I have had the DB-150 since it was one of the two systems Digitrax offered. Since then I’ve added a DT300 and DT400 throttle, and an infrared UR90. And I STILL find the instructions and procedures cumbersome!
I am thinking of selling my system on eBay (DB150, both throttles, the UR90, a panel-mount ammeter, and a Loy’s Toys “Fuel Cell” power supply) and replacing it with the latest NCE PowerCab. I realize that it only offers 2 amps of power vs. the DB150’s 5 amps. But from what I’ve read about the NCE, it is simpler in operation, simpler instructions and comes with its own power supply. And my layout is only 70 sq. ft. I doubt I will ever run more than two locos at one time.
First, I’d appreciate pros and cons for this switch.
Second, for those of you who have the NCE PowerCab, can the power supply be wired to the DPDT toggle switch that I use to alternate between layout power and programming track power? It looks like the instructions call for the power supply to be wired to a fascia plug in panel.
Third, can I reuse the Digitrax standard fascia plug in panels (not UR90s) with the NCE system? Both systems appear to use the same 6-conductor flat cable for network connections, and the panel that comes in the box with the NCE appears to be the same as for Digitrax.
The Power Cab’s wall transformer will still need to be connected to the PCP panel first. (LEFT port.) The track wires can then be attached to the DPDT switch so that you can toggle between the main and the programming track. I did something similar using a simple Atlas “slide” connector (like the one pictured below) and it worked just fine.
Also, the Power Cab’s PCP panel is powered (i.e. that’s where the power for the Power Cab comes from) so you can’t use a Digitrax panel in place of it. As mentioned above, the LEFT port of the Power Cab’s PCP panel is for powering the Power Cab and it has to be connected to that in order for it operate. Conversely, if you disconnect the Power Cab from the PCP panel, the layout shuts down. The RIGHT port is for an extra throttle.
The Power Cab would be able to handle a 70 sq. ft. layout with no problems. Hope that helps…
Scott,
In what way do you find instructions and procedures cumbersome with Digitrax? I’ve been a Digitrax user for 9 years, and I’ve owned my own Zephyr and DT400R’s for 5 years or more. What specifically is vexing you about them?
You know, for as often as this topic crops up, I am resolved that some folks can interpret the Digitrax system and instructions, as well as tolerate them, and others simply can’t. This is mirrored at the same time by the few people who have reported here that they intend to revert to DC after not having successfully made the transition to DCC. They just don’t work well or comfortably enough for some folks. We should all just live with that fact and let folks get on with finding their paths in their pursuit of enjoyment in the hobby. Life is short enough, and it is up to each of us to get a firm grip on contentment in this hobby…which can be achieved about 60 different ways.
To the originating poster, I think your mind is made up. If you have gotten what you apparently feel is all reasonable satisfaction out of your Digtrax system, by all means buy something that will do better.
You are absolutely correct. That’s why I stated “similar”, not exactly.
I guess you could argue that they aren’t similar at all. Technically, you could have both the main AND programming track on at the same time with the set up I had. It’s what I had available at the time and I knew to turn off one while engaging the other.
Paul, what I find particularly perplexing are three issues: – not being able to read back CV settings, consisting, and having to reset the power after using the programming track.
The first becomes a problem when trying to program a complex decoder set as a Loksound. It would be nice to know what CV settings are standard from the manufacturer. ON the second trip back to Digitrax for repair of the DB150, I asked the President (2004 PSX) if I could pay the difference to get a command station that WILL reback CVs. The answer was a curt, “No,” with no explanation, no reasoning – just a flat “No.”
I only have two Digitrax decoders left but at one time ALL my locos had Digitrax exclusively. That was probably 15-16 locos at the time (I’ve since culled the fleet down); of those at least 3 decoders were sent back for repairs (not wiring problems on my part – they just stopped working).
At $17 each, that got expensive and I stopped doing it. In my opinion, Digitrax has some quality control problems. In addition to the command station being sent back twice over the years, and the decoder repairs, the DT300 has gone back once for repair.
For consisting, I have tried twice with the instructiop manual open in front of me and neither effort worked. I gave up after that as it wasn’t all that important.
When programming a new decoder, I can never remember if I have to hit “Power,” “Yes,” “Power,” or do I have to hit “Yes” again. Having to do this at all strikes me as being particuarly bogus.
Brother I feel your pain. The fourth time I sent my Zephyr back to the factory I ask for my money back, I’m happy to say they did that. A year and a half later my NCE power cab still runs two trains with both having A+B units with sound. I Have three other sound units idling on the tracks. Of course my trains are just 13 cars long and if I get anything else Ill have to up grade. I’m very pleased.
If he’s made up his mind to go to NCE, so be it. The thing I continaully find amazing are the stories that some folks have with defective Digitrax parts. I started with a Radio Super Chief system. Added two more boosters, have over 30 Digitrax decoders (sound and no sound), 8 DS64s and more. In all of this I did have one DS64 go bad after about 9 months, which Digitrax promptly replaced at no charge and I had one decoder go bad (due to my clumsiness). Otherwise things have been flawless, even when I’ve made some wiring goofs. I struggle to believe I am this lucky.
The NCE power cab should be plenty but you will be limited to 7 feet of cord. The Power cab and Smart booster will let you walk around and plug and unplug your throttle. The plus side of the Power cab smart booster set up is then you can have a dedicated program track using the power cab panel to the program track only.
As for the power of 2 amps. I have had 5 sound and 7 non sound HO scale locos running at once with my old Power cab. I would have put more on but didnt have time to experiment. The P.C. has a built in AMP meter and it programs any decoder you throw at it.
I bought 2 D co decoders once and both fried on the program track. Sent them back and they wanted $15 each to fix. I only paid $20 each for the decoders and I said keep them. I have more than 50 decoders now and none say Digitrax.
For roughly the same amount of money as a Power Cab you could get a Digitrax Zephyr. You already have the DT400 and these two make a nice combination. The Zephyr is a terrific little unit with great features and very easy to use. It has a little more power, a dedicated programming track where the main doesn’t shut down while using the progamming track, and the DT400 gives you full mobility.
I hadn’t thought of going that route. Does the Zephyr have connections for Loconet so I can use the fascia plug-in panels I have installed? The power supply I have is a 5 amp unit. Is that usable with the Zephyr? I see that there is a book issued about how to get the most out of the Zephyr. Do you know if it is necessary and usable?
Yes you can plug your loconet cable into the Zephyr and use all of your plug-in panels.
I believe you can use your 5 amp supply but I’m not sure of the best method. With your layout you probably don’t need that much power. Maybe someone else can give you some advice on this.
There is a book called “Mastering the Zephyr”. It’s available from various sources, including Johns Hobbies www.johnshobbies.com I think it’s $12.75 plus shipping. It’s very basic guide on using the Zephyr and has extra, helpful DCC info. I think the Zephyr manual gives you the same stuff but this book kind of reinforces everything in the manual in a user friendly way. It’s kind of like reading the manual a second time and gives you a better perspective of everything.
With any system I’ve ever used, a second reading of the manual has always allowed me to pick up things I missed the first time. Many NCE users say that they hardly ever use their manuals, but I say if you want to get full use of all features available to you, no matter which system, reading the manual pays dividends. But, after initial reading you will rarely need to go back to it for the most often used features.
There is also the option of buying a DCS-100 for a few dollars more, then he’d have a Super Chief system with additional features and a higher booster output. He could also keep the DB-150 as a second booster for even more power.
What I was hoping to accomplish with my original post was to explain WHY I wanted to get rid of an operating Digitrax system (with admittedly more power than the NCE system) AND to find out if there were reasons why the NCE might not be a good choice.
Come to find out there may be at least two reasons not to go with the NCE PowerCab. Power to the track is only provided to the UTP panel. If you unplug the PowerCab, everything on the layout stops until you reconnect.
In addition, I believe I understand correctly that I would need to provide power to each one of the UTP panels distributed in four places on my layout. Not an expensive item but for me a problem due to limited wall outlets.
To get around all this, I would need a SmartBooster for another $80, making the PowerCab not particulary appealing, price wise. This was the kind of information I was trying to elicit.
Yes, I have made up my mind that the DB150 is not the right system for me. However, there were very few choices available when I bought my system. There were the 2 Digitrax systems, one Lenz system, and, at least on the West Coast, no other choices. NCE and Wangrow were not represented in any of the 4 hobby shops in the area. Had it been available, the Zephyr or something like it might have been a better choice and I am exploring whether that will work. I still find Lenz systems perplexing, so they are not in the running.
For the future, I ask that you not read more into what is posted than what is posted.
Since I am now considering the Zephyr, does anyone know if the 12-function controls of the DT 400 operate correctly with the Zephyr? Apparently, it only has 8 function buttons.
I have owned and operated a Digitrax Chief (DCS100) with radio for about ten years and my chief is still going strong. I have Used DT100R, DT300R and DT400R with no problems. I gave up programming using the DT400 and have an MS100, old Windows 98 PC and decoder pro.
I might suggest that you consider getting the new Digitrax PR3 as it will allow you to read back CVs via Decoder Pro. The PR3 will also allow you to use your computer via Decoder Pro as a throttle.
like you would use to power a live frog, wired in parallel with the switch that controls the siding.