NCE
Manufacturer: NCE
Summary: NCE began as an OEM in 1993, supplying hardware and software for the Wangrow SystemOne. NCE became a DCC manufacturer when Wangrow passed on the NCE Power House DCC system as the replacement for the SystemOne. Today NCE offers a variety of DCC Systems and accessories.
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| General information | |
| Phone | +1-585-265-0230 |
| Fax | +1-585-265-0234 |
| [email protected] | |
| CV8 ID# | |
| Main URL | Main URL |
| URL to manuals | |
| Address | NCE Corporation
82 East main Street Webster, NY 14580 |
| Date Opened | 1993 |
| Date Closed | |
| Successor | |
| Device Types | Booster, Command Station, Mobile Decoder, Other, Power Supply, Stationary Decoder, Throttle |
NCE Corporation
Company Summary
NCE DCC System
NCE Decoder
NCE Power Pro command station with 5A booster.
NCE began manufacturing DCC Products on an OEM basis in 1993 and was originally known as North Coast Engineering. They provided the software component of Wangrow's SystemOne and RamFixx Technologies' RamTraxx DCC systems. The name was changed to NCE when it was incorporated in 1996. Today, NCE has to grown into a full-time electronic design and manufacturing firm devoted entirely to the development and sale of products for the control of model railroads.
The NCE Power House was intended to be marketed by Wangrow as the next generation SystemOne. Wangrow declined, so NCE decided since it was a finished, ready for production product, they would release it under their own brand. Wangrow subsequently went out of business when their licence for the command station software supplied by NCE expired. Wangrow failed to comprehend the difficulty and time requirements needed to create their own software.
AML Interview with Jim Scorse of NCE
This is an audio podcast of an interview with Jim Scorse. Listen in the background if you wish. Youtube allows allows changing playback speed.
There are so many great folks to talk with in the AML Nation and one of the best, is our very own Jim Scorse the owner NCE. Jim has spent over twenty years building NCE into one of the most important companies in the hobby while he continues to innovate and improve his products year after year.
But like so many of our guests Jim isn’t just NCE, he’s passionate about model railroad operations along with his many outside interests such as trivia nights at the local pub, online racing, and his love of music. It’s a great interview and one we’re sure you’ll enjoy, so grab yourself a big bowl of shredded car cards, a steaming hot mug of melted solder and enjoy!!
Products
NCE produces a full line of Digital Command Control products
Starter Sets
Power Pro Advanced Starter Set with external command station / booster. This set may also be equipped with the wireless option. (Radio version shown).
Entry Level Power Cab. Note the differences between it and the Power Pro system. The command station and booster are integrated into the throttle.
Basic starter set: NCE Twin
Advanced Systems
- Power Pro
- Power Pro R (Radio)
- Power Pro 10
- Power Pro 10 R
Originally this system was marketed under the Power House name. Complete system with Throttle (Pro Cab), integrated Command Station / Booster. A Power Supply is NOT included.
- Five- and 10-Amp versions available.
- Walkaround capability
- Expansion: 63 devices (Additional cabs and accessory items). NCE calls anything on the throttle network a "cab".
- Interface: Serial Port, RS232. USB adaptor card is not recommended as some commands are not available over USB connections.
- Programming Track connections, Programming Track Booster recommended.
The radio systems will be upgraded and increase the number of channels available in the process. It will be backwards compatible. [1][2]
Entry Level Systems
- Power Cab
While the Power Cab looks a lot like a Power Pro (they use the same package for the throttle), it is a 1.5A Booster, Command Station and Throttle integrated into a handheld device. If you disconnect it from the layout, everything stops as the DCC track signal is generated in the handheld. Adding a Smart Booster eliminates that issue. The tight level of integration limits the available current for the track power bus. Some software features are also absent.
The Power Cab features Pro Cab compatibility when connected to NCE Pro Cab / Power Pro command station it functions as a throttle. A cable to enable this feature is included.
The interface to the layout is called the PCP or Pro Cab Panel. It has connections for the ProCab, DC Power, and the Rail A and B terminals to connect the track power bus. It also has jacks to enable expansion of the system via the Cab Bus. Only three additional UTP panels are supported. In addition, three additional cab bus devices are supported for a total of three throttles and three accessories.
Supports USB interfaces for computer control
Basic System
- DCC Twin
This system features two throttles integrated into a single enclosure with the command station and a 3A booster. Limited programming options. Can also be used as a pair of throttles in another NCE system.
Power Pro compared to Power Cab
The Power Pro has additional features. While both units may look alike, there are some important differences:
- Computer interface: RS232, does not require a cab bus address to function, advanced features compared to other NCE systems
- Macro Capability Enhanced
- Accessory decoders last state is restored upon power up
- Control up to 250 locomotives
- Consisting: Up to 128 Advanced Consists possible, with additional consisting features.
Throttles
- Pro Cab/Pro Cab R
- ProCab Deluxe
- A Pro Cab is only a Cab/Throttle. Requires a command station and a booster
- Cab6
- Available singe throttle cab with radio and choice of rotary encoder or potentiometer. Four digit display. Can be used with YARD mode (center zero)
- Cab06r: Radio version
Discontinued
Wireless cabs
- Cab04pr
- Cab04r
Tethered Cabs
- Cab04
- Cab05
Notes
- A Pro Cab and a Power Cab look almost identical but they are two completely different products.
A Pro Cab is a Throttle only. It requires a DCC command station to function. It is a dumb terminal with a keypad and a display.
The Power Cab is a complete DCC system in one package. It is a Throttle, Command Station and Booster. All three in one (handheld) package.
- The Power Cab has a six-wire cable which connects it to the power supply, and also has wires which carry the digital DCC track signal and the throttle bus. This cable cannot be substituted with another. If you need a longer reach, the solution is to purchase a Cab06. They are available in tethered and wireless versions. The Power Cab must remain connected to the Power Cab Panel for the system to work.
- If you wish to run more than a few locomotives with your Power Cab, an SB5 booster may be required.
Each Cab must have its own unique cab address. Available cab addresses are based on the command station being used. Example: For a Power Cab system the available cab addresses are 3, 4, and 5. Addresses 8, 9, and 10 can be used for devices like the USB interface, AIU and Mini Panel.
Command Stations
- PH-Box
- Power Pro System command station/booster
- CS02
- Command Station Only for Power Pro
- SB5 Smart Booster
- Five-amp command station / booster for Power Cab system, up to six throttles. NCE radio compatible. Converts to booster only if needed.
See this page for firmware revisions applicable to their command stations.
Boosters
NCE has used three product names in its manufacturing history.
- MASTER SERIES
- Power House
- Power Pro
- PB5
- Five Amp
- PB110A
- 10 Amp Booster with Automatic Reverse. Recommended for large scales.
- DB5
- Five Amp booster
Expansion Boosters
- DB3/DB3A
- Replaced by the DB5 Booster
- SB3/SB3A
- Replaced by SB5 Smart Booster
The SB5 and DB5 are 5A units. They are current production as of 2017
Smart Booster Firmware
Version 1.28
Version 1.65
- Total number of Cabs supported is 6, Addresses 2-7.
- Supports three AUI, USB or Minipanels on addresses 8-10
- Improved USB functions
1.65a
- Corrected issues with Dumb Booster modes
1.65b
- Number of cab addresses available after reset corrected
Older Units
- PB105. This model evolved into the DB and SB3 boosters. Available by special order only.
- PB110 10A booster, superseded by the PB110a
- PB205. Many PB205a boosters don't have the model's name marked on the front of the booster. Dual 5A boosters
Circuit Protection
- Main article: NCE/Circuit Protectors
Auto Reverser
AR10 10A Auto Reverser
Discontinued Products
| Name | Replacement | Status |
|---|---|---|
| CAB04P | CAB06P | |
| CAB04PR | CAB06PR | |
| CAB05R | DISCONTINUED | |
| CAB05 | ||
| SB3 | SB5 | |
| SB3A | ||
| DB3 | DB5 | |
| SWITCH-IT | SWITCH-IT II | |
| SWITCH-8 | SWITCH-8 MK II | |
| DIN PANEL | DISCONTINUED | |
| PACKET ANALYSER[3] |
See Also
- NCE FAQs
- NCE FAQ - NCE Frequently Asked Questions
- NCE Hints - Hints and tips for NCE products
- NCE Products - a more detailed list of NCE's offerings.
- Wangrow - Early DCC manufacturer which used NCE parts and software.
References to this Manufacturer
NCE FAQs
Q: Connection Issues between JMRI and NCE PH5
The latest update of the NCE Power Pro system (PH5, with USB interface, released in late 2023) has issues connecting to JMRI.
Due to architectural changes within, the new PH5 command station requires JMRI version 5.7.x or greater to correctly function. Previous versions of JMRI are not able to communicate with the new command station.
JMRI 5.0 was released in mid 2022. Requires installation of JAVA 11 for proper operation.
Edit FAQ Related Articles: Connecting a Computer to Your DCC System, JMRI, 5240035 Related Manufacturer: NCE, JMRI Categories: Command Station, Computer, Computer Interface
Q: NCE Power Cab Functions Not Working
The Power Cab has a known firmware issue where some functions are swapped after using the Program Track.
This issue is solved by rebooting the Power Cab. If you press a function button and it does not work as expected, this will fix the issue.
Edit FAQ Related Articles: NCE Power Cab, Accessing Functions above F9 with an NCE Power Cab Related Manufacturer: NCE Categories: Command Station, Throttle
Q: Avoiding Locomotive Runaways
A runaway is a situation where the multifunction decoder loses the DCC signal and reverts to Analog mode, immediately accelerating to full speed.
Good trackwork, proper wiring following the recommended best practices, proper power management and eliminating the cause of shorts goes a long way to prevent runaways from occurring. A common cause of runaways is a distorted DCC signal causing the vehicle's multifunction decoder to switch to analog operation, accelerating to full speed in the process.
A runaway is scary, and the only way to stop it is a total shutdown of track power.
Also read the section on Compatibility Issues for technical details on multifunction decoder addressing to avoid a runaway.
Introduction
Runaways can be caused by several factors.
When a multifunction decoder powers up, several things happen.
- There must be enough voltage to power the microcontroller and other circuits
- Like any computer the microcontroller will boot up and execute its operating system.
- The memory will be tested to ensure it is valid. A checksum will be calculated and compared to one stored in memory. If the two match, everything is good.
- If the two checksums do not match, the operating system will clear the memory and reboot, returning the decoder its default state.
- The decoder will, after all these checks have been done, examine the track signal to determine if it is a valid DCC signal or not.
- If it determines it sees an analog DC voltage, it will fall back to Analog Conversion mode.
- This is fine if that track is powered by an analog control system.
- Since the DCC signal is always at full voltage, a distorted DCC signal will cause the vehicle to immediately accelerate to full speed.
Avoiding Runaway Locomotives
One approach to avoiding runaways is to disable Analog Conversion in CV29. Setting bitswitch #2 to 0 (zero) accomplishes this.
When enabled, Automatic Power Conversion allows a multifunction decoder to switch to analog operation if a valid DCC signal is not received. When disabled, the Packet Timeout controls the decoder, which will stop after a set period of time has elasped without receiving a valid DCC Packet.
Proper Wiring
Proper wiring goes a long way to avoiding runaways or loss of control.
Improper wire gauge, excessive run lengths, and poor wiring practices contribute to this issue. Proper selection of wire gauge for the planned run, and keeping the bus wires together helps manage the impedance of the bus. Excessive impedance results in ringing on the bus, which distorts the DCC signal. A distorted signal can result in a runaway.
Short Circuits
A typical cause is a turnout. Often by an operator running into a turnout which is set against the direction of the train. Or by incorrectly gauged track and/or wheels creating a condition for shorts to occur.
If a multifunction decoder's start up procedure is interrupted by an event such as a short circuit, it can lead to memory corruption, which results in a reset of the decoder's parameters. This will reactivate Analog Conversion, which when coupled with a distorted track signal, can result in a runaway.
Loss of Control
Some decoders may remember their last state. If layout power was removed at for example, the end of an operating station, everything stops.
When layout power is restored, the locomotive will immediately resume what it was doing previously.
This can also occur if the locomotive was removed from the layout and placed on another layout later.
Packet Timeout
The NMRA DCC Standard includes the optional CV11, which contains the Packet Timeout Value. This value determines how long a decoder will continue to follow the last throttle commands in the absence of a valid DCC signal. When that time has elapsed without the resumption of a valid DCC signal, the vehicle will stop.
The default is 20 seconds.
This CV is optional.
Ghost Throttles
A Ghost or Phantom Throttle means there are two throttles controlling the same address. The operators may not be aware their throttle is controlling another address. The throttle may not be in use, adding additional confusion
Wireless Throttles
A common issue is a wireless throttle going to sleep. Control will not be re-established until the throttle awakes and begins transmitting commands.
One option is to configure the throttle's sleep mode to its longest period. Many will go to sleep after a brief period to conserve battery power. Another solution is to make subtle speed adjustments or activate a function to keep the throttle active.
NCE Wireless Systems
If NCE Wireless Cabs are not version 1.5B or the RB02 base station has not been upgraded to version 2.0 or higher, a situation can occur where one throttle suddenly goes to speed step 128. Upgrading the RB02 should fix this issue.
Contact NCE for further information.
Edit FAQ Related Articles: Power Conversion, Primary address, Wiring, CV29, Ghost Throttle Related Manufacturer: NCE, Digitrax
Categories: Beginner, Power, Wiring
See more FAQs!
- ↑ A Modeller's Life podcast, Episode 198
- ↑ Fall 2022
- ↑ Replaced by DCC Meter and Packet Analyser