I am prepping four modules to be used at the Detroit NMRA National Convention, Plan on wiring the modules for DCC. Currently have the options to use Digitrax system or a North Coast system. If I settle on Digitrax, the system cam be set up as wireless or set up as NCE then it is Cab based (due to the available hardware I have on hand). Both systems will be set up to provide 10 volts to the rail. When you guys set up for shows that use DCC which system do you tend to use? Is there a preference? Do you provide the throttles or does everyone bring their own? Thanks in advanced Stu
The BAZ BoyZ use NCE, and as far as I know, we are the only Z-Bend Track club using DCC. There are several clubs that use Digitrax and several that use NCE that show at our local trains shows, and the one thing I see that is different between the two is that the NCE clubs run their trains with 1 handed operation, and the Digitrax based clubs are using 2 hands on their throttles. You need to be wireless to really enjoy DCC, as the walk around feature is the kind of freedom you need. We often run DCC on the inside loop and DC on the outside loop, as not all of our guys have converted to DCC yet, and running DC gets to be a hassle because you cannot see all around the layout, so you need spotters everywhere, to tell you when a train is in trouble. Jeff's Y, and my end module both have full NCE wireless systems underneath so in case of one system failure, we still have a backup. One of the guys bought the NCE Power Cab system online for cheap, and is sending it in to NCE for the wireless upgrade for another $89. To use it as a DCC system it must remain plugged in to the layout, (for home use) but it can also serve double duty as a wireless procab at the shows, when we are using mine or Jeff's full system. This way Matt gets the maximum usage for a DCC system for minimal cost.. about $230 total.
I have the NCE power pro and was able to score a rb02 and a radio throttle from one of our local hobby shops that just went out of buisness. The guy behind the counter made a comment that if you take the std throttle and upgrade it to radio you can only use something called an RUB for radio. Do you have any clue what this guy was trying to tell me.?? On your modules do you terminate the Cab Bus as well as the control bus? What provision do you have for short circuit protection?
No terminations. I've 'scoped it and it's fine, everywhere. You can upgrade a std Pro Cab or the all-in-one Power Cab basic system to wireless and from what I was told, they work directly with your RB02. You can confirm with Larry at NCE or, check in on the NCE DCC Yahoo forum: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/NCE-DCC/
The RB02 is the replacement for the RUB1 base station. What he was probably trying to say is if you send in your RUB1, they can upgrade it to a RPT1 repeater to use with your RB02 base station. You only need that if your layout is large and radio coverage is poor. We used to use the RUB1, as I had 2 of them, but I kept one for my home system, and upgraded one to an RPT1 repeater to use on the club modules, in case we get large enough that we need repeaters. So, from the sound of it, all you need to do is send your Pro Cab in to be upgraded to radio. There are several DCC shops that are setup to do the radio upgrade, which are cheaper than sending it direct to NCE.
