Several years ago, while setting up for a show, I carelessly swapped track and power supply wires, and smoked my command station / 5A booster in one box. I lost that unit during a move, and need a DCC system for a home layout. I was thinking of just getting the SB5 Smart Booster instead of the Power Pro PHBox, since it's cheaper. So my question is, will the SB5 Smart Booster work the same as the PHBox being a command station and 5 amp booster in one box? I want to plug my RB02 and RPT1 radio and repeater into the Smart Booster, and be able to use my 2 wireless Pro Cabs without having to purchase a Powercab. If that won't work what are my lowest cost options? -Robert
I would call NCE their tech support is outstanding and they will be able to tell you what to do if you don't get your unit fixed.
Yes, I called them this morning, and they said it would work fine. I would only be limited to 6 cabs, but I only have 2, and there is no program track, but I have a programming station on my workbench so I am covered there too.
Many guys go the NCE PowerCab route and then add on the SB5 booster when they are ready to build the layout out to more capacity. I wasn't aware of the six cab limitation, but if that isn't a stopping point for you, I say go for it. Now that I think about it, I would have thought the cab limitation was in the command station ie. PowerCab, PowerHouse Pro, ect. But since the SB5 can basically be a command station even when you unplug the cabs, I guess that makes sense. Either way, NCE is a good way to go. I love that it's easy to build on as your needs grow.
The 6 cab limitation has to do with the allowed numbering of the cabs in the SB5, and I think you can only number them 02 through 07 where you can go up to something like 46 on a regular CS02 command station. Since my layout is going into a 320 square foot shed, I probably can't accomidate 6 operators, but if there were, you could add many more cabs by using the WiThrottle or Engine Driver through JMRI and almost everyone has their phone with them. I confirmed their USB interface is compatible while on the phone. Absolutely everything is supported except the 6 throttle limitation, no programming track option, no RS-232 port, and no track voltage adjustment pot. Now I just have to find the best price.
