I only have 1 other friend into trains and he only has 1 ho set, bachmann ez track and bachmann ez command dcc. I want to do n scale and was planning on getting the bachmann dcc just because i'm familiar with it, but no one really seems to recommend that brand. I don't plan on joining a club and my trains will probably only be used a few times a month so i don't need something too advanced, just reliable and easy to use. I have been trying to read as much in here as possible and it seems like the power cab is suggested a lot and considered easy to use. Is this a good choice for me? My friends bachamnn locos only have limited sound, on youtube i see layouts that have locos with all kinds of sounds, will the NCE controll any n scale dcc locomotive or only certain brands? This might belong in the n scale forum, but- I was going to use easy track but have read mixed reviews on it, what is the easiest n scale track to work with? Thanks for any help, I'm about as confused as a person can be.
This is only my opinion I think that you will find that the Power Cab is one of most user friendly starter systems on the market. Easy to use, low cost, good product support. I can go on and on. If you shop around you can find them for under $150.00 Here is a place that ships free if your oarder is over $75.00 http://www.litchfieldstation.com/DCC-University/index.htm
Thanks for the reply woodone. I read this on teh site you linked- The PowerCab is a DCC starter set - up to 2 amps DCC Cab to use on other NCE layouts Programming Station As a DCC Starter set, PowerCab provides 1.7 amp nominal current with 2 amp maximum current to the rails and allows control of up to four trains, using a Cab04e. The PowerCab has virtually all of the features of the ProCab and can be used on any NCE layout, with the included coiled cord. On the workbench, the PowerCab allows you to monitor current draw by your locomotives and program any decoder now on the market without cumbersome and expensive programming track boosters! With the NCE USB interface, you can use your computer and DecoderPro to maintain your locomotive data files. When you are using the PowerCab on a small layout, Mr. DCC recommends the AutoSW auto-switch to isolate the programming track function from the layout, preventing accidental reprogramming of all the locos on the layout. He also recommends the throttle pocket shown in RELATED PRODUCTS below to hold it! My questions are- What is an NCE layout? What is Cab04e?
I only hear great things about the PowerCab. All DCC equipment is regulated to be compatible by the NMRA. Any brand will work on any system.
Welcome to Trainboard. I think the "NCE layout" is referring to the ability for the PowerCab to be used as an additional handheld controller on any layout that has an NCE system installed. If you aren't going to go to clubs or friends this won't matter to you anyway, though it is useful if you later upgrade your own layout to a ProCab system (for more power and some extra features maybe). The Cab04e is one of the 'add-on' handheld controllers. It doesn't have the display, just some buttons and a speed knob. That blurb suggests you would have two trains on each controller, but you'd likely find that a stretch. Best to keep a controller selected to each moving train and stop one before selecting another, unless one is just trundling around a loop with no risk of collision, etc. Incidentally the NCE is good for sound as it has dedicated buttons for horn/whistle and bell, so you don't have to configure/remember Function buttons.
Most all decoders will work with anyone's DCC system. NCE, Digitrax, Lenz and so forth. Some DCC equipment will only work with in its own name brand. So watch mixing equipment. Decoders should not be problem with any system.
I have the Power Cab for nearly three years and it works very well. I use the Digitrax, SoundTraxx and LokSound decoders. Below is a link to the NCE site. http://www.ncedcc.com/home.html Below is a active Group mostly NCE products. You should be able to read the messages without joining. http://groups.yahoo.com/group/NCE-DCC/ Store the links in Favorites. Eich
In two words - most certainly! This is a totally biased opinion of course. I have a PowerCab (nearly 4 years now) and love it. Further to Mike's reply above, the Cab04E has a switch which gives you a throttle A and throttle B option, each having a separate address (throttle number). The PowerCab handles only two addresses, itself and one other so the second address cannot be not used on the 04E. I would recommend the Cab04P which is one address and slightly cheaper. The Yahoo NCE group is very active with many talented people as members who have been involved with NCE, both as users and beta testers, since the beginning.
Hard to go wrong with NCE. Works great and easy to use. Good feel to the throttle and rugged too. ( I have dropped it a couple of times and no problems). As for the easiest track to use I would recommend Kato Unitrack. For the most part bullet proof. Just be careful of the #4 turnouts as they may take a little tweaking to get great performance.
If you get the NCE Powercab, you can upgrade it later on. NCE has great support. I have 2 NCE systems, one for my N Scale layout and one for my Z Scale modules. One is 11 years old and the other is 7, and I sent them in to be upgraded last winter. I had the new internal antenna's installed, new plastic cases so there are no funny holes, the latest rev radio version installed, new battery clip on one, and custom purple 2mm LED's instead of the bright red ones, all for $100. Now my old stuff looks and operates like brand new, there is no antenna showing to snag on anything, and the radio is 100 times as sensitive as it was before, so I can program wirelessly without high latency. I really do not think you can find another DCC manufacturer that will support their products like that, and for such a reasonable upgrade cost. Most would just tell you to purchase their latest system and sell your old one on ebay. NCE may not be the most technologically advanced system available, nor the cheapest, but it is easy to learn and use, and they are in it for the long haul!
I have had my Power Cab for over 3 years. I also have a CabO4e. With this set up I can control up to four locomotives. I only have direct control of two as I need to toggle back and fort to the other loco's. I use the recall button on the Power Cab, and just flip the switch on the CAbO4e. Keeps you on your toes the keep them all running without a mishap.
When I went to add a throttle to my Powercab I jumped in with the O4e but it would not work with the Powercab's restriction of one additional throttle. I had to return it and exchange for the O4p and am quite happy. Now I have heard little tidbits here and there that the new chip in the Powercab supports an additional throttle but NCE has not mentioned this in any way, as far as I know. Does anyone have more info on this subject? Detroitfan, I can only share my reasoning as to why I chose the Powercab. The main reason was simplicity. The NCE systems have many menu driven tasks within the throttle to guide you to a more enjoyable experience. I am not a guru on this stuff and do not wish to learn hexadecimal programming, memorize "CV" values, nor do I want to carry cheat sheets to refer to. Its all in the throttle via menus. The Powercab also gained a reputation of program ease that seems ahead of the competitors. The menus were the main driving point for me. Some points to help clarify a bit more; An NCE layout is simply referring to the control system.One could have a Digitrax system controlling their layout and refer to it as a Digitrax layout. We as a group should not do that in my opinion as it causes some confusion and assumptions to newbies. As far as I know any decoder can be controlled by any DCC system once the decoder is programmed. Each system has specific limits on this. The Bachman system only controls basic functions including speed, lights, and direction. No sound control as far as I know. So look at how many functions the system can control when deciding. Throttles from one manufacturer to another are NOT interchangeable. You cannot take an NCE throttle and use it on a Digitrax system or vice versa. But you can use Digitrax decoders on an NCE controlled layout and vice versa. You can take your Powercab to a NCE procab controlled layout and it becomes a Procab when plugged into the more advance system. The Powercab is more easily upgradeable now. NCE introduced a new SB3a that expands the powercab to almost fully featured Procab ability. I have the old SB3 and it allows for three additional throttles and I am very happy with it, but the new SB3a works with the more advanced circuit protection. You will be very happy with the Powercab. PERIOD. By the way, please do not be tempted to go with any look alikes because of the lower price. There is a reason the price might be so low you feel you cannot pass it up. You say you will only be a casual user, but take it from us who still have the bite marks, you will likely either like trains or not like trains and your desires will expand. This said keep in mind that the NCE has much more support than any of its look alikes and can also be supported with JMRI freeware(software) rather than the company(manufacturer) supplied software with little to no support. You won't regret your Powercab purchase. Go for it man. If you need help we are here and there may be someone in your area that can help one on one.
