OK, I have a stupid question. I am doing some reasearch on a DCC system to get for my layout. I went to Tonystrains.com like someone said and went to the comaprison page. Each DCC system has different max numbers of cabs. My question is what is a cab? Is it a loco or what?
Thanks for the help.
Ben
A “cab” is a throttle. Basically, you can run one train at a time with each cab, although some cabs have provision to switch conveniently between 2 or more trains. Each locomotive gets an address, typically the road number painted on it. You “select” the loco you want to control with the cab by entering the address on the keypad. Most cabs have a knob of some sort to control the loco speed, and one or more function keys to control other features such as lights or sounds if the loco is sound-equipped. You might reasonably want enough cabs that each operator on your layout can have their own cab. If you plan to operate your layout alone, one cab should do it.
I have an NCE PowerCab. The starter system includes one cab, which also serves as a low-power booster. You can add one additional cab for a total of 2 (I think thats the limit). The higher power systems typically have a separate booster and can accept many cabs. The PowerCab must remain connected to the layout at it’s one and only connection point. With a separate booster, it is possible to disconnect the cab from one panel and reconnect it at another panel as you follow your train around the layout. With the PowerCab, if I upgrade to a full-blown booster in the future, the PowerCab throttle will function as a ProCab throttle and can be moved around the layout just like any other cab.
I’m sure you have more questions, and I hope I haven’t mispoken (I’m sure I will get corrected promptly 
I’m really enjoying the DCC - hope you do too!
Jim
Thanks for the clarification Jim.
Ben
Ben, welcome first. A cab is what controls a engine. If it has two cabs that means you and a friend can run driffrent engines. A cab can control from 9 thottle Engines (Bachman E-Z) too 200 depending on the system.
Boy I hope I am right, I still get get [banghead] confused. I have a E-Z from Bachman and I can run 9 engines and happy with it for now. If you can waite 2-4 weeks I will make you a unreal deal on it. A fellow member just about gave it to me, I will sell for the same $30.00 with shipping that Tom sold it to me for.
I just need to make up my mind, MRC P or Emiper Builder.[banghead] More than likely Empire Bulider for $250 + $ 40.00 for power supply from Local Hobby Shop (LHS from now on). But then again, MRC P for $240.00 with power supply? If you are like me you will drive your self a litte nuts on this one
[#welcome] again Cuda KKen
Heck ya! I can wait that long. Just let me know when and where and its a deal!
Ben
Don’t listen to these idiots![#wstupid]
Everybody knows a cab has 4 wheels, is yellow and can be found in numerous numbers in New York city. Geeeesh…
Digitrax…Digitrax…Digitrax… NCE…NCE…NCE…
Well, guys. We joked about it. The Where’s Tom’s old E-Z Command? sighting forum may actually come to pass after all…[(-D]
Tom
It can actually address 9 DCC engines (#1-9) + 1 DC engine (fixed at address #10). Simultaneously it will run 2-4 engines with its 1 amp. I didn’t notice any reduction in speed until I throttled up my 5th loco. The E-Z Command unit will allow control of all 10 addressed units and can optionally add 1 additional cab (can only control the single DC engine in address #10).
Many users warn against the Empire Builder since it can’t read back CVs. Don’t know if this is important to you but it’s something to be aware of.
You will want to read CVs even if you don’t yet know what they are. Unless you plan to use a computer hookup for programing, the empire builder will be an expensive frustration. The Zypher is a better deal, but the super chief is the good one. There is a reason the empire builder is cheaper, it does not do what you want.
If you go with Zypher, you will want a DT400 throttle. With that you can run two trains at a time all by yourself.
I upgraded to radio and that is the best toy in the train room.
One thing that gets confusing with DCC is there is a difference between running a train (i.e., making it go) and controlling a train. [%-)]
For example, on my last layout, I used a Digitrax Zephyr which basically combined a cab and a power source in one unit. I could call up the ID of an engine on a train on the mainline, and start it running around the continuous-loop mainline. Once it was at the speed I wanted, I could call up the ID of a switch engine in the yards, and start switching cars with it. The engine/train on the mainline would continue running until I called it’s number back up to make a change. So…I was running two engines/trains, but only controlling one train at a time. If I had had a double track mainline, I could have two trains running (one on each track) and then controlled the switcher while the two mainline trains ran on their own.
Later, I added a UT-4 walkaround cab. With that, I could use the Zephyr to control the mainline train, and the walkaround to control the switcher (or vice versa). If I was operating with someone else, we could each control one engine (or consist of engines) and/or trains separately.
If you do plan to use a computer hookup for programming, the Empire Builder will be even more frustrating, yet still expensive. The Empire Builder cannot read back CVs. A computer does not change this. Using DecoderPro with an EB won’t allow you to read back the CVs. Hooking a DT400 up the the DB150 does not change this.
If Digitrax is the route you wish to go, get either the Zephyr or the Super Chief, both will read back CVs.
Now, if only someone would create the perfect throttle. The DT400 is close with 2 throttles onboard, the NEC fits nicer in the hand. Ahhh, if only Wesley Crusher would make one… [:P]
Hum, I caught the "Wesley Crusher " references, my self I would pick Mr Spock or Sotty.
Ben PM me and we can talk, but if you have a clue to what has been posted you understand why I not sure what to buy[banghead]!
In many ways I am very happy with the E-Z and yet to run out of power. Down side is I got some great DCC sound engines and the F comands will not make all the fuctions work. One that bugs me the most is momentum control. Plus I can not address Control Values (CV’s) that control the volume of sound, extra sounds that are above F-9 keys that the E-Z can control. I want a Athearn Challanger in the worst way. Got to see one run tonight, has 29 driffrent whisel sounds, 3 bell sound’s and more. E-Z commaned would never make all the driffrent sounds work. Heck with the right DCC system my Class J will tell you in spoken words how fast it is going! But not with the E-Z command.
Either way Ben it is yours as long as you will do one thing! Just past it on to the next new person here at this site when you want to make the next jump in DCC and you will. Sell it for the same $30.00 with shipping.
DCC Confused Ken Posting Again