I am working with my LHS and NCE (great bunch guys their) to either fix or replace. I am in no way mad at NCE about this board as I am in business myself and fully understand that some things just happen-especially in electronics. Having said that I am very pleased with the way NCE and my LHS are correcting this and have no hard feelings towards either of them, nothing will ever be perfect all the time and the best we can ask for is good customer service beyond that and both of these outfits are doing everything to make this right and hats off to both. Still are good people in this world, mostly in this hobby I have had pleasure to meet some really nice people. I will continue to buy NCE just because one it’s working for me and two is knowing I can pick up the phone and receive great help.
You are not alone!
I went through the same thing, I did not understand the DCC process when it was new to me, so I too got the USB interface… But when learning I needed to use the 9pin Serial plug to do programming, I purchased a TrippLite USB/Serial adapter, took the shell off it, (to plug it in without interference with the lip of the NCE Case), & now I can program almost all my lokis.
I did have an issue with older QSI units, but got a PowerPax booster, & now it will Read & Feed, as it should.
Sorry you went thru it too, the wording sort of tricked me as a novice, as I didn’t really know exactly what I needed then. It is still a little bit of a new world & I am learning every day…
Best of Luck, & Happy DCC’ing!