NCE Power Cab (add on) question ? (non wireless)

WFOJeff Oct 20, 2017

  1. WFOJeff

    WFOJeff TrainBoard Member

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    I've incorporated the NCE Power cab into my layout and enjoy what it offers me.
    (I'll add a couple of pics for reference points)

    Due to the layout configuration with my main connection in the inner portion of the U shape - which consists of 3 framed sections of 3'x8' in a U shape I find I need to pass my Throttle under the layout to one of 3 other sides.

    I was browsing extra NCE components to see if I could create extensions since going wireless seems to be too costly and may end up with wasted parts of the Power Cab.

    My Questions would be if anyone may have better knowledge about adding NCE components:
    1) I think I add another but is this per location to plug in throttle? NCE 524222 (PCP) Power Cab Power Panel

    2) Is this the correct cable to extend PCP? NCE 524213 (RJ12-7) RJ12 Cable for UTP/DIN Panel Wiring (7')

    3) assuming I have to buy another throttle because the Power Cab is the power source? So would I have to buy the extra throttle like this? NCE 524043 (CAB06p) Intermediate Engineer Throttle with LED Display and Potentiometer Speed Knob Standard

    Any help would is appreciated to understand how to add extensions and it might be adding extensions is as costly as wireless. Then it would be how to convert my NCE Power Cab to wireless...but my layout is not really that big for wireless (pic added)

    If I have to go wireless I guess I start with-
    NCE 524023 (RB02) Wireless Base Station, 916MHz
    and then it looks like on NCE website I have to send my throttle in (downtime):
    NCE does not sell wireless self installation parts or kits to the general public. All installations are done by Factory Authorized Technicians.

    Wireless upgrade of any cab is $90 plus return shipping charges (see below

    thank you

    20171020_114658.jpg
     
  2. Greg Elmassian

    Greg Elmassian TrainBoard Member

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    First, without checking the specific part numbers, looks like you have it right.

    You cannot make your powercab wireless, because it supplies power, and as Nicolas Tesla found out, it's pretty hard to send power wirelessly!
    (even if you could make the cab part wireless to a base station, you need the powercab to physically connect it's power output to the track.)

    Greg
     
  3. WFOJeff

    WFOJeff TrainBoard Member

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    Yes, I have an update on adding the wireless station with I think it is called a PCP leaving the PowerCab as the power source and then have to buy a wireless throttle which is what I am trying to avoid cause of the cost. That's about $500

    I'm wondering about adding components to my existing power cab set up so it remains as power source but create remote points where I can use alternate throttle when need to go to other side of layout-I can't tell if this is the stuff I need and NCE seems to be pretty busy to respond at this time.

    1) NCE 524222 (PCP) Power Cab Power Panel
    2) NCE 524213 (RJ12-7) RJ12 Cable for UTP/DIN Panel Wiring (7')
    3) NCE 524043 (CAB06p) Intermediate Engineer Throttle with LED Display and Potentiometer Speed Knob Standard
     
  4. tjdreams

    tjdreams TrainBoard Member

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    The PCP Is for use with the PowerCab to Power the layout. If you are wanting to add additional jacks on other parts of the layout you will want a UTP. not another PCP.
    Each UTP has 2 jacks on the front to plug in additional cabs. The plugs on the back one goes to the back of the PCP the other is to connect additional UTP's or other DCC accessories to.
    The power cab must stay plugged in but the Cab 06 can be moved around plug to plug so if wanted you could daisy chain 3 additional UTP's (about $20.oo each) putting one on each side of your layout (You will also need cables long enough to reach from one to the next for each) Then move the Cab 06 around and plugging it in to what ever jack is closest.
    Note A loco can only be controlled from one cab at a time you can not run it from both the Can 06 and powercab at the same time. With the latest chips and updates each cab can run up to 6 loco's (or Consist) each.

    Another Option would be to Get a SB5 (around $165.oo) use it in place of the powercab to power the layout. And run the UTP's to each side of your layout You could then unplug and move the power cab around plug to plug.

    $ 500 for wireless??? Someone is trying to empty your pockets. With the powercab all you need is the NCE 524023 (RB02) Wireless Base Station (around $120) and a wireless Throttle (around $ 150.oo) Plug the RB02 into the back of the PCP and connect the antenna to the unit then turn on the throttle and change the channel so its not the same as the Powercab and you are ready to run wireless. nothing more needed
     
    WFOJeff likes this.
  5. tjdreams

    tjdreams TrainBoard Member

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    In choosing what route you want to go think about the future. What is your final goal? Do you want to go wireless? Do you want to stay Wired?
    With NCE You Can upgrade in Small Steps adding components as you go.
    Remember wireless throttles can be plugged in and used wired. If you want to go wireless but don't have the $$ all at once get the 3 UTP's and wire them in and spend a little more to get a wireless throttle then use it wired till you have the money to get the RB02.
    Having the UTP's spaced out around the layout is always a good idea. If the batteries in the wireless throttle die you can just plug it in and keep on going.
    If you want to stay wired the 3 UTP's and a wired throttle is the cheapest route
    if you want to be able to move the powercab around Pick up a 2nd one and the 3 UTP's one can be left connected while the other can be plugged and unplugged to the closest jack
    or pick up the SB5 and the 3 UPT's and you can do the same thing
    all these options should run you under $300.oo

    Shop around better prices can be found.
     
    WFOJeff likes this.
  6. WFOJeff

    WFOJeff TrainBoard Member

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    Thank you for the feedback David, sounds like I was on the right track with the wrong parts.
     
  7. WFOJeff

    WFOJeff TrainBoard Member

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    Good points David, I need to Blue print the layout. I do have a small extension I plan on adding in the future about another 3' x8' so it is starting to sound like the wireless mapping is the better way to go and the way you describe possibilities with NCE is helpful especially targeting under #300.00.
    thank you much
     
  8. bobbyboy1962

    bobbyboy1962 TrainBoard Member

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    I run power cab, at the moment. I bought a usb device from nce and it along with jmri gave me any phone, tablet etc... To use as wireless devices. Best 40 bucks i ever spent. I am not an electronics genius believe me so when i say its easy i mean its really easy. You can use your wired nce unit as well as your cell phone.
     
  9. WFOJeff

    WFOJeff TrainBoard Member

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    Interesting, no clue what jmri is...will investigate.
    thank you
     
  10. Doorgunnerjgs

    Doorgunnerjgs TrainBoard Member

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  11. Doorgunnerjgs

    Doorgunnerjgs TrainBoard Member

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    Sorry, just realized this morning that my suggestion won't work with the Power Cab, only with Powerhouse Pro. Looks like bobbyboy1962's suggestion is the best for your purposes.
     
    WFOJeff likes this.

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