NCE Hints/NCE Firmware Command Stations

How to determine the firmware version:
# From the regular loco screen on the cab: 
# Press PROG/ESC five times to get to Set Cmd Station. 
# Press Enter. 
The first thing displayed is the command station version.
PH-Pro / Powerhouse / CS02 - What Version Do I Have?
==Firmware Releases ==
----
=== 1990s ===
==== 1995 ====
This was the first version of the NCE firmware used by Wangrow's System One, and later by the NCE Master System. 
Featured:
* Address Ranges:
** Accessory Decoder Addressing 1 − 2044
** Multifunction Decoders: 
*** Primary: 1−127
*** Extended: 1− 9999
** Advanced Consist Addresses: 1 − 111
* Cab Addressing: 62 cabs, using addresses 2 − 63
* Speed Steps
** 14 & 28/128
* Macros: Ten Locomotive macros
* Locomotive lighting functions and control implemented
==== 1996 ====
Released in late fall 1995, 11/29/95
* Programming support for Accessory Decoders
* Recall function expanded to six recalls
* Function mapping for Bell and Whistle
* Advanced Consist Addresses: 1 − 127
* Can test for Locomotive in use
* Command Station Access expanded. Access control now based on Cab address
* Command Station configuration can be changed with ProCab. DIP switches eliminated
* Fast Clock enhancements
* Cab address range expanded to 63 cabs
==== 1998 ====
Release 1/22/98 would be the last one for the Master Series (NCE) and System-1 (Wangrow). First firmware released under the Power Pro name for the Power House Pro. It would also receive an NMRA Conformance Warrant
* AIU board support allows occupancy detection with BD20.
* Accessory macros introduced
** 200, with 10 steps per macro
** Locomotive Macros no longer supported
* Advanced Consist Aliasing 
** Address of lead unit controls Advanced Consist
* Improvements in Cab Bus
* Binary Commands for computer interface
* Emergency Stop works in all modes
Minor bug fixed version: 4/19/99
=== 2000s ===
==== 2004 ====
11/19/2004
* Functions increased to 12 
* Unlimited number of computer-controlled cabs 
* Advanced Consisting 
** Improved and simplified 
** Consists can be controlled from either end with an alias 
* Operations and Service Mode programming improvements 
** Direct Mode programming support 
* Momentum controlled at the throttle 
* Support for: 
** Macro panels 
** Signal Decoders 
* Computer operations and programming improvements 
* Possible to backup system memory for consists, macros and system setup
A minor upgrade released as version 12/21/04
==== 2006 ====
7/1/2006
* Playable whistle feature 
* Functions increased to 28
* Clear recalls, selected locos of all cabs without resetting entire system
* Clear all advanced consists without resetting entire system
* Deletion or replacement of lead/trailing locomotives from advanced consists via Consist Broswer/Manager
* Programming
** Improved Operations mode programming of sound decoders
** New NMRA Ops mode programming supporting accessory/signal decoders
** Improved support for Signal decoders
*Improved computer operation with new programming commands
==== 2007 ====
3/1/2007
* Previous state for accessory decoders retained by system 
* State of all 28 functions can be displayed using the EXPN button (excludes radio cabs)
* All Advanced Consists can be cleared without resetting the whole system
* PC Communications:
** ASCII commands removed 
** All communications must use Binary Commands
* Selection of a locomotive with sound muted caused function and speed step zero commands to be sent, waking locomotive to confirm its selection
* Programming: Broadcast Operations Mode supported.
* Turnout control improvements:
** State of last turnout number used retained for faster turnout control
** Press SEL ACCY button twice toggles position of the current (last) turnout without the requirement to enter anything
===== 2007A =====
A beta version numbered 7/10/2008 was used as a limited release test of the software. Never used in production. 
===== 2007B =====
This version of the software was released to production.
Compatibility issues with the new Cab06 addressed:
* Addresses problem of showing correct engine numbers on the cab's LED display. 
** Appeared if the engine number was greater than 4095. 
** Upgrade to firmware required if a Cab06 is in use. 
* A free PowerPro upgrade ROM shipped with the Cab06
===== 2007C ===== 
10/18/11 
*Cab Polling speed increases due to improvements in command station communication with non-display cabs
=== 2020s ===
==== 3/22/21 ====
 This firmware update will not work with the Wangrow SystemOne or NCE Master System. 
The update improves functionality of the Cab06 only.
March 22 2021​ EPROM 5-Amp System Firmware Chip
* Powerhouse 
* Power Pro
* PH-Pro 
* CS02 
Upgrading is unnecessary unless there is an issue.
Features:
# Support for new DCC time packet for simplified automation
# Optional ‘purging’ of unused cabs to speed up system response
# Setting of all 1024 CVs in any programming mode
# Improved startup for Cab06 cabs
# Ability to disable Momentum button on cabs
# Numerous bug fixes
# Other changes and improvements
The serial port's speed was reduced to 9600 (from 19200) bps for more reliable data transfers.
Category:NCE