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Last updated 20 June, 2017
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For a summary of NCE Decoder specifications click here

   

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LATEST NEWS

NCE have released a new accessory decoder called the Q-Snap for controlling twin-coil point motors. This provides:

All new easy programming with no jumpers, on board display.
Control for 4 twin coil solenoid type switch machines (Atlas, Peco, etc)
Supports the full range of DCC accessory addresses (1-2044)
Runs from track power or external 9-15 Volt DC power supply
Easy address programming, no need to connect it to programming track
Inputs for local control panel push buttons
Simple hook up, 2 wires to the track, 3 wires to each switch machine

November 2012 - NCE has discontinued the SB3a Smartbooster and DB3a Booster and replaced them with new models, called the SB5 and DB5, both now provided with a universal power supply. NCE has also introduced a new twin control DCC system which comes with a 3 amp universal power supply and a bus expansion connector enabling a ProCab throttle to be used with the system. To view the manual for using the DCC Twin as a "Master" device click here.

NCE SB5 NCE DCC Twin System

Also released by NCE in 2012 is the PB5 booster which replaces the PB105 and can be used with most DCC systems to provide an additional 5 amps of power. Also released recently are the Mini Panel, USB Interface, Packet Analyser (for the PowerPro system) and the BACHDSL decoder, a drop-in decoder for Bachmann US diesel locos. In addition there is a new throttle, the Cab06, which has a digital display.

For an in-depth illustration of Mini-Panel usage for automatic train control click here (it's a long video!).

For some extremely helpful information and advice on using NCE products in particular and more general advice on using DCC see the website of Mark Gurries.

FIRMWARE UPGRADES

The latest EPROM upgrade has been released and is now available. It provides software version 1.65.

It is important is that users have registered with NCE as they will then get the offer of an upgrade at a discounted price. The upgrade will be installed by the user, using instructions provided with the upgrade.

Recent purchasers of PowerCab systems will have been provided with a manual for the upgraded system (it will have Rev 1.65 on the front of the manual) and a yellow card offering them a FREE upgrade. If you have such a card you therefore qualify for this offer, so please make sure the yellow card is returned to NCE or you may miss out on this.

PowerCab Upgrade to version 1.65 - Changes from previous version
The PowerCab™ now supports cab addresses 3-5 for a total of 3 external throttles in addition addresses 8, 9 and 10 may be used for non-throttle type devices such as AIUs, Mini-Panels or USB interfaces. Regular throttles will not work on address 8, 9 or 10.
There are now 6 recall slots available for each cab (addresses 2-5). The number of recalls can be adjusted from 1-6 using the appropriate selection in the "SET CAB PARAMS" menu. Factory default is 2 recalls.
The "SET CMD STATION" menu now has an option to change the power-on timeout that determines how long the ‘ProCab™’ part of the PowerCab™ will wait for cab bus activity before going into PowerCab mode. This value is in seconds (approximately) and can be in the range of 1-30. This will ensure the primary PowerCab™ has a chance to startup before the additional throttles. Factory default is 4 seconds.
In the program CV feature of the PROGRAM ON MAIN menu you can now use the speed buttons or thumbwheel to change the CV values dynamically. Each button press or thumbwheel movement sends the next higher or lower value to the decoder. You can still enter CV data the old way by pressing number buttons as before. Pressing ENTER or PROG/ESC will exit this mode. This is useful for setting start voltage, sound volumes, etc.
If you press SELECT ACCY twice in a row the last used accessory will toggle to the opposite position.
A new setup parameter in SET CMD STA has been added to disable issuing of
speed and function packets when a new loco has been selected.
Key code 101 now sends the user to the "Set Recalls" menu instead of the obsolete cab setup mode. This enables the CAB06 to set recalls in the PowerCab™.
The menu selection "PROG ACCY ON MAIN" has been changed to read "OPS PROG ACCY CV"
The menu selection "PROG SIG ON MAIN" has been changed to read "OPS PROG SIG Cvs"
New USB commands. Use of the new commands requires USB version 7.x.x (free if you return your USB interface to NCE with a note stating you need the upgrade)

To view the manual for version 1.65 click here.

For a guide on how to install and connect up the USB interface for use with the PowerCab, click here.

Latest versions of firmware, as at 1 September 2008, for NCE systems are:

PowerCab 1.28C

PowerPro 1.3

All systems retailed should have these firmware versions already installed. If not, or you have a system with older firmware that has not been upgraded, please read the following:

A firmware upgrade was released by NCE during March 2007 for PowerCab and PowerPro users. If you think you have lost your registration card, you have also lost your manual! The card is usually attached to the inside of the front cover of the manual. If you really have lost your card (and your manual!) you should contact your retailer who will (should?) be able to verify your purchase.

PowerCab Upgrade
PowerPro Upgrade
Adds functions 0-28 Adds functions 0-28
Adds function refresh Adds a "playable whistle" for Tsunami and Digitrax decoders
Adds system reset Improvements in accessory control
Allows advanced computer support Enhanced consist operation
Bug fixes Bug fixes
Some other (unspecified) enhancements Some other (unspecified) enhancements
 

For more info about the PowerPro upgrade, click here

To view the manual for version 1.28 click here.

EB3/SOUND DECODERS

Some users have reported problems when using sound equipped locos, especially those containing QSI and Soundtraxx decoders, and the NCE EB3 circuit breaker. The problem is that the EB3 does not reset itself. For a more complete discussion of the problem and a possible solution please see this item. Note that NCE have now withdrawn the EB3 from their product list and has been replaced by the EB1.

POWER CAB

The PowerCab starter system from NCE is no longer available from Bromsgrove Models but is available from Digitrains. It consists of a PowerCab throttle (which is fundementally the same as the throttle used in the more powerful PowerPro system), a Power Panel into which the throttle is plugged (and there is another connector for an additional cab) and a connecting lead.

The PowerCab now comes with a UK compatible 2A power supply. Note that there is a separate adapter/jack plug in the bag of bits supplied to enable the power supply to be plugged into the PowerCab panel.

The system provides a power output of 2 amps, enough to run two or three OO/HO locos or four N scale locos simultaneously, though this will depend very much on the power requirements of the locos (whether they are fitted with sound, etc.). It is possible to increase the output to 5 amps with the use of the Smart Booster, as well as connect the system to a computer via the optional USB cable. You can also use more throttles with the Smart Booster and increase the number of locos in the recall stack to 6, though it is set to 2 by default. You will, though, need a 5 amp transformer in order to use the Smartbooster.

PLEASE NOTE: There are issues with using the CAB4e and Cab05 with the PowerCab and we would currently advise against using these throttles in combination with the PowerCab.

It is possible to upgrade the PowerCab to a full PowerPro system by just purchasing a PowerPro System Box and a 5 amp transformer. The PowerCab throttle becomes a PowerPro throttle when plugged into the System Box using the curly cable.

To view the PowerCab manual, click here.

For a review of the PowerCab see the June 2006 edition of Model Rail magazine, or click here.

To purchase the NCE PowerCab, click here.

To view the manual for the 5 and 10 Amp Power Pro systems, click here.

To view a PDF summary of the advantages of NCE DCC systems click here. Note that the radio versions mentioned in the document cannot be legally sold in the EU.

 

NCE Decoder Summary Table

Length
Width
Height
Decoder
Version
EFX Functions
Outputs
Continous Amps
Max Amps
mm
in
mm
in
mm
in
KRS-SR
3.2
4
4 x 100mA
1.3
2
22.86
0.90
16.00
0.63
5.08
0.20
P2K-SR
3.5
5
5 x 100mA
1.3
2
22.86
0.90
16.00
0.63
5.08
0.20
DA-SR
3.5
5
5 x 100mA
1.3
2
72.39
2.85
16.51
0.65
3.05
0.12
SW9-SR
3.5
4
4 x 100mA
1.3
2
22.86
0.90
16.00
0.63
5.08
0.20
D408SR
3.2
7
7 x 100mA
4
10
57.15
2.25
30.48
1.20
9.53
0.38
D13-SR
3.5
3
3 x 100mA
1.3
2
41.91
1.65
16.00
0.63
3.05
0.12
D13-SRJ
3.5
4
4 x 100mA
1.3
2
41.15
1.62
16.00
0.63
4.19
0.17
D14-SRP
3.5
6
6 x 100mA
1.3
2
18.03
0.71
10.41
0.41
4.83
0.19
Z14SR
3.5
4
4 x 100mA
1.3
2
14.5
0.57
8.60
0.34
3.30
0.13
Z14SRP
3.5
4
4 x 100mA
1.3
2
14.5
0.57
8.60
0.34
3.30
0.13

For a list of NCE decoders suitable for US locos currently available, click here.

 

POWERPRO

Whilst the PowerCab is the NCE starter system this can be upgraded to the full PowerPro by purchasing the PowerPro System Box. The PowerCab throttle, when plugged into this box, becomes a full PowerPro with all of the functionality you would expect from a 5 amp system. You can also purchase the PowerPro as a complete system with command station and throttle, with both 5 and 10 amp systems available. All you need to purchase in addition is a suitable transformer.

To view the specifications of the 5 amp system click here and for the 10 amp system click here.

To view the manual for the PowerPro system, click here.

To purchase the NCE PowerPro 5 amp System, click here.

 

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