I am about to buy a workbench DCC system ( I use a Prodigy Advance on the layout). I need to get a small system that will interface to a computer for bench use. I like everything that I see about the Power Cab; however, they list the computer interface as TBA.
Has anyone actually hooked a computer up to a Power Cab or actually know how to do it?
It appears that the Power Cab and Digitrax Zephyr are the only two small systems with a computer interface available. Have I missed something?
Alan,
Unfortunately, at this point, the USB port is still TBA. [sigh] So, of the two, the Zephyr is the only one with a computer interface.
NCE makes a great product. (I own a Power Cab.) But NCE is also notorious for delayed and prolonged product releases. On a positive note: When NCE does release something, pretty much all the bugs have been worked out of it ahead of time.
I sure hope they get the USB port available soon. I would really like to use Decoder Pro with my Power Cab.
Tom
Surprise! Lenz also has a USB interface for their systems.
Charlie,
Is it for ALL of their systems, or just the higher end ones?
Tom
tstage,
LI-USB Computer Interface
**
**Due to popular demand we have added the LI-USB to our family of XpressNET devices. The LI-USB supports the PC USB interface. The LI-USB also comes with sample software for operation and programming
Both of their systems accommodate the LI-USB, that is the Set-90 and Set-100.
The LI-USB is XpressNet compatible. So should work on any DCC using this protocol. Probably Atlas and any other brand produced by Lenz.
I have used one for about a year now on my Lenz. I have both the 90 and 100 cabs. I use Decoder-Pro on a laptop via the USB interface.
Alan, if you go the Digitrax route get the Locobuffer rather than the Digitrax computer interface offering.
The “problem” for me with Lenz is that it is a full featured 5 amp system and I am looking for a work bench system (One engine at a time use).
The Lenz set 90 at $230 + LI-USB at $124 = $354
Digitrax Zephyr @ $160 + USB connector at $ 64 = $ 224
NCE Power Cab @ $ 141 + USB interface at $ 39 = $ 180
These are all Litchfield Station prices per their web page.
Thanks for the responses so far - Any more comments ?
Thanks for the information; that is what I was planning on doing ( if I go Digitrax). I like the features of the NCE more though.
I don’t understand why you want another DCC system just for your workbench? I have a Digitrax Chief and I have a test track on my work bench connected to my loconet. Just make it an independent power district so it does not affect the layout. I like to run trains while I am working at the work bench. My programing track is also currently on the work bench, but I am making plans to move it to the layout. I have a PC near the work bench and use Decoder Pro. I use the Decoder Pro computer throttle to run things at the work bench so I don’t have to run a throttle buss to the work bench, although I could unplug the locnet cable that runs to the computer and connect a throttle.
JIM
Keep in mind that with the ProCab at least, the computer interface is into the command station and does not pass all the throttle buss information to the computer. Since the PowerCab’s computer interface is (still) TBA, it remains to be seen just how it will work.
However, the Digitrax interface is directly into the throttle/command buss and therefore makes all the information available to the computer.
If a computer interface is one of your selection criteria, why go with the less-robust of the two? While it might not make much difference on a bench system, it could be a significant difference if that bench system ever replaces the PA you have on the layout now.
Steve
Good question. My work bench is down the hall and across the hall from the layout room. A “small:” system on the bench is easier and cheaper than trying to extend the operating system to the bench. It also will provide a backup system if the need arises to repair or fix the operating system.
EDIT: I do have a programming track in the operational system for any “tweaks” requiring the programming track.
Good point. Without knowing how the NCE computer interface would work; it is difficult to predict the interface. The computer interface is mandatory for my bench system; however, I do not like the “clunky” controls of the Zephyr system (I prefer a handheld unit) and do not want to buy another throttle for the Digitrax (extra and un-necessary cost for the intended use).
It does appear that the “best” small system computer interface is the Zephyr.
There’s another option for a bench system - the SPROG. http://www.sprog-dcc.co.uk/
Don’t let the UK site bother you, there is a US dealer to order from, linked on the site.
–Randy
Randy,
Have you used this system?. It looks too good to be true. It reads and writes all CV’s and will actually use the computer to run an engine on a test track. All for $ 120.
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SPROG II USB Hi-power $120 incl. US/CA postage Buy Now! The Decoder Programmer just got better! This higher power package includes more powerful 1.25A power adapter (see below), USB cable and all software and installation instructions (Java runtime, DecoderPro, USB drivers) on CD-ROM. |
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No but if you go on the JMRI group on Yahoo you will find plenty of people who have, as wlel as the guy who designed the thing. The only ‘catch’ if you can call it that is pretty much the only way to use it is with JMRI software. Hardly a sacrifice there. There’s no provisions to hook up a throttle, you have to use the computer throttle in JMRI to drive trains with it - again not a big deal for the intended purpose, program in DecoderPro, open a throttle, test loco.
–Randy