NCE

== NCE Corporation ==
=== Company Summary ===
File:Cs02-system.jpg|NCE DCC System
File:Nce_d408sr.jpg|NCE Decoder
File:NCEPowerPro-Box.jpg|right|thumb|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====
ncephp5r.jpg|Power Pro Advanced Starter Set with external command station / booster. This set may also be equipped with the wireless option. (Radio version shown).
NCEpcab.jpg|Entry Level Power Cab. Note the differences between it and the Power Pro system. The command station and booster are integrated into the throttle.
NCE-Twin.jpg|Basic starter set: NCE Twin
==== 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 is compatible with Pro Cab when connected to an NCE Power Pro command station. It functions as a throttle in this configuration. A cable is included to enable this feature. 
The interface to the layout is known as the PCP or Pro Cab Panel. It features connections for the ProCab, DC Power, and the Rail A and B terminals to connect the track power bus. Additionally, it includes jacks that allow for the expansion of the system through the Cab Bus. However, only three additional UTP panels are supported. Furthermore, three additional cab bus devices are supported, providing a total of three throttles and three accessories.
Supports USB interfaces for computer control.
==== Basic System ====
* DCC Twin
This system combines two throttles into a single enclosure, which houses the command station and a 3A booster. However, it offers limited programming options. Additionally, it can be used as a pair of throttles in another NCE system.
This system is no longer in production.
====Advanced Systems ====
* Power Pro
** Power Pro R (Radio)
* Power Pro 10
** Power Pro 10 R
Originally this system was marketed under the Power HouseThe name was changed to avoid conflict with an existing product. 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. A Modeller's Life podcast, Episode 198 Fall 2022
===== Power Pro =====
# Computer interface: RS232, does not require a cab bus address to function, advanced features compared to other NCE systems
## Recent models feature USB in place of the RS232 connection.
# 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.
====== Power Pro compared to Power Cab ======
The Power Pro offers additional features. Although both cabs may appear similar, there are some crucial differences to consider.
# The Pro Cab and Power Cab look almost identical, but 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 must remain connected to the Power Cab Panel for the system to work. 
## The Power Cab has a six-wire cable which connects it to the power supply, plus wires which carry the digital DCC track signal and the throttle bus. This cable cannot be substituted with another. If a longer reach is required, the solution is to purchase a Cab06. They are available in tethered and wireless versions. 
## 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. For a Power Cab 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.
===Throttles===
A Pro Cab is only a Cab/Throttle. Requires a command station and a booster
* Pro Cab/Pro Cab R 
* Pro Cab Deluxe 
* 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
===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 =====
* Function Refresh 
* USB support
* 28 Functions
* CVs up to 999 supported
* Reset to factory defaults
===== 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===
=== Auto Reverser ===
AR10 10A Auto Reverser
== Discontinued Products ==
Name 	Replacement 	Status
CAB04P 	CAB06P 	
CAB04PR 	CAB06PR 	
CAB05R 	 	DISCONTINUED
CAB05 	 	DISCONTINUED
SB3 	SB5 	
SB3A 	SB5 	
DB3 	DB5 	
SWITCH-IT 	SWITCH-IT II 	
SWITCH-8 	SWITCH-8 MK II	
DIN PANEL 	 	DISCONTINUED
PACKET ANALYSERReplaced by DCC Meter and Packet Analyser	 	DISCONTINUED