Hi all,
I am looking into buying the NCE powercab system but I have a couple questions first. I understand that I cannot unplug the throttle without shutting down the whole system (this is the one thing I don’t like about the powercab[:(!]) In order to view trains on a different part of the layout I will have to take the throttle with me therefore wrapping the cord around the benchwork and potentially damaging the system. Is there a way around this? Will I have to buy extra throttles for each scene on the layout or can do I just buy 1 extra throttle and plug it into jacks at various points around the layout? What extra equipment will I need to get? Thanks in advance for your help.
Go with the wireless system. I haven’t heard about the problem of not being able to unplug a controller. Most systems keep your trains running at the most recent setting if you unplug a throttle to move to a different location, and I’m sure the NCE should be that way, too.
Your best bet would be to log onto the NCE web site and dowload their manual and read through it before you decide what to purchase.
The primary throttle in the PowerCab IS the command station. So it looks portatble, but from my reading it isn’t. In fact it has to live in a particular jack. So if you want to walk around, you need an additional throttle. It sounds bad until you consider that the Zephyr’s command station also has a stationary throttle, it just looks stationary, so you wouln’t think of draggiing it around.
I have an NCE powercab. You have to keep it plugged in at all times because it IS the power booster too. You have three choices:
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Lengthen the cab wire (I think its RJ-11) But you’ll still be tethered and have to wrap it around wherever you go. I don’t know how big a layout you have.
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Buy a second throttle for $79 and just plug it in or out wherever you need it. You’ll have to add the plug in plates at the locations you want as well.
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Pony up and buy their complete regular system. That cab can be moved around, but its probably 3 times the cost of their entry level Power cab system.
My layout is only 11X7, so I don’t have a problem. I like this system alot and am very glad I bought it.
Thanks for the great info guys.
I think I’ll just start with the basic system and if I need to I’ll buy the extra throttle. My layout is 8’x7’ so it shouldn’t be too much of a problem. What is the item # or name of the throttle I’ll need to get? Also can I make my own plug plates using common phone cord jacks?
The starter is just called “Powercab” and sells for $139.99
The extra throttle is part # CAB-04P and sells for $71.95
The plug in plate is UTP/TTE and sells for $14.40
No you cant make your own plug in plates. This is DCC and is a little more complicated. Its not like a regular phone jack for DC.
Heres a link from Tony Train Exchange http://www.tonystrains.com/products/nce_other.htm
Don’t know what your scale is, how many locos you’ll run, sound or no sound, plans for future expansion, number of operators, desire for a computer interface, available budget, etc. So, maybe the NCE Power Cab is a great solution for you for an 8’ x 7’ layout. No doubt it’s a very fine system.
But, depending on your future plans, consider something like this:
Lenz Set 100 (5 amps and a great throttle) $299.00 with power supply.
This would give you the following options:
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A tethered throttle that can be unplugged and re-plugged without affecting the train (need ExpressNet adaptors @ $20.00 ea.)
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Can add cordless throttles for $50.00 ea. plus a cheap cordless phone.
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Computer interface for about $90.00. Allows use of Decoder Pro which is free and is fantastic for programming decoders, plus throttles and turnout controls on your computer.
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Ten year warranty.
Other systems could probably offer similar benefits. Just depends on your future plans. Sometimes we just don’t know what we’ll do in the future but just weigh all the factors and take your time as this is a big decision.
Just wanted to give you some food for thought.
The suggestion that you visit the NCE website was a good one. I might also suggest Tony’s Trains and Litchfield Station. There is also the NCE group on yahoo.com. You can indeed make your own additional ports with RJ12 cable, normal telephone four wire, and RJ12 connectors available at any Radio Shack or many electronics stores. Good luck with your DCC system.
Don
CSXFan,
The Power Cab can be purchased at the following locations for $139.99:
- Empire Northern Models
- Tony’s Train Exchange
- Litchfield Station
All three are very reputable dealers and offer terrific support.
I have the Power Cab and I don’t find the “tethering” an inconvenience. The 7’ cable still gives me ample room to walk around my 4 x 8 layout. I also have the CAB-04p throttle.
Tom
I should have explained what I’m trying to do better. I am in N scale and I will be running at the most 3 trains at the same time. Sound would be great but probably won’t happen. Future expansion is not likely. 2 operators max. Computer interface would be cool but isn’t a necessity. And right now my available budget is very tiny to non-existent. I use to have an MRC prodigy DCC system but when I sold all my HO stuff that went too. I’m going with the Powercab because it doesn’t cost too much and it can be fully upgraded.
Are you sure I can’t make my own plug plates? I thought I read somewhere that this was possible.
In theory you should be able to make your own plug plates, but they’re more like ethernet plugs than phone. You’ll need the wire, the connectors, and the special crimping/stripping tool, etc. And I’m not even sure all manufacturers use the same kind of plug. I remember with the Lenz I used to have it was some sort of in-between plug - bigger than a standard 4-wire phone plug, smaller than an ethernet plug… Maybe it was a “multi-line” phone plug.
Bottom line is you need all this stuff to do it for whatever your system uses, then you’ll have to go buy sockets to fit them, mount them to your layout, yada yada. So by the time you get the necessary stuff, buy the parts you need and put your time into it, it’s probably not worth it. Pay $20 and buy one, I say.
Better yet go wireless and you’ll really only need one plug for ‘emergency’ use. I have never yet once plugged my wireless throttle in, and my layout has no plug ins other than the one on the control box itself.
I think Power Cab is perfect for your situation. I’m glad you’re getting back into DCC. It’s getting better and better. Have fun!