NCE POWER CAB QUESTION

[Doughless]

I was in the same situation as OP with my old 13 x 35 foot layout. Had a switching district at each end and wanted a cab at each end.

NCE makes a 40 foot power cable. I connected one end to the right side plug of the UC panel (left side had the power cab command/throttle plugged in) and the other end to the left? side of another UC device and stapled the cord to the fascia.

I then used a Cab06 at the other end to control that district.

I then upgraded that to wireless by getting a Cab06R and the base station and antenna, and removed the 40 foot cable. No need for the SB5 since I only ran one to two locos at a time.

It has been 2 years since I had the system up, so this is from memory. I distinctly know that I never purchased the SB5 to get the Cab06R to operate and only used the standard power cab and UC panel. I believe when I went wireless, the wireless base unit was plugged into the right side of the UC panel where the 40 foot cable was.

So, IIRC, all you need to solve your problem AND go wireless for your one or two locos is the wireless base unit and the Cab06r. The Power Cab remains plugged in and is used as the “power” source and programming device, and an extra throttle for the kiddies.

You can also call or email NCE and they can confirm this.

[richhotrain]

I was in the same situation as OP with my old 13 x 35 foot layout. Had a switching district at each end and wanted a cab at each end.

NCE makes a 40 foot power cable. I connected one end to the right side plug of the UC panel (left side had the power cab command/throttle plugged in) and the other end to the left? side of another UC device and stapled the cord to the fascia.

I then used a Cab06 at the other end to control that district.

I then upgraded that to wireless by getting a Cab06R and the base station and antenna, and removed the 40 foot cable. No need for the SB5 since I only ran one to two locos at a time.

It has been 2 years since I had the system up, so this is from memory. I distinctly know that I never purchased the SB5 to get the Cab06R to operate and only used the standard power cab and UC panel. I believe when I went wireless, the wireless base unit was plugged into the right side of the UC panel where the 40 foot cable was.

So, IIRC, all you need to solve your problem AND go wireless for your one or two locos is the wireless base unit and the Cab06r. The Power Cab remains plugged in and is used as the “power” source and programming device, and an extra throttle for the kiddies.

You can also call or email NCE and they can confirm this.

Good advice, Douglas.

NCE is very good at responding to user questions. I recommend calling, as someone typically answers the phone.

Rich

[rrinker]

Yes, to get wireless all you need is an RB02 and a Cab06r. People at the beginning of the thread were talking about getting the radio added to the PowerCab - to use it that way you would need an SB5 and an RB02 plus have the PowerCab upgraded with radio. Much more expensive solution. And overkill if the max is 1 or 2 locos running at a time.

–Randy

[B_Bryce]

NCE is very good at responding to user questions. I recommend calling, as someone typically answers the phone.

Rich

Most likely you will get Ed Wilson at NCE, and he is very good and very straight.

[Doughless]

Yes, to get wireless all you need is an RB02 and a Cab06r. People at the beginning of the thread were talking about getting the radio added to the PowerCab - to use it that way you would need an SB5 and an RB02 plus have the PowerCab upgraded with radio. Much more expensive solution. And overkill if the max is 1 or 2 locos running at a time.

–Randy

Having done both the long cable and tethered Cab06 route, then the RB02 and Cab06r route, the wireless way is definitely worth the extra $150 (approximately) difference.