I've been reviewing the NCE PowerPro radio equipped starter set on the NCE website, and have read their FAQ regarding the version 1.5 (generation 3) upgrade. It sounds like the earlier versions had some delays in response that made them less than optimal. I would be interested in hearing any before / after reports or feedback on performance of the latest units. In my situation, I'm willing to pay extra for the wireless operation, but only if it provides "same as teathered" performance. Thanks, Jack
The issues that were problematic in some situations using the earlier versions of NCE radio have been resolved with the latest upgrade to v1.5. Your best bet would be to join the NCE list on Yahoo and search the message archive. There are a few of the beta testers on the list and they covered the issues and resolutions of quite a few problematic installations. Mind, the same issues may have plagued a majority of similar situations using other systems - multi rooms, obstructions, etc.
I'll second what GATS said. The 1.5 upgrade, properly done, apparently makes a very very significant difference. The Yahoo NCE is the way to go - the guy who 'fixed' the NCE radio cab is from my local NMRA Division is active on that list. The guy, Mark, is director of hardware development for a cell phone base station manufacturer - because of that expertise, he was able to identify I think 3 or 4 major fixes and improvements, that were inadvertently caused by differences between the original chip specs given to NCE, and the final chips that NCE was given by their chip manufacturer. I've no direct experience, but knowing Mark and seeing what folks both on the NCE Yahoo Group and at the recent Anaheim NMRA convention had to say and the NCE radio cabs they were personally asking him to update..... I'd say the 1.5 upgrade is well worth the effort and makes the performance pretty good. The Yahoo NCE Group also looks like well worth joining. Just my 2 cents worth.
The SDSONS use the NCE system and have the new radio upgrade. There is no differents from radio to being tethered. It is all they claim.
Thanks for the inputs. It sounds like the NCE setup will save me quite a bit of effort. Adding a cab buss to my modular shelf layout would entail quite a bit of work and one more set of connections at each module interface.
Our club just sent our 3 radio cabs to NCE for the upgrade. Haven't gotten them back yet. I'm hoping it does improve. There were times when it almost appears the buttons didn't work. The upgrade is supposed to increase the range as well. I'll try and remember to update this when they come back in.
