What to do with the PCP panel ?

Model Railroader Electronics and DCC
1

HI all wise ones .

I guess this question is more for the NCE users, but all feed back is welcome.

I want to add UTP panels to my layout,

the way I had it connected with just 1 PCP panel from the SB3a was the flat cable went to the back of the PCP and that was all.

Now I want to add UTP’s (about 7) around my layout so what happens to the PCP panel now?

I know I can use it for a programming track , How do I connect it to the chain?

can I still use the (PCP) in the “daisy chain” connection to the UTP’s? or do I just discard it .

Seems like a waste of a panel if its not to be used, What do I do ?

2

I think it can go at the end of the line. Unless you’re going to make a complete circle with your daisy chain.

I could be wrong…

3

Ok!

so is there a way to have the PCP connected in the “chain” , to be used for the program track in a siding that is part of the layout as well as control trains on the main?

eg: Want to be able to have a train drive into and out of the siding as well as using it as a program track? (the siding)

4

https://sites.google.com/site/markgurries/home/nce-info/nce-cab-panels

He can say it better than I.

5

SO what can can make of the info on that site is that… a cab bus cable comes from one of the sockets on the booster into the back of the PCP, then run another cab bus cable from the front (right) socket to the back of the UTP and start your chain from then.

But I still havent really found the answer to the question… Can I still use the PCP (left) socket to control trains and How can I wire the PCP panel to use on a program track incorporated on the layout if its daisy chained to the UTP’s?

Do I have to have the PCP by itself and not “in the chain”

I hope I am making enough sense to you guys.

6

the PCP provides connections to both the track and the cab bus. The NTP only extends the cab-bus. The PCP is needed to connect the command station to the tracks and cab-bus.

Only one front (left) jack on the PCP and the rear jack provide connections to the track. It makes sense to use the front jack for either the PowerCab or the Sb3a and use the rear PCP jack to extend the cab bus to the next NTP and from that NTP to a 2nd NTP and so on. (if the Sb3a were plugged into the rear PCP jack, both front jacks could be used for cabs).

the other front PCP connect as well as the NTP jacks can be used for cab connections to control trains.

The PCP schematic shows connections for a switch to connect it either to the layout tracks or a programming track. I think some addtional electronics can be purchased to do the same.

7

Does anyone know where I can find such a schematic for this PCP connection to a layout ?

8

Hey TomCat,

Try youtube…I found a guy that explained to me how to properly use an SB5. Derek Glass I think is his name. He’s way too verbose and it may take you awhile to find what you’re looking for, but he might have it.

Or someone else.If I can get sombody to show me something once (or 12 times) I can usually then make sense of directions.

How about this…put the P CP as a leg off the chain

9

Thats a good idea , Could use it as a leg off the chain, to use on the program trck

How do I wire it so I can shut off power to it when Im not programming?

10

the NCE-DCC Yahoo group has a sub-directory of of NCE schematics

PCP-panel-sch.pdf

11

Thanks gregc

Just one thing I forgot to mention in my above post I cant read schematics !!!

I guess i really should learn one day seeing Im in this hobby but I have no one to help me with it here down under.

Any other suggestions?

12

I’m not gregc, but I do have a suggestion:

Post your question on the previously-mentioned NCE Yahoo! list.

There are a number of very knowledgeable folks who hang out there and could give you expert advice/instructions.

And at least two of them that I know of are “down under”.

Edit: Corrected typo

13

tried that before,

its a drama to join from my email server and I find that hear you get more answers in a quicker amount of time than on that group.

I prefer this forum so much more,

14

this is not correct. Sorry for the confusion

the SB3a has separate jack for the Cab bus and separate terminals for the track. I believe a PCP can be used as an NTP.

It looks like a short section of track, isolated from the rest of the layout with gaps in both rails could be used as a programming track with a PCP and PowerCab.