I did a search, but did not find this anywhere. For those who know, can somone enlighten me as to the differences between the two NCE systems outside of the following:
Amp load: 5A v. 1.7A
Number of cabs: 63 v. 2/4 (whatever that means)
I thought someone on here said something about the “brains” are in the PCab’s throttle as opposed to the PPro’s “black box.” If that is correct, what difference does that make?
Len,
The PowerCab is a command station, throttle, and booster all rolled up into one, is meant as a starter system, and has all the functions of the PowerPro. It can also be used as an extra throttle with the PowerPro system.
Tom
The PowerCab is a starter system you can add to, the PH Pro is a full-featured system with all the stuff already in it.
The major differences:
–Randy
Take a look at the NCE web site: http://www.ncedcc.com/ncetest/nce2.htm
You can download the manuals.
Since nobody has addressed this part yet, the most basic difference is that it means that when you are using the PowerCab as your command station, you can’t unplug it from the layout without it stopping any trains that are running. This is the same as if you unplugged a PowerHouse Pro from the layout (so you wouldn’t really want to do it, anyway). In contrast, when using a Powerhouse Pro as a command station, you can unplug any of the throttles you’re using and plug them into another UTP panel without the whole system shutting down.
For all practical purposes, you need to keep the PowerCab plugged in to a System Power Panel at all times while you are running the layout. For the size of layout that the PowerCab appears to be designed for, this shouldn’t be much of an issue for most people.
When using a PowerCab as a plain throttle (in ProCab mode) with another Powercab acting as a command station, you can unplug the one operating in ProCab mode and move it around to the various UTP panels, but the one serving as the command station needs to remain plugged in all the time while you’re running.
Fritz Milhaupt
Web Guy, Rails on Wheels
http://www.railsonwheels.com
Along with what Fritz added, you can plug in/unplug another throttle into the PowerCab’s UTP panel as a walk around.
Tom
Tom. did your Powercab show up yet? I am really interested to see a review from an actual user.
I drove up to Empire Northern Models on Saturday and got to try out the Powercab.
I have never used DCC before and the Guy at E.N.M. gave me about an hour or two of his time showing me how to use it and answered all kinds of questions.
With a couple engines already programmed on the track, He showed me just once how easy it was to make a consist. And then I was doing it like a pro. Talk about easy!!
I still have to learn how to program a decoder, I didn’t think of having him show me that.
My original plans were to just buy the Power Pro system from the start once I get the funds saved and then buy a 2nd Procab controller. But now, I’m leaning to buying the Powercab first.
I can buy the Power Pro system later when I have the funds and use my Powercab as the second controller. Then I will use the Powercabs power panel at my workbench so that when I need to to hook up a throttle, I’m already set up for it.
Tim’s a good guy, if I ever get up that way I need to stop in his store. I’ve only dealt with him via email and mail order so far, but he knows his stuff and is always willing to help you find what you need.
I’m still not switching from my Digitrax, but he sells that too.
–Randy
I have been going back and forth on deciding on the Procab or the Power pro. I would like to know the limits in laymens terms? I will have a layout that will run two or three mainline cabs, all double headed, and a yard cab maybe even two.Would the procab support enough throttles(5) and 8 N-scale engines at the same time? Accept for a four track staging yard the turnouts will be manually controlled and eventually I would like to have onboard sound.
Since you say 3-4 cabs already - that’s beyond the PowerCab’s ability. If that’s just an ‘eventually’ you can buy the PowerCab now and when you grow to need the increased capacity buy a PH Pro and use the PowerCab as an additional cab.
–Randy
Simon,
No…[sigh]…I’m still waiting. [:(] Some issue NCE is having with the packaging vendor.
spidge,
The PowerCab only has 1.7A of max. output so running 8 N-scale locomotives simultaneously may be pushing it. 5-6 might be a more reasonable figure. The PowerCab by itself will support one (1) additional throttle but it must be run on address 3. In order to run more, you’ll need to purchase NCE’s Smart Booster that will kick the max. output of the PowerCab up to a total of 3A. I think it will allow for two more throttles. If you want five, you’ll probably need to go with the PowerPro system.
Tom
That’s terrific, Craig! [:)] I agree wholeheartedly with Randy. I’ve been very pleased with Tim. He’s very knowledgable, helpful in his suggestions, and extremely reasonable in his prices.
I wi***here were places like Tim’s around here where I could just go in and try out a DCC system. I did order my PowerCab through him. The delay is not Tim’s fault. Things are being held up from the packaging vendor that NCE is dealing with.
Craig, I agree with you. I think buying the PowerCab initially then expanding later to the PowerPro is the way to go. Since the PowerCab can be used as an additional throttle, and is identical to the PowerPro throttle, there is little learning curve to the upgrade. From the reviews I’ve read and the manual that you can download directly from the NCE web site, the throttle functions appear to be very intuitive.
Tom
You could also use the power pro system box instead of the smart booster for more power.
One thing to be aware of is that the NCE PH Pro does not have a DC mode (maybe the same with the Power Cab). I have some newly aquired locos, DCC ready, that I wanted to just do a quick run in DC mode before installing decoders. Since the manual does not indicate anything about DC mode I checked the forum over at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/NCE-DCC. Several members indicated that while it could be done (basically connect inputs from a spare decoder to booster, connect decoder output to circuit breaker, connect CKB to rails), it wasn’t genereally recommended.
So, don’t get rid of that DC power pack.
When I had my Digitrax, I just dialed up loco 00. Sorry Randy, I’m a traitor.
Tom is right. That should be the case for the PowerCab, as well. I’ve kept my DC power packs for running auxiliary items like lights and turnouts - whenever I get to that stage.
Tom