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NCE procab old stock?


ColinK

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Hi,

 

At the recent Wakefield show I paid One of the traders to send me a additional NCE Procab. They said it would be straight off the container from America. (They would not put one aside for me to collect at the show and they sold the last one on their stand minutes before I got there).

 

It arrived today as promised. However, the outer sleeve looks faded to me suggesting it has been on display for some time.

 

The operation manual is version 1.3 with the date on the back, 'last revised 10/08/99'. On page 3 under momentum, it says 'note this feature will be activated with the next (free) upgrade of our Powerhouse Pro'. As the momentum function works on the first Procab I bought, this makes me question if I really have got 'one straight off the container' or old stock?

 

Thoughs appreciated.

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It seems you were sold old stock Search for NCE powercab upgrade on google then onto Bromsgrovemodels,they outline some on the changes which are now into version 1.65.I think you also need an upgrade chip within the unit.I would recommend you phone DCC Supplies for conformation n how to go about upgrading your unit

David

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It seems you were sold old stock Search for NCE powercab upgrade on google then onto Bromsgrovemodels,they outline some on the changes which are now into version 1.65.I think you also need an upgrade chip within the unit.I would recommend you phone DCC Supplies for conformation n how to go about upgrading your unit

David

I would not do that I would ring the supplier and say you seem to have sent me the wrong item by mistake and take it from there it is not as described when sold.

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Ummm ... the other posters have been referring to the Power Cab, for which the latest version is, indeed, 1.65. However, the OP refers to the Pro Cab, which is different. My Power Pro system is version 1.3 which is dated March 2007. There may have been a minor update because of issues with the Cab 06 when it came out.

Having said that, it really sounds like this was old stock, on the evidence presented here.

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According to Bromsgrovemodels the last update was 2008

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

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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)

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Also this from the NCE website.,though no year is given

Part Number524-403

self instal, free if you need it when upgrading as Powercab to 1.65.

 

This will upgrade any SB3a or SB5 to the most recent firmware verion of 1.65

 

Why are you ALL stuck on Power Cab.

 

It's not what he has got!

 

Dave

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Though in fairness it is only one person stuck on Power Cab?

 

Sorry all you others.

 

Only just noticed. That'll teach me.

 

Deadlyduck, why are YOU stuck on the Power Cab?

 

It's not what he has got!

 

:-)))))

 

Dave

Though in fairness it is only one person stuck on Power Cab?

 

Fairness reigns again.

 

Dave

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Can we get back to what the OP originally posted? He referred to a ProCab MANUAL which he quoted as version 1.3, i.e. The printed document and its last revision date, which is probably correct. The only question raised is whether the ProCab supplied can access the momentum functionality. has this actually been tested by the OP? The ProCab is generally used with the PowerPro system, so provided that has the latest version of firmware, already quoted above, I can't see any reason why the ProCab won't work correctly.

 

Hope this helps a little!

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Further to my post of a very late hour yesterday, if the cab box has a sleeve then it was packed within the last 4-5 years at most as NCE changed their packing for cabs and PowerCabs from plain boxes with labels to thinner boxes with sleeves. 

 

If you check the NCE website at https://ncedcc.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/articles/200542599-Procaband download the PDF version of the manual you will see it has the same dates.  NCE don't generally update their documentation until a new version of firmware is released.  The momentum issue is something that seems to have passed them by, it seems.

 

There all sorts of reasons why the sleeve mught be faded but I doubt in this case if it is the retailer who is at fault.  I suggest you just get on and test the ProCab is working and only contact the retailer if there is a problem with it.

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To complete the story, I contacted the supplier by email this morning and recieved a swift reply. They said that the Procab they sent me was straight out of their delivery and it was not long enough in the shop for the outer sleeve to fade (doesn't explain why it is faded though).

 

They also said that all Procabs are v1.3 and have been for some time and that it includes all the latest functions (despite what the manual that came with it says).

 

I have now unpacked it and it does indeed do things, like letting me set the option key to access functions F10 to F28.

 

They did offer to take it back, but having tested and found it OK, I'll keep it.

 

Thanks everyone for you posts.

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