So I am somewhat ignorant in DCC operation and bought the NCE powercab 5 AMP with wireless option, I think I paid $630 for the whole package deal. So it seems I am up and running already with DCC and sound on the short layout test track I setup. The isolated programming track I keep getting CAN NOT READ CV but I am pretty sure that was me and the electrical connection, so I can fix that in the next day or so. I am using an Atlas Terminal Track for the programming track and I don’t think enough juice is getting through to the rails…so will just solder the connections direct to the rails tommorrow and try again.
Here is where I am a little lost. I can’t find where in the instructions it says how to plug in the wireless antenna box to the NCE cab. I thought I would ask here first before I call or email NCE. I want to test wireless operation pretty soon.
Anyone have any ideas what outlet I plug that into exactly?
Also, been watching the youtube videos on NCE and I see some folks running feeder wires to each rail between rail joiners. So I presume that is a method to get around potential shorts. Now, like I said before my layout track is short and I think it is sectional Atlas track with about 10 sections connected…no shorts. So why would I want to go overboard like that with feeder wiring to each rail in each section? So I need some further explanation on that and why it is done if anyone knows.
This is my third HO Scale Layout but first in the DCC era. I boxed my last layout in 1988. Last layout was exclusively Atlas code 100 Custom Line switches and Flex track. Mostly Atheran locos and rolling stock. Had a problem like everyone else with the #4 Atlas switches with 4 axle locomotives and sometimes the 6 axle would derail on them. So this time I thin
There is a diagram on the NCE site and the antenna is not plugged into the cab, it is plugged into the back of the UTP panel. As for your wiring question, wait for rrinker to weigh in…the guy is an electrical genius. One more thing, NCE is used to getting what some would consider dumb questions. I have called them myself with a dumb question and the rep on the line was polite and considerate and patient.
I agree with bearman. You bought the PH-Pro, not the Power Cab. For short, the PH-Pro is often referred to as the ProCab. I have the PH-Pro 5 amp wireless system, and let me assure you, you bought the best DCC system out there.
The PH-Pro is incapable of reading sound decoder CVs on the Programming Track without a booster. I recommend the Soundtraxx PTB-100 Programming Track Booster. You can pick one up for around $50.
As bearman has indicated, the cable from the RB02 wireless base station plugs into the back of a UTP. A UTP should have been provided as part of your purchase of the PH-Pro 5 amp wireless system. Make sure that you put the RB02 in a place where the Pro Cab can read the signal. My layout is in my basement, and I hung the RB02 upside down on one of the ceiling joists.
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Also, been watching the youtube videos on NCE and I see some folks running feeder wires to each rail between rail joiners. So I presume that is a method to get around potential
Nothing to do with preventing shorts. Think about it, adding more electricity wouldn’t help a short, it would only cause heat, smoke and fire.
It reliably supplies power to all the rails. DCC is more sensitive to voltage drop off over long runs. You don’t have a long run. Sometimes rail joiners do not conduct electricity very well because they can be loose; ballast glue and track weathering all get in the way of those pesky electrons.
On a big layout you would want feeders every 6 feet. You only have about 8’ of track and if you power it from the middlem, your longest run is 4’.
If that doesn’t work you will have to reset your decoder. We can’t see what decoder you have from here. Most are reset by changing CV 8 to 8 in programming on the main mode. Then cycling the power off and on. I think MDC may be a different CV.
With a couple thousand posts, I’m going to assume you know the difference between DCC ready and DCC
What decoder are you trying to read on the program track? If it’s a Tsunami, you will probably need to get a program track booster. Try a non-sound loco, it should work fine.
OK, thanks for the input, yes I use the UTP so will use that for the antenna.
And to answer everyone else:
18-22 inch not my first choice for radius curves but I outsourced the benchwork and track plan to a professional firm and they stated with the space I have available that is the best they could do for what I wanted. The 18 inch radius only exists on track #2 for the Helix that goes to the upper level, outer track is 22 inch. I will have cross overs on Helix approach so that I can choose which radius for which train. More visible parts of the layout will have a min of 22 inch…possibly as low as 20 inch but no need to use 18 inch outside of the helix.
Yes I know the difference between DCC and DCC ready.
Decoder types, Lokosound (BLI?), Tsunami (Athearn), Quantum (Intermountain)…yes, I have a mix of locomotive brands.
Power Booster: OK in the manual NCE stated they fixed that issue with the Cab I have but apparently they have not so will pick up a Digitrax booster…Oy! Yeah I was also a little confused on this as well they say the power pack is divided in half with the Programming Pack half not having access to the 5 amps that the track layout path has.
On the feeder wires…oh what a pain the arse, are you kidding? Back in the 1980’s had a MRC power pack and it was enough to power Athearn locomotives aorund a small basement layout with no feeder wires…what happened? OK though will take your advice on that and run the bus everywhere with junction terminals. Layout is in a 10 by 11 spare bedroom but has two levels. I think most of the track is taken up by the Helix which required 13-14 packs of six sections of 18" and 22" radius curve track each (cha-ching).
I think it is 24 to 28 inches between levels. I am working on the lower o
Program track booster - the program track power from the PowerPro command station is not enough for sound decoders like Tsunami and QSI to read and write.
Sorry, I should have clarified…A Program Track Booster. Not a FULL booster.
And I wouldn’t worry about putting a feeder at every track junction. Everyone has different opinions. The general rule of thumb is about every 3 feet. But if you have long stretches of solid rail that are soldered at the joiners you can go further. The only exception to this rule is where there are reversing sections. Reversing sections need to have their rails blocks within 1/10th volt, so it’s wise to put feeders at the end of each reversing section block.
As others allude, Randy is the most reliable source for the majority of things. And if he’s not available, me or others will pipe in.
I personally rewired a very large portion of DC club that existed from the 1950’s to DCC using NCE. I was their trouble shooter. I’ve seen every problem there was and learned how to step around them. Although NCE isn’t my forte any more. (More of a digitrax man)
BTW: It is possible to use a digitrax booster with an NCE if you know the bus wires. BUT I would NOT recommend it. Both digitrax and NCE have rail syncs on their bus IIRC. This is the DCC signal without the boosted voltage/current. And that’s how most boosters work. They are just feeding off the sync signal.
NCE must have changed things. Some years ago, maybe ten, my local club got the NCE five amp power pro. We ran a pair of wires from the booster program terminals to a program track at the end of a yard ladder and had no issues with programing any decoders including SoundTraxx.
Nothing happened. I had a large island style layout, it filled a 11’ x 16’ room with just enough space to get around the outside. I ran it on an MRC 2500, and it was fine, until rail joiners started to fail, and I wanted to expand my cab control, so I started adding feeders.
Adding the feeders give you reliable power to every area of your layout, and if your running sound, you’ll want that, or you will notice the difference.
Simple as that.
During Christmas, I have a temporary layout I set up, DC, about a 6’x8’ area, all sectional Bachmann EZ Track, and I have feeders to 4 places, around the layout. It made a big difference.
