Aquired a NCE system and using TCS WOW decoders in 2-Truck Shays. Thanks to you I grasped the concept of programming the "decoder" in the NCE environment on a program track "first". The programming of the long adress to the decoder was my missing link. Went back and re-read NCE's manual and things started to make sense between NCE's programming and programming features of the WOW decoder. Now both can be accessed on "the main" as needed. A newbie saysThank you.
I have changed cvs only to use rule 17 lighting changes to the locomotives. And yes it would change for the worse I think anything else . Thanks for your posts.
Hi Sir, Do you have a video on how you wired that small 'electrical' panel that isolates the Program Track (now used also as a Rep Track) from your whole layout? If so, could you point me in the right direction?
A piece of track with insulators or program section on both rails. a double throw double poll, center off switch. One side is program track, other side is main, center is off for both. Do not run out of the area that is program track while n Program track mode.
I purchased 2-mrc decoders model 1960 and placed in SD-70m's and was instructed that they would support advance consist. Well I followed your video to the letter and found that not true. I did get them to work old style but that will be worthless to me as I need to run more than two locos. Anything I may have done wrong in consisting? MRC not something I will purchase again. Your thoughts on that would be helpful. This video was very helpful as I followed you through the steps. Thank you Mark H.
What button did you press @4:44 when the cursor was blinking at “short address 3” to get to the screen that said “activate this address”? Also, I have a loco “Duke of Gloucester”. Would the long cab number which is 71000 program into this system ok. It’s just that so far, trains being programmed on you tube seem to only have 4 digit cab numbers.
The programming track is physically isolated from main track, only connected when the switch is in the proper position. I get that. But when the switch is thrown the other way how is the cab connected to the programming track? Is there an extra set of wires connected? If so, where? Is there a command station involved? I don't see any extra wiring from the cab, so I am a bit confused. Thanks for answering a newbie question.
There is a connection that says programing track for two leads for connection to the command station. When the cab is put into the program mode the rest of the system is turned off and only program track is active. Cab stays plugged into the cab bus.
I've programmed about 20 NCE decoders in Athearn engines. Normally after I get the long address programmed in I exit out of the program mode. NCE is a super easy DCC system to use. I will alway use NCE over Digittrax system. NCE is a great system to use for someone starting out in DCC. I have a Digitrax system that is impossible to program. When you use a Digitrax decoder in an engine on NCE system the Digitrax decoder draws more power to get that same locomotive moving. The engines that has factory decoders in them like Intermountain are easy to program on NCE too.
I listened...and said dat jus has to be a whodat! Lol, then I see below. Up in BR. Thanks for posting. Looking at getting back into this, albeit on a small scale.
Is the programming the same between the pro cab and power cab ? I' m about to pull the trigger and buy a power cab starter set. I' m building a small switching layout ( 15" X 10' ). I think the NCE power cab would work me. But I do have one more question. Since a program track is needed and must be insulated ROM the main layout can I use a Atlas turntable to do this ? I thought about putting a DPDT switch with center off like you did here in the video but shut down power to the layout and use the turntable or programming DCC equipped engines Would it be OK to do this or not ?
Yes, you do not have separate program track unless you set one up but not required. Just do not have other engines sitting on live track when programming.
Is that an athearn sd40 or kato sd40? Excellent NCE video on pro cab. How to program prime mover cv on an NCE power cab? Can you program cv for different prime movers?
First how old is your command station? Is it a Power Cab or a full 5 amp system Power House Pro Unit? Is it a sound decoder? most this come with old systems and not enough juice on programming track to get into the actual decoder. Soundtrax sells a booster for the programming track also can try programming on the main. But if you do that make sure no other engines on live track you will program them also.
You never program on the Main. That's my rule and many others have this rule. Push the wrong buttons and you end up doing broadcast programing and every loco that is on live track will be programs to something. I have had someone in the middle of op session program all engines to Loco 3 that were live. Two large clubs that I handle do not allow program on Main it is against the club rules.
Hey arthur, i didnt know this at first but when i started prog on prog track my whole layout stopped while in that mode. I read latter that is is by design. Is there anyway around this? I hate telling my friends "hey stop your trains a minute i want to reprogram my light".
Yes buy a power cab and set it up with a piece of track and it is were all my guest can program engines with out shutting down the big layout. Only way I know you can do it.
Arthur, thank you for having this video on youtube, i am just starting out with dcc.This helped me fix my SD70M-2 CN Loco 8812. I do have a Q though on how to change the direction account when I select Forward it runs reverse and reverse forward ? Can u help ?
You have to program decoder in engine to work on the address you select. Cannot be lower than 127. and not more than 9999. You have to put in and select long address. Once the decoder is programmed than you can select loco and punch in number you are using IE engine number and press enter and it should appear in top on controller and off you go.
I am trying to program a DCC with sound after going to program and selecting standard it is telling me it cannot read CV. I cannot find any tips on what to do when this occurs. Can you help me? I am working on a short piece of track. Just getting into this and am getting really confused. Videos make it seem easy and I just keep getting this message. Also I was under the impression that a loco with sound should have the sound and light come on as soon as I put it on a track with power running to it and I am getting nothing.
What is your command station. Power House Pro 5 amp or a Power Cab 2 amp system and how old is it? Are you using a program track or programing on the main? Is it a sound unit? You should continue even though it say can't read CV the compositor in decoder can block feed back but you actually are programing the decoder.
It is a brand new power cab system. I dont have a layout set up yet so was working with a 2 foot section of track and was using the program track setting. WE tried with three different DCC engines. One has sound the other two dont. Got the same message on all. Tried continuing and it let me continue but after I was finished and went to select locomovtive and tried to run it I didnt get anything.
no it did not. Called NCE and we think it may have been that the track was not getting power. I tried testing it with a multimeter- though im not the best with electronics so could have been reading wrong and it appears that I may have gotten a faulty controller. Shipped it back and they are going to run test adn see if they can figure out why we were not getting power to the track.
If you don't go in and learn how to program cv's on your operating system,especially for lighting,sound and other effects, You'll never realize the full potential that can be had from your operating system.no matter if it's NCE or Digitrax...
and the resulting program 8 to CV 8! No one on utube to show you how it's done. Even companies give the most abridged examples of programing. Programing is so varied and complicated it can't be put into words... Sad
Yes when you get to set control part and ask turn DC off do not turn it off. You should be able just to set on DC powered track and it should run. You can only have one DCC decoder on track at once.
Are you in a different kind of mode/version of cab or what?? you have v1.3 at top right of the cab screen. I have not seen this on mine. your program goes prg on main,, assn loco cab,, sys clock,, then, "program track" I am using a NCE Procab also Mine goes prg on main,, assn loco cab,, sys clock, then,, "set cmd station",, and on , but never a "prog track". My goal here is that I purchased a used N scale Kato with a decoder hardwired under the light board. I don't know what the address is set to, it has no cab number and 3 is not working so I am wanting to figure out how to reset the address. Since it is hardwired under the light board I didn't want to unwire it to figure out what type decoder it is unless I had to.
Thomas - in a nutshell....... *YES!!!!!* It's already more advanced, before you even open the box! And it's arguably the most user-friendly DCC system available.
For the short address for programming a locomotive. If I have a Amtrak train with 3 numbers for the address. Should I put the entire number in or only 2 numbers? Because I am not sure what to do. Also I am very new to DCC.
I will answer your question this way. What type of system do your friends have if they have Digitrax you are probably better off with theirs. Yes I have used both and NCE is easier. NCE uses a serial buss and Digitrax uses a network buss.
Don't fret Jim! If you have got an NCE controller and a DCC layout. let me tell you, you have the right gear to get off to a great start. with so much expansion you wont ever need another controller for a very long time! If you have any Hornby rubbish though you're in for a world of hurt. (they don't mix well with anything but Hornby) This clip is showing off some of the more complex programming you can do with your NCE controller. BUT don't worry! You can just run your trains around very easily without having to worry about any programming. By default most trains are programmed to be #3 So put a DCC ready train on the track, hit number 3 on your controller and you're away!
Jim Schrom - Then you're DEFINITELY in the wrong place!! 😜 The greatest thing about our Hobby is, you can do nearly ANYTHING you want. It's YOUR Railroad!!! Enjoy y DC train set.
Aquired a NCE system and using TCS WOW decoders in 2-Truck Shays. Thanks to you I grasped the concept of programming the "decoder" in the NCE environment on a program track "first". The programming of the long adress to the decoder was my missing link. Went back and re-read NCE's manual and things started to make sense between NCE's programming and programming features of the WOW decoder. Now both can be accessed on "the main" as needed. A newbie saysThank you.
Super helpful video. Thanks for the great explanation!!!
You helped me more than anybody so far. Thanks
Anytime ask.
Thank you very much from a U.K. Railroad modeler. You made it easy to understand all about the NCE PRO cab controler
Yes the NCE Procab is a great controler and friendly user!
Thanks Art, my problems went away. Great presentation.
Can not thank you enough for this very easy to follow programing video. I have a procab wireless and I love it. Thanks again GTW Jim
All your dcc videos have really helped me, thanks.
+djstrains T U
do you have the same number address for all your locomotives? or do they need to be different numbers?
Thank you for the great video. It's saved more than a few when it comes to reprogramming.
Arthur, I wish I had seen your video a long time ago, i.e. when I initially purchased/installed the NCE power cab. Thank you. Roger G. P.
I like this how to video as it has inspired me to use my NCE power cab
in programming my other DCC locomotives
So much easier than other people have discussed on youtube. Thank you. Do you have a video to change from the standard DCC 3 to a 4 digit?
Do not understand part change ftom 3 to 4 digit?
“If this doesn't work, you'll never see it!” 😂😂😂
I've got the same system and love it.ultra user friendly.
I have changed cvs only to use rule 17 lighting changes to the locomotives. And yes it would change for the worse I think anything else . Thanks for your posts.
I control switch through NCE system and the pro cab and cab 06 both are very easy to use to through switches.
100%correct about learning full use of the decoders capabilities. But 90% do not want to do it.
Can I have help to set up my 2 new train to my nce cab
Yes, best to do on the Phone. go to FB and Grande pacific railroad and send me a personnel message and will get you what you need.
thanks i keep going back to your videos
Jim i am sure that someone around you will take the time and show you how to make it work it is simple if some one leads the way. I live in Houma la.
Hi Sir, Do you have a video on how you wired that small 'electrical' panel that isolates the Program Track (now used also as a Rep Track) from your whole layout? If so, could you point me in the right direction?
A piece of track with insulators or program section on both rails. a double throw double poll, center off switch. One side is program track, other side is main, center is off for both. Do not run out of the area that is program track while n Program track mode.
I purchased 2-mrc decoders model 1960 and placed in SD-70m's and was instructed that they would support advance consist. Well I followed your video to the letter and found that not true. I did get them to work old style but that will be worthless to me as I need to run more than two locos. Anything I may have done wrong in consisting? MRC not something I will purchase again. Your thoughts on that would be helpful. This video was very helpful as I followed you through the steps. Thank you Mark H.
What button did you press @4:44 when the cursor was blinking at “short address 3” to get to the screen that said “activate this address”?
Also, I have a loco “Duke of Gloucester”. Would the long cab number which is 71000 program into this system ok. It’s just that so far, trains being programmed on you tube seem to only have 4 digit cab numbers.
Press Enter and move to next step. Some of the newer decoders give you a little different screen look. But enter. and 1 will get you there.
Post any question you may have. You can also go on Yahoo chat room for NCC DCC
The programming track is physically isolated from main track, only connected when the switch is in the proper position. I get that. But when the switch is thrown the other way how is the cab connected to the programming track? Is there an extra set of wires connected? If so, where? Is there a command station involved? I don't see any extra wiring from the cab, so I am a bit confused. Thanks for answering a newbie question.
There is a connection that says programing track for two leads for connection to the command station. When the cab is put into the program mode the rest of the system is turned off and only program track is active. Cab stays plugged into the cab bus.
I've programmed about 20 NCE decoders in Athearn engines. Normally after I get the long address programmed in I exit out of the program mode. NCE is a super easy DCC system to use. I will alway use NCE over Digittrax system. NCE is a great system to use for someone starting out in DCC. I have a Digitrax system that is impossible to program. When you use a Digitrax decoder in an engine on NCE system the Digitrax decoder draws more power to get that same locomotive moving. The engines that has factory decoders in them like Intermountain are easy to program on NCE too.
You need to go on into the next set and program DC off or 4 off and 1 long address on.
Buy a soundtraxx PT 100 program track booster. I USE ONE. Follow instructions on booster to connect wires.
I listened...and said dat jus has to be a whodat! Lol, then I see below. Up in BR. Thanks for posting. Looking at getting back into this, albeit on a small scale.
Not in BR 82 miles south. If interested go to www.grandepacificrailroad.com and PM me on FB.
arthurhouston3 Roger that! I meant I was in BR. Great video, lotsa changes since I have been out of it, 20 years or so. Thanks👍👍😎
Is the programming the same between the pro cab and power cab ? I' m about to pull the trigger and buy a power cab starter set. I' m building a small switching layout ( 15" X 10' ). I think the NCE power cab would work me. But I do have one more question. Since a program track is needed and must be insulated ROM the main layout can I use a Atlas turntable to do this ? I thought about putting a DPDT switch with center off like you did here in the video but shut down power to the layout and use the turntable or programming DCC equipped engines Would it be OK to do this or not ?
Yes, you do not have separate program track unless you set one up but not required. Just do not have other engines sitting on live track when programming.
Is that an athearn sd40 or kato sd40? Excellent NCE video on pro cab. How to program prime mover cv on an NCE power cab? Can you program cv for different prime movers?
Donald Moore yes it is and I do not own any Athearn.
Nice video... Can you tell me what to do if my NCE can't find the decoder in my engine.
First how old is your command station? Is it a Power Cab or a full 5 amp system Power House Pro Unit? Is it a sound decoder? most this come with old systems and not enough juice on programming track to get into the actual decoder. Soundtrax sells a booster for the programming track also can try programming on the main. But if you do that make sure no other engines on live track you will program them also.
You should continue and try to program even if the read out say nothing. It maybe doing what you want but cannot read what is being done.
It's new and it's the procab with the built-in 5amp system
why do we need a program track? instead of programing on the main
You never program on the Main. That's my rule and many others have this rule. Push the wrong buttons and you end up doing broadcast programing and every loco that is on live track will be programs to something. I have had someone in the middle of op session program all engines to Loco 3 that were live. Two large clubs that I handle do not allow program on Main it is against the club rules.
Hey arthur, i didnt know this at first but when i started prog on prog track my whole layout stopped while in that mode. I read latter that is is by design. Is there anyway around this? I hate telling my friends "hey stop your trains a minute i want to reprogram my light".
Yes buy a power cab and set it up with a piece of track and it is were all my guest can program engines with out shutting down the big layout. Only way I know you can do it.
Arthur, thank you for having this video on youtube, i am just starting out with dcc.This helped me fix my SD70M-2 CN Loco 8812. I do have a Q though on how to change the direction account when I select Forward it runs reverse and reverse forward ? Can u help ?
so am i under standing that when i open up my train i can just tpe the road number and it will just go?
You have to program decoder in engine to work on the address you select. Cannot be lower than 127. and not more than 9999. You have to put in and select long address. Once the decoder is programmed than you can select loco and punch in number you are using IE engine number and press enter and it should appear in top on controller and off you go.
thank you
Love it.
What if you have a 2 digit loco address shall I program 0042?
I would suggest 142. Make lable up put on bottom of engine. Need to be above 127. 127 to 2 are consist addresses in NCE system
I am trying to program a DCC with sound after going to program and selecting standard it is telling me it cannot read CV. I cannot find any tips on what to do when this occurs. Can you help me? I am working on a short piece of track. Just getting into this and am getting really confused. Videos make it seem easy and I just keep getting this message. Also I was under the impression that a loco with sound should have the sound and light come on as soon as I put it on a track with power running to it and I am getting nothing.
What is your command station. Power House Pro 5 amp or a Power Cab 2 amp system and how old is it? Are you using a program track or programing on the main? Is it a sound unit? You should continue even though it say can't read CV the compositor in decoder can block feed back but you actually are programing the decoder.
It is a brand new power cab system. I dont have a layout set up yet so was working with a 2 foot section of track and was using the program track setting. WE tried with three different DCC engines. One has sound the other two dont. Got the same message on all. Tried continuing and it let me continue but after I was finished and went to select locomovtive and tried to run it I didnt get anything.
Do you have a FB account? If so go to Arthur Houston and send me a personnel message. I will give you phone number.
Did engine run on 3. Select Loco 3.
no it did not. Called NCE and we think it may have been that the track was not getting power. I tried testing it with a multimeter- though im not the best with electronics so could have been reading wrong and it appears that I may have gotten a faulty controller. Shipped it back and they are going to run test adn see if they can figure out why we were not getting power to the track.
If you don't go in and learn how to program cv's on your operating system,especially for lighting,sound and other effects, You'll never realize the full potential that can be had from your operating system.no matter if it's NCE or Digitrax...
and the resulting program 8 to CV 8! No one on utube to show you how it's done. Even companies give the most abridged examples of programing. Programing is so varied and complicated it can't be put into words... Sad
Well done, well said. Thanx
is it possible for an NCE engine to run on dc as well?
Yes when you get to set control part and ask turn DC off do not turn it off. You should be able just to set on DC powered track and it should run. You can only have one DCC decoder on track at once.
Thank you.
Thank you!
I get message, "Can't read CV. What do I need to do? thanks
Buy Soundtraxx PT 100 program track booster. I use One. Follow instruction on booster to connect wires.
Are you in a different kind of mode/version of cab or what?? you have v1.3 at top right of the cab screen. I have not seen this on mine.
your program goes prg on main,, assn loco cab,, sys clock,, then, "program track"
I am using a NCE Procab also
Mine goes prg on main,, assn loco cab,, sys clock, then,, "set cmd station",, and on , but never a "prog track".
My goal here is that I purchased a used N scale Kato with a decoder hardwired under the light board. I don't know what the address is set to, it has no cab number and 3 is not working so I am wanting to figure out how to reset the address.
Since it is hardwired under the light board I didn't want to unwire it to figure out what type decoder it is unless I had to.
Do you think the NCE is a better and easier to use then the Digatrac?
Thomas - in a nutshell....... *YES!!!!!*
It's already more advanced, before you even open the box! And it's arguably the most user-friendly DCC system available.
Hey do you go to robs trains in alliance Ohio? You sound familiar like I’d met you there
For the short address for programming a locomotive. If I have a Amtrak train with 3 numbers for the address. Should I put the entire number in or only 2 numbers? Because I am not sure what to do. Also I am very new to DCC.
For short address i would put all 3 numbers in
Thank for comment. Any other aspects of NCE you want to know be happy to help.
For a 82 year old its as clear as mud
thank you sooo much
I will answer your question this way. What type of system do your friends have if they have Digitrax you are probably better off with theirs. Yes I have used both and NCE is easier. NCE uses a serial buss and Digitrax uses a network buss.
Thank you.
thanks
I'm sure I'll catch on to it but since I am as green as I can get right now it just seems like rocket science.
Don't fret Jim! If you have got an NCE controller and a DCC layout. let me tell you, you have the right gear to get off to a great start. with so much expansion you wont ever need another controller for a very long time!
If you have any Hornby rubbish though you're in for a world of hurt. (they don't mix well with anything but Hornby)
This clip is showing off some of the more complex programming you can do with your NCE controller. BUT don't worry! You can just run your trains around very easily without having to worry about any programming.
By default most trains are programmed to be #3 So put a DCC ready train on the track, hit number 3 on your controller and you're away!
You only have two choices NCE and Digitrax do not buy any of the others. Those two are 90% of the business.
All I want to do is run the trains around the track! This stuff is too difficult.
Jim Schrom - Then you're DEFINITELY in the wrong place!! 😜
The greatest thing about our Hobby is, you can do nearly ANYTHING you want. It's YOUR Railroad!!! Enjoy y DC train set.
P
Digitrax is a whole lot easier !!!
Actually for new uses no. Nce screen on controller gives step by step moves.