NCE Power Cab - upgrade to 5 AMPS - is the booster SB3a the answer

Model Railroader Electronics and DCC
1

I have an NCE Power Cab DCC system, was my entry into DCC, absolutely love it. Runs 3 locos fine, just starting to try running 4 locos at once and get overload. So one reason I bought the Power Cab was because it is upgradeable - looks like I now need to upgrade to 5 amps. Not sure of the NCE power booster model name / number I should purchase - looks like there is a SB3a from NCE - but not able to find enough info on the NCE website - must be looking in the wrong place. So can anyone advise on what NCE booster I need to get and how to install so that I can run 4 -5 locos on my NCE Power Cab System? Thanks

2

Yep, that is what you need.

http://www.ncedcc.com/component/virtuemart/?page=shop.product_details&flypage=flypage.tpl&product_id=97&category_id=1

There is a PDF link on that page (their web site is very poor) which I believe is supposed to be the manual link but it is not working. Anyway, as I understand it, the hook up is not overly complicated. One thing to remember is that the booster on the base PowerCab is in the throttle. The SB3a replaces that booster, so you are not getting a 2nd 5A power district, you are replacing the 2A with a 5A.

3

sysout,

I’m going to guess that you either have older locomotives that draw 1/2A each or you’re running all-sound locos. I’m amazed you can keep track of 3 - let alone 4 locomotives simultaneously. That would be flirting with disaster on 4 x 8. LOL!

Anyhow, yes - you’ll want the Smart Booster (SB3a) for your Power Cab, pictured below:

NCE did make an earlier version of this (SB3). However, the SB3a addresses a few issues/limitations the SB3 had. Cost: $128, discounted.

In a nutshell, the SB3a overrides the booster in the Power Cab and automatically turns it into a Pro Cab throttle. (The same thing would happen if you plugged your Power Cab into an NCE PH Pro system.) Your Power Cab plugs into the SB3a either directly off the front of the booster or into UTP panels daisy-chained around your layout (via RJ12 4-connector cables) coming from the SB3a. Set up is very straightforward.

You will lose the ability to program with your Power Cab plugged into the SB3a so you’ll still need your PCP panel. That also means that the PCP panel has to be electrically isolated from SB3a.

It should also be noted that you will need to purchase and power the SB3a with a 5A power supply - e.g. NCE P515 (pictured above). Cost: $45, discounted.

sysout, if you want to read up on an initial review of the Smart Booster, click on the web link at the bottom of my post and go to the Reviews page. The reviews cover both the old and new versions of the Smart Booster and what they offer. The majority of the info listed about the older SB3 is still applicable to the newer SB3a. Therefore, the SB3a review merely outlines what the new version offers and/or corrects with the SB3.

Hope that’s a help…

Tom

4

A search for NCE SB3a manual came up with this link. Many just seem to forget that you can search the Internet for just about anything, even things you really do not want to know about.

http://www.ncecorporation.com/pdf/SB3aManual.pdf

Rich

5

Another way to go is to get a Power House pro system and use your power cab as an additional throttle. You can then set up a program / test track at the workbench using the power cab panel. The PHP system will give a computer interface also.

Pete

6

Thanks Tom, helps alot - forgot about needing the 5A power supply - had no luck getting info from the NCE website - was pretty quirky. In terms of multiple locos running at the same time, I have 2 Athearn SD70ACEs with Soundtraxx Tsunami in a consis running on one loop, then on the other loop two separate consis - a Athearn Genesis SD45 Soundtraxx Tsunami and one Bachmnan Spectrum convered to Soundtraxx Tsunami - knew I was pushing it, but did not experience any overload - even when running all at max throttle - was just lucky I guess, then I sub’d in a Proto 2K F7A/B powered for the Athearn Genesis SD45 Soundtraxx Tsunami and that’s when I hit an overload - not surprising. With one loop running one consis and then having two in the other loop, I can manage quite well - once I get the two consis in the same loop running at the same speed - it is actually a lot of fun, a little nerve racking with the Power Cab only able to stack 2 locos. Now if I upgrade, looks like the Power Cab will be able to stack up to 6 locos and will make it much more enjoyable. Thnaks again for the help and pics.

7

Thanks Rich - I was not able to find this manual on the NCE website - has what you need to know

8

Thanks Pete - not sure if / when I will upgrade, one factor is cost, I think the PHP route would be more, but getting more - appreciate the advice - did not think about the computer interface, would be a plus,

9

Glad that helped, sysout. Yes, with the Smart Booster (SB3a) you can adjust the recall stack anywhere between 2 and 6 addresses. I currently have mine set at 3.

Tom