NCE USB interface problem using a Power Cab

Model Railroader Electronics and DCC
1

try not to make this too long.

I can not get JMRI to work with my Power Cab. Using windows 10.

I have java inatalled, and a driver for the USB inter face. Decoder Pro 3 shows up on my desk top I can launch it and get to show the new loco page, but I loose the service line at the bottom of the screen, first shows greenand service lie is open,stayes about 10 seconds and turns RED service is off line.

I have changerd more things than you can count, Had two of my fellow RR modlers over today to help,2 hours later and it is still not working. Any help would reall be appreciated.

Thanks, I am at witts end!

2

woodone,

IIRC, this is a new laptop that you installed JMRI onto. And did you say that this worked on your previous laptop? If so, what OS were you using on that one?

Tom

3

woodone,

Did you follow the “NCE USB Interface” section on this JMRI webpage? One line says the following about the driver installation:

Download the proper file, unpack it, and execute the installer. Be sure to follow the directions: On some computers, it matters whether or not the NCE USB Interface is connected and powered on when you do the install. [underscored by me]

There is a sequence with the installation and in the hook-up. You might try uninstalling JMRI and the driver, re-starting your computer, then re-install JMRI then the driver according to the NCE USB Interface section.

It’s worth a try. And backup your Decoder Pro files before doing that.

Tom

4

I remember a similar problem initially. How have you set the jumpers on the NCE USB board?

I have mine set to

1 On,

2 Off,

3 On,

4 On.

This needs to match the COM port settings in Windows 10 Device Manager to 19200 baud. After installing the special com port drivers from the NCE web site I think I had to go into the COM10 (or whatever the driver installs it as) and there is an advanced button to set the baud rate. From memory it defaulted to 9600. It should be 19200 to match those jumper settings.

Then check your JMRI Preferences / Connection settings to match the baud rate to the windows com port baud rate. That’s with the “Additional Connection Settings” ticked.

I also recall an excellent YouTube video by the DCC Guy where he installs one. (Look for the Model Railroading channel).

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EO9zf3Cgj00&ab_channel=ModelRailroading

5

Tom, this is an older lap top running Windows 10. I did update to the latest window update. Computer is an Acer. I did follow the instructions to the letter (I have uninstalled the driver more than once ) Also uninstalled the JMRI program (more than once too) The only thing I question is the driver- you are given 4 versions of the driver to use, I have been selecting the Windows one-there are two the one I have been is the Windows only one.

6

Oldengrey, all jumpers are off- per Ed at NCE. Also I have set the jumpers like you stated, along with the Baudrate, 9600& 19200. All resulting the same way. I did watch the Larry Pucket video. BTW that is the only place l found any thing about pin one. I have a brand new USB interface with instructions the instructions have a chart showing how to set jumpers , but they do not say a word about pin one. Very confusing when you read the instructions and hear a different way from tech support at NCE. ALL PINS OFF- Baud rate 9600. I have been fighting this for almost 5 weeks.

7

Well it looks like I have struck out again. No off the wall ideas?

8

woodone,

I checked my USB module and all four jumpers are removed. I also checked the Preference list in JMRI for my setup and it is as follows:

  • System manufacturer: NCE
  • System connnection: NCE USB
  • Serial port: COM 3
  • System: PowerCab
  • USB version: V.7.x.x
  • Connection prefix: N
  • Connection name: NCE
  • Baud rate: 9,600 bps
  • Output interval: 250

Tom

9

that is exaly the way mine shows.

what usb driver are u using CP210 x= but there are 4 window options,

CP210 X=universal window driver, or CP210 x= VCP windows, or CP210x windows driver or last but not least CP210 windows drive with serial enuometer.

should show in your downloads?

10

5 Weeks?

I recommend joining the NCE-DCC group on groups.io or the JMRIusers group.

Dave Heap or one of the others will get you running.

Peter

11

Thanks Peter,

I tried to get set up to that group, but I reall don’t understand the steps to get on board, I am not a real strong computer person.

12

I installed the driver on my current 2-in-one laptop 3 or so years ago so the downloaded USB driver is long gone. I’m going to guess that I used the universal windows driver for the installation

Which ones have you tried so far? I would start with that one first. If that doesn’t work try the windows driver? If that doesn’t work try VCP windows driver.

Tom

13

Well the driver should be under devise manager, look at you port selection- UNDER properties you should find a listing DRIVER. It will list some data. I am so flustrated I can hardly hold my temper with this you can not believe . This should be so simple to do. There are so many things not forth coming to me. I know I am missing a step somewhere?

14

Under “Ports” it lists “Silicone Labs CP210x USB to UART Bridge (Com 3)”

Right clicking on that, choosing “Properties”, and clicking the “Driver” tab yields the following information:

Silicone Labs CP210x USB to UART Bridge (Com 3)

  • Driver Provider: Silicon Laboratories, Inc.
  • Drive Date: 11/26/18
  • Driver Version: 10.1.4.2290
  • Driver Signer: Microsoft Windows Hardware Compatibility Publisher

Opening “Driver Details” button, I see the following:

  • C:\WINDOWS\system32\DRIVERS\edevmon.sys
  • C:\WINDOWS\system32\DRIVERS\silabser.sys

The first is provided by ESET - File version 10.16.54.0

The 2nd is provided by Silicon Laboratories, Inc. - File version 10.1.4.2290

It also states on the “General” tab that “This device is working properly”…

Tom

15

tom, I forgot to ask if you could check the driver version that shows up under device manager for the CP210 under driver propertys

16

The fact that the lights go off after a few seconds is exactly what I saw. Remember, the PC, Board and JMRI all have to agree on the baud rate.

You might have been worried by the different board jumpers mentioned.

Looking at page 3 or the instructions, it does mention the version of Powercab you are using. Since mine reports as 1.65 I used the jumpers On, Off, On, On. That requires the 19200 baud rate setup in Windows and JMRI.

Jumper 1 is the baud rate, 9600 or 19200.

https://www.dropbox.com/s/fnltxffuhvekg8z/Uart.PNG?dl=0

If your Powercab reports as 1.28c, then use the jumper settings from the chart for 1.28c.

One of the annoying parts of the instructions is being incomplete especially for jumper 1. I am sure you have seen these articles, but to be sure:

https://ncedcc.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/articles/115001995503-USB-Interface-Read-Me-First

There are a couple of links on the side for other articles.

This link is the updated USB manual. I does mention jumper 1:

https://www.dccconcepts.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/NCE-USB-Manual-v7.0.pdf

Oh, and the Universal driver is the only one that specifically supports Windows10 so use that.

You are not alone in this. Many many people have had problems and that includes me. I’ve had decades of professional computer and electronics experience but DCC manufacturers seem to delight in making manuals that defy normal intelligent people. (I am looking at you Digitrax and ESU.) The annoying thing is that you are possibly making the same wrong assumption each time. That leads to madness and frustation.

17

Isn’t that what I provided above? That’s all the info that I get from clicking on that driver…

18

I have an original V1.1(?)/upgraded to V1.28/upgraded to 1.65B Power Cab. I don’t have ANY jumpers on my USB module but it operates Decoder Pro just fine @ 9,600 bps. That seems to be confirmed under the “USB Interface - Read Me First” heading from the NCE Information Station webpage you provided:

“If the USB board came with the jumpers already installed, remove all the jumpers and set them aside. Do NOT discard.”

Tom

19

Thanks Tom. the one thing I see that is differant is the 32 bit, where I have 64 bit computer. (that is what the system tells me) don’t think that my problem

20

Agreed. I’m operating at 64-bit myself.