Reading Sound Decoders

Model Railroader Electronics and DCC
1

Hello;

I have an NCE Power Pro and i would like to be able to read my sound decoder equipped engines. I know I need a booster but I am looking for recommendations. Which would be easiest to install and have the ability to read all brands, though I’m particularly interested in Tsunami reading. Also compatibility with NCE.

Thanks in advance,

Mark

2

This fellow is heavy into using NCE and JMRI/decoder pro for this. As usual, there is a leaning curve.

http://www.members.optusnet.com.au/nswmn/dcc_articles.htm

Rich

3

There’s actually a way to modify the Power Pro command station so that it doesn’t need a program track booster, however generally it seems the Soundtraxx one is best.

–Randy

4

Randy, is that mod info posted anywhere?

Hal

5

It is, but I can;t find where it was I came across it, since I use Digitrax it was only of passing intereste to me and I didn;t save it. I believe it was on one of the Yahoo groups, either the NCE one or one of the sound ones. The basic concept is that since a light bulb is used to limit program track current, another cna be installed to increase the allowable limit.

–Randy

6

Randy, might you be thinking of these: http://www.members.optusnet.com.au/nswmn/sound_cvs_pt.htm and

http://www.members.optusnet.com.au/nswmn1/NCE_prog_mod.htm ?

7

The second one is the one I was referring to.

I still can’t believe they use a pair of light bulbs as the current limiter for the program track. Guess it works, but wow.

–Randy

8

I am a retired electronics technician and also have an NCE Power Pro. I modified mine by adding an extra bulb and switch per the article and it works great.

If you are familiar with electronics and doing circuit work, go for it. Otherwise I would get either a programming track booster or an NCE power Cab system. The Power Cab can read sound decoders without any modifications, plus you will have an extra throttle that will work with your Power Pro.