Hi guys,
I would like to hear some opinions on the NCE Powercab as compared to similar systems such as the prodigy express, etc. Also, ease of use is a big thing. Thanks for your help.
Hi,
Can’t compare it for you because I don’t have experience (other than in-store) with any other brands but the PowerCab/ProCab system is quite easy to use and seems to be a pretty good buy comparatively. I picked up a PowerCab two weekends ago and got up and running with two switchers and a half-circle of sectional track in just a few minutes - took me longer to strip the wires on the “terminal track” than to get it going.
I like it pretty well and think it will expand with me - I’m still blown away by being able to operate two locos on the same piece of track though, so I’m easy to please. I’m sure there’s someone here with more experience with the thing.
M
I bought a Power Cab back in January and I like it a lot. I did find out something interesting, reading the manual at least three times before trying it out was a big help. Some people like to try, question on a forum because of problems and then read the manual. Don’t laugh. Since you are a member of the male species, you know exactly what I mean. It can be similar to programming a VCR. [:)]
It is upgradeable also. The NCE site has good documentation that you can download. There is a NCE Yahoo Group with loads of good data in their Files and Photos sections that you can download. This forum is ok but the Yahoo group is more specialized.
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/NCE-DCC/
This guy has a lot of good DCC info. He also uses the NCE stuff.
http://www.members.optusnet.com.au/nswmn/index.htm
Rich
I have a Power Cab and I am running a fairly large layout with it. It is great unit and there is a lot of support for it as far as add-ons, upgrades and info. I have been very happy with it and wouldnt change.
Only COOL handsome people use the NCE powercab. Just look at tstage. You want to be part of the cool crowd don’t you?
Derrick,
I can’t attest to being cool or handsome, but I can attest to the fact that the Power Cab is very intuitive and easy to use. I’ve had mine for nearly 2 years now and like it very much.
If you’d be interested in reading an initial review of the Power Cab that I wrote when it first came out, click on the link below:
This will take you to my Review page on my web site where the link to the review is. There’s also links to reviews on the CAB-04p throttle and Smart Booster.
Hope that helps…
Tom
i’m not sure but i don’t think you can read back cv values on the prodigy express. i’ve always read any cv i wanted on the power cab. had mine for about 8 months. like it very much.
Good grief Tom has it really been 2 years! My oh my how time marches on.
As the frog says, “Time’s fun when you’re having flies!”
Yepper, Simon. End of February 2006…Believe it or not! And next year your boys graduate from college. [:O]
Tom
Nope, I won’t let them graduate, not even from high school until you have a computer interface and I have a duplex wireless system!
Thank you very much everybody. Tom, your review was excellent (and I’m sure you are cool and handsome too!). I guess the only thing I’m worried about is price, as it will take a signifacant junk out of my budget. I guess we shall see…
Derrick,
Although you might be able to find it slightly cheaper on eBay, $140 is what it’s normally discounted at.
I know what you are saying about cost. That’s why I ended up going with the Bachmann E-Z Command first for a year. Got mine for $53 (~50% MSRP). It is a limited system though, as you will NOT be able to alter or adjust CVs with it. However, it can still do quite a bit - including 8 sound functions.
I enjoyed the E-Z Command for the year that I had it then sold it to someone here on the forum, who’s still using it.
Tom
Hey all!!
What method do you typically use to mount the power supply?
A shelf? Or other?
Dan
Dan,
The power supply for powering the Power Cab comes in the form of a “wall wart” or wall transformer. The transformer is already enclosed and plugs right into a wall outlet. The other end is plugged into the back of the PCP panel, which the Power Cab is connected to from the front side, in the LEFT connector port. Make sense?
Tom
What power supply? The throttle cab IS the power supply. There is a wall wart you plug into an outlet and thats it!
Hi Dan, wazzz up?
I plug the wall wart(power supply) into a power strip mounted on the inside edge of my layout. The power strip has a master switch so all layout functions are plugged into this.
You will love the powercab. I settled on it as it seemed the easiest to learn and master. Not that I have mastered it yet.
I am also looking at changing from DC to DCC in the near future. I have researched both the Digitrax and the NCE systems. At this point I have decided to go with the ProCab system. The expandibility of the system is one of the reasons I am looking to go to this system. I know that both systems are expandible, but I like the hand held throttle that comes with the PowerCab system. The base Digitrax system is more of a stationary transformer. I operate alone 98% of the time so the limited throttles is not an issue. My layout is also very long so I want the walkaround capability without buying an additional throttle. Also, the local train club uses a NCE system, so I have a nearby source of help if it is required. Also, if I join the train club I will be able to use my ProCab controller on the Clubs system. Both systems are good, but for me the NCE system is the system I will be buying. [:)]
John
Wow! This thread is still going. Thank you all for your help. I think I will pick up an NCE whenever funds become available.
I have a PowerCab and I like it very much. I also run my layout alone about 75% of the time, but I do think it would be handy to run a second throttle and also to be able to unplug the throttle and plug in on the opposite end of the layout. The PowerCab by itself must remain plugged into a single powerpanel at all times. It will, however, allow use of a second throttle which can be moved around. Another option is a Smart Booster, which I think will allow you to use the PowerCab or a ProCab throttle and move it around. Tom Stage should be able to help confirm that. I am planning to purchase a second panel and a second throttle soon. I’ll probably by a ProCab throttle since the controls are identical.
Jim