NCE Power Cab User manual

1
System Reference
Manual
System Reference
Manual
Power Cab
Power Cab
Rev. 1.65

2
NCE
CAB
LOC:1234
FWD: 000
12:00AM
L1-3---
Basic Set Up of the
Power Cab System
RedLEDon
bottomofpanel
Your Power CabTM is a full featured DCC system. It must be used with the 6 wire,
FLAT cable supplied. All features described in this manual are available to you when
used in the Power CabTM mode. If you own or operate with a PowerHouseTM or Power
ProTM NCE system, you can use the Power CabTM as a Pro CabTM using the 4 wire
coiled cord that is also supplied. An NCE P114 power supply (13.8VDC Regulated) is
the supplied transformer for your system.
OptionalExtra
Cab
PowerPanel
PowerSupply
P114
6 Wire FLAT
Cable
16ga. stranded wire

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Quick Start
Contents of the Power CabTM System:
Power CabTM Power Panel (marked PCAB-PP)
Seven foot flat cable Coil Cord (4 wire) to use as a Pro Cab
Power Supply Power CabTM system reference manual
We recommend that you follow the instructions below to connect your system to a
small test track first. After your system is checked out completely and known to be
working then consider the final installation locations for components and connections
to the track.
TRYING OUT YOUR POWER CABTM:
#1 Assemble the Power Panel by screwing the black plate to the circuit board with
screws provided.
#2 Connect the long 7 foot flat cable from the Power CabTM into the socket marked
(on the drawing) POWER CABTM (with the LED below the jacks) use the left
socket).
#3 Use a small, flat screw driver to attach the test track feeder wires to the small
two place connector. Make sure that there are no shorts or frayed wires between
the connections.
#4 If you have a locomotive with a DCC decoder already installed place it on the
track.
#5 Plug the power supply into the socket marked POWER. Plug the power supply
into a wall outlet. If the red light of the panel lights up you are ready to go. If it blinks
on and off your have a short. shut off power
#6 The display of the cab should look something like:
LOC: 003 00:03AMLOC: 003 00:03AM
LOC: 003 00:03AMLOC: 003 00:03AM
LOC: 003 00:03AM
FWD: 000 -------FWD: 000 -------
FWD: 000 -------FWD: 000 -------
FWD: 000 -------
This is what we call the ‘NORMAL DISPLAY’. The fast clock in the upper right hand
corner will most likely show a different time.
The following cab buttons must be pressed in the proper sequence to acquire control
of the locomotive #3 (in the above example locomotive #3 is already selected):
Note: By convention, locomotive decoders usually have their short address set to 3
at the factory.
a. Press SELECT LOCO button once.
b. Press the “3” button once. DO NOT press 0 then 3.
c. Press ENTER.
TIP #1 If you make a mistake while entering numbers on the cab just keep pressing
more numbers until the number entry field clears, then enter the correct numbers.
TIP #2 Whenever the cab is waiting for you to enter data (a flashing black square is
on the screen at the point where the numbers will go) you can press the PROG/ESC
key to “escape” what you were doing and return to normal operation mode.
TIP #3 Whenever you have pressed a button (such as SELECT LOCO) and you
want to keep what ever number that is already on the screen just press ENTER.
#7 To operate the locomotive, the following controls are used:
a. The thumbwheel will increase/decrease speed. The speed control buttons
that flank the thumbwheel on either side may also be used as desired to
control the loco speed.
b. Pressing the DIRECTION button will cause the loco direction to reverse.
CONGRATULATIONS! You are now operating a locomotive with DCC control. In
most cases, less than ten minutes has elapsed since you started reading this Quick
Start Guide.

COMPLETING THE QUICK START
Operating one locomotive is fun — for awhile. But operating two locomotives is a lot
more fun for a much longer time. Advancing beyond this simple DCC testing requires
decoder installation into more locomotives and perhaps a few straight pieces added
to your circle of track. After you have two locomotives with decoders we can
continue with both locomotives simultaneously operating under DCC control. At least
one locomotive will need to be programmed with a different address.
PROGRAMMING A LOCOMOTIVE
ADDRESS
#1 The first item of business in this section is to remove any locomotives from the
layout that will not be programmed.
#2 Place the locomotive to be programmed with an installed decoder on the track.
#3 Press the PROG/ESC button four times (bottom left corner) to get to the
programming track menu.
Your cab should read:
SELMODE xx:xxPMSELMODE xx:xxPM
SELMODE xx:xxPMSELMODE xx:xxPM
SELMODE xx:xxPM
USE PROGRAM TRKUSE PROGRAM TRK
USE PROGRAM TRKUSE PROGRAM TRK
USE PROGRAM TRK
xx:xx represents the fast clock which may display any time at this point.
#4 Press ENTER to use the programming track and you will see:
PROG TRK xx:xxPMPROG TRK xx:xxPM
PROG TRK xx:xxPMPROG TRK xx:xxPM
PROG TRK xx:xxPM
1=STD 2=CV 3=REG1=STD 2=CV 3=REG
1=STD 2=CV 3=REG1=STD 2=CV 3=REG
1=STD 2=CV 3=REG
#5 Press “1” to use Standard programming. You will see:
MAIN OFF xx:xxPMMAIN OFF xx:xxPMMAIN OFF xx:xxPMMAIN OFF xx:xxPMMAIN OFF xx:xxPM
MANUFACTURER:___MANUFACTURER:___MANUFACTURER:___MANUFACTURER:___MANUFACTURER:___
After a moment the blank space after MANUFACTURER: will be filled in with the
NMRA code for the maker of the decoder.All manufacturers have different codes.
If you get a CAN NOT READ CV message the decoder is not responding. Check the
locomotive, decoder and programming track wiring. An older decoder that uses
“paged” mode (discussed later) can take up to 15 seconds to read the values.
#6 Press ENTER to read the decoder version installed in your locomotive.
#7 Press ENTER again to see:
ACTIVE ADR:SHORTACTIVE ADR:SHORTACTIVE ADR:SHORTACTIVE ADR:SHORTACTIVE ADR:SHORT
SETUP ADR 1=YESSETUP ADR 1=YESSETUP ADR 1=YESSETUP ADR 1=YESSETUP ADR 1=YES
4

5
By convention all DCC locomotive decoders are set to short address 3 or long
address 3333 at the factory. If your decoder has not had its address changed
you will see a short address as the active address. Press 1 to set up the
address. ACTIVE ADR:SHORTACTIVE ADR:SHORT
ACTIVE ADR:SHORTACTIVE ADR:SHORT
ACTIVE ADR:SHORT
SHORT ADR: 003SHORT ADR: 003
SHORT ADR: 003SHORT ADR: 003
SHORT ADR: 003
TIP A decoder can have 2 different addresses, the Short Address (values from 1-
127) or the Long Address (sometimes called 4 digit with a range of 0000-9999). A
decoder can use one or the other but not both at the same time. Some entry level
decoders can only use the Short Address.
#8 Press ENTER to keep the current short address set to 3.
#9 Press ENTER to skip activating the short address.
#10 Next you will see the Long Address (which is probably set to 0000 or sometimes
to 9999). With older decoders, it may take a up to 30 seconds to read the long
address.
This is the address we will change.
#11 You will likely want to enter the number on the side of the locomotive cab as the
Long Address. Type in the number of the locomotive and press ENTER.
#12 Press 1to activate the Long Address.
You have just changed the Long Address.
At this point, press PROG/ESC twice to exit the program track mode.
You have just completed the hardest part of DCC… programming the locomotive on
the programming track.
To select the locomotive:
a.Press SELECT LOCO button
b.Press the digits corresponding to the Long Address you just programmed..
c.Press ENTER
At this point you should have control of the locomotive. Now is the time to program up
a second locomotive and run them both.
RUNNING TWO LOCOMOTIVES WITH ONE CAB
#1 Select the first locomotive you wish to run (SELECT LOCO followed by its
address then ENTER).
#2 Press RECALL to store this locomotive in one of the internal recall “slots” of the
cab. The display of the cab will now show a locomotive of 000.
#3 Select the second locomotive and start running it.
#4 By pressing RECALL you can toggle back and forth between the two different
locomotives. At any time you can select a new locomotive “over the top” of any
locomotive already on the display. The existing locomotive will be forgotten by the
cab with the new one taking it’s place. The one in RECALL will remain available for
recall.

CUSTOMER SERVICE
Customer Service is handled through our factory warranty center or by your
dealer. It is faster to deal direct with the factory. Please write or call us before
returning any products to our warranty center. Sometimes the problem is
easily solved over the phone. If writing make sure you include your name,
address and phone number and the times that you can be reached at that
number. This will greatly expedite our service to you if you have questions.
NCE Warranty Center
82 East Main St.
Webster, NY 14580
Phone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
Email Address: [e-mail]
Web Site: www.ncedcc.com
We reserve the right to either repair or replace components sent to us for in-
warranty service. The warranty period will begin on the date shown on your
retail sales receipt. Please do not send anything for repair without first
writing or calling to explain the problem. Also remember to include your
name, address and phone number with a brief description of the problem.
REGISTER MY SYSTEM… WHY?
By registering your Power CabTM or Smart Booster DCC system with us you
will receive personal notification of any software and hardware updates. At
various times we provide free updates to our customers. At other times there
is a nominal charge to cover shipping and handling (usually about $5 to
$10). We do NOT use your name or address for any purpose other than
upgrade notification. We will not sell or otherwise provide your personal
information to any other person, company or entity.
ABOUT THIS MANUAL
This manual covers the installation and operation of the NCE Power CabTM
DCC system. It is not a comprehensive tutorial on all the aspects of Digital
Command Control. It is not necessary to know the inner workings of DCC to
use this system. Some users may wish to delve deeper into the how and why
of Digital Command Control for model railroads, especially those wishing to
use the computer interface of the Power CabTM. For those interested in the
“nuts and bolts” we recommend the reading of the following NMRA
Standards and Recommended Practices as they pertain to DCC. Applicable
standards are: S-9, S9.1 and S-9.2 and Recommend Practices: RP-9.1.1
through RP-9.2.4. These documents are available via the Internet at
www.nmra.org.
Editorial help has been provided by Lou Nost of Penfield, New York.The
NCE Publications Department wrote this manual. Please address comments
regarding the manual to:
NCE Publications Dept.
82 East Main St.
Webster, NY 14580
[email protected]
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Power Cab™
~The Finest in Digital Command Control ~
System
Reference Manual
for Power Cab™
V 1.65
Copyright 2015
NCE Corporation
82 East Main St.
Webster,NY14580
[phone]

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TABLE OF CONTENTS
QUICK START ............................................................................................................ 1
COMPLETING THE QUICK START ......................................................................... 2
PROGRAMMING A LOCOMOTIVE ADDRESS ....................................................... 2
RUNNING TWO LOCOMOTIVES WITH ONE CAB ................................................ 3
CUSTOMER SERVICE............................................................................................... 4
REGISTER MY SYSTEM… WHY? ............................................................................ 4
TABLE OF CONTENTS ............................................................................................. 6
INSTALLING DECODERS ......................................................................................... 8
PRECAUTIONARY NOTES FOR DECODERS........................................................ 9
GENERAL SYSTEM INSTALLATION...................................................................... 10
DEVICE LOCATIONS........................................................................................... 10
PROGRAMMING TRACK .................................................................................... 10
NCE AUTO SWITCH ............................................................................................ 11
REVERSE BLOCKS, WYES, AND CROSSOVERS ........................................... 11
WIRING.................................................................................................................. 11
SYSTEM POWER PANEL DESCRIPTION ............................................................. 12
THE POWER CABTM SYSTEM UNIT ....................................................................... 13
SET THE PRO CABTM ADDRESS............................................................................ 14
THE LCD SCREEN ............................................................................................... 14
LOCOMOTIVE CONTROL AREA ....................................................................... 14
SPEED CONTROL SECTION ............................................................................. 15
COMMONLY USED BUTTONS........................................................................... 15
LOCO AND ACCESSORY SELECTION GROUP ............................................. 16
DATA ENTRY/FUNCTION CONTROL............................................................... 16
CONSIST SETUP GROUP .................................................................................. 16
PROGRAMMING AND EXTENDED FUNCTION CONTROL........................... 17
CAB SETUP ........................................................................................................... 18
CAB BUTTON NUMBERING SCHEME .............................................................. 20
TABLE OF FACTORY DEFAULT VALUES ........................................................ 21
6 WIRE CAB BUS CABLE WITH RJ-12 CONNECTORS .................................. 21
4 WIRE CAB BUS CABLE WITH RJ-12 CONNECTORS .................................. 22
POWER CABTM SPECIFICATIONS ......................................................................... 22
OPERATING PROCEDURES .................................................................................. 23
THE “NORMAL” DISPLAY.................................................................................... 23
SELECTING A LOCOMOTIVE OR CONSIST ................................................... 23
CONTROLLING HEADLIGHTS AND OTHER DECODER FUNCTIONS........ 24
OLD AND ADVANCED CONSISTS EXPLAINED ................................................... 25
ADVANCED CONSISTS....................................................................................... 25
OLD STYLE CONSISTS (ALSO CALLED BRUTE FORCE OR UNIVERSAL) 25
SETTING UP AN ADVANCED CONSIST ............................................................... 25
DROPPING A LOCOMOTIVE FROM AN ADVANCED CONSIST................... 27
ADDING A LOCO TO AN ADVANCED CONSIST............................................. 27
CLEARING AN ADVANCED CONSIST .............................................................. 28
CHANGING THE LEAD/REAR LOCO ................................................................ 28
OLD STYLE CONSISTS........................................................................................... 29
SETUP AN OLD STYLE CONSIST ..................................................................... 29
ADDING A REAR LOCO TO AN OLD STYLE CONSIST ................................. 29
CLEARING AN OLD STYLE CONSIST .............................................................. 30
CONTROLLING TURNOUTS AND OTHER ACCESSORIES.............................. 31
MOMENTUM BUTTON ............................................................................................ 32
USING MACROS TO CONTROL TURNOUTS ..................................................... 33
MACROS EXPLAINED ......................................................................................... 33
PROGRAMMING PROCEDURES .......................................................................... 34
ACCESSING PROGRAMMING MODES ............................................................ 34
PROGRAMMING MENUS TABLE OF CONTENTS............................................. 35
PROGRAMMING ON THE MAIN ........................................................................ 37

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ASSIGNING A LOCO TO A CAB ........................................................................ 44
SET THE SYSTEM CLOCK.................................................................................. 44
USE PROGRAM TRACK...................................................................................... 46
SETUP COMMAND STATION............................................................................. 55
SETTING THE CAB PARAMETERS ................................................................... 57
PROGRAM ACCESSORY DECODERS ON THE MAIN ................................... 59
PROGRAM MACROS........................................................................................... 59
BROWSE CONSISTS........................................................................................... 61
PROGRAM SIGNAL DECODERS ....................................................................... 61
HELPFUL HINTS....................................................................................................... 62
TROUBLE SHOOTING ............................................................................................ 63
COPYRIGHTS........................................................................................................... 64
WARRANTY............................................................................................................... 64
FCC STATEMENT .................................................................................................... 65
ABOUT NCE .............................................................................................................. 65
MENU NAVIGATION CHARTS ............................................................BACK COVER

10
INSTALLING HARD WIRED DECODERS
Locomotive decoders come as convenient plug-in models (usually designed for one
specific loco or family of locomotives) or as lower cost “hard wired” types that can be
wired directly to many different locomotives. Below is a description of a typical hard
wired installation.
Read the following section on decoders before starting. There are shortcuts to
temporary installations of the other components, but do not shortcut the decoder. We
recommend you get your first decoder installed by a dealer or locomotive
manufacturer just so you have a good example of how it’s done.
The most important part of a successful decoder installation is proper isolation of
both motor brushes from the track so that they are driven only by the decoder.
Failure to isolate will definitely damage the decoder. Damage caused by failure to
isolate the motor is not covered by the guarantee or warranty.
We find it preferable to mount the decoder with 1/2" wide 3M photo-mount double
sided foam tape (we get ours at the local supermarket).
Before test running your newly converted locomotive on full power double check
your wiring to make sure the motor is fully isolated and that there are no pinched or
broken wires. We see many decoders returned due to wires getting pinched between
the body shell and frame causing shorts.
Due to the high in-rush current of incandescent grain-of-wheat type bulbs (about 10
times the normal operating current) we have rated the decoder function outputs at
100mA each. We recommend Miniatronics part number 18-014-10 (2.4mm diameter
14 volt/30mA) bulbs for good results. If you are running higher voltages you will need
to use 16 or 18 volt bulbs.
Note 1: The function common (blue wire) is the positive lead providing rectified DC voltage. If you
elect to NOT use the common, power the light or other device from either track power pickup for
half-wave operation (approx. 1/2 voltage).
Relay, Smoke
unit, etc.
-
+
Note: If a function controlled device presents
inductive load (such as a relay), always use
a suppression diode (such as 1N4004 or 1N914)
across the device.
Motor -
Motor +
Right Track Power Pickup
Left Track Power Pickup
Forward Light
Light or Function Common (see note 1)
Reverse Light
Function 1 (not on all decoders)
Gray
Orange
Red
Black
White
Blue
Yellow
Green
Blue
Left Rail
Firemans Side
Right Rail
Engineers Side
Motor
WARNING: To prevent decoder damage,
ALWAYS make sure the motor brushes are
properly isolated before applying power.
Forward

11
If you need to use higher current lamps (50-150mA) we recommend a 22 ohm 1/4
Watt resistor in series with each bulb (this will also greatly extend bulb life). The
function outputs are rated at 150mA continuous if used with LEDs or other low in-
rush devices.
Always make sure the motor is isolated from the frame. Always make sure
metal couplers are isolated from the frame.
PRECAUTIONARY NOTES FOR DECODERS
l MAKE SURE NO METAL PART OF THE LOCOMOTIVE TOUCHES ANY METAL
PART OF THE DECODER. APPLY ELECTRICAL TAPE TO THE INTERIOR OF
THE LOCO AT ANY QUESTIONABLE POINTS.
l THERE MUST BE NO ELECTRICAL CONNECTION BETWEEN THE MOTOR
AND THE RAILS. BOTH MOTOR TERMINALS MUST BE ELECTRICALLY
ISOLATED FROM THE MOTOR FRAME AND BODY.
l IF YOU USE METAL COUPLERS MAKE SURE THE COUPLERS ARE
INSULATED FROM THE FRAME. THIS CAN CAUSE MYSTERIOUS PROBLEMS
WHEN RUNNING TWO OR MORE LOCOMOTIVES COUPLED TOGETHER.
l DO NOT USE CONVENTIONAL (older) DECODERS WITH CORELESS
MOTORS.
NCE decoders that are designated SR (Silent Running) are high frequency motor
drive decoders. These will not harm coreless motors.
l Test the locomotive to assure good analog (DC) operation. Poor running
locomotives will not run well with DCC either. Test the loco under a “stalled”
condition. First connect ammeter between the DC power supply and the track.
Remove the loco’s shell. Increase power to the loco until it reaches at least 12
Volts. Now stall the motor by squeezing the flywheel until it stops. With locomotives
without flywheels, push down on the mechanism until the wheels stop turning. Note
the reading on the meter. The decoder rating needs to exceed the highest
amperage reading otherwise the decoder will cause the loco to have intermittent
stops when operating at the decoders’ rated amperage.
l We suggest installing the wiring harnesses with plugs for all leads being used in
order to facilitate decoder removal in the future.
l Lights and motor stall current should not exceed the values listed for each
decoder. Nor should their total exceed the amount of current remaining after
testing the loco motor “stalled”. The Function common (blue wire), is track voltage.
l Make a wiring diagram of your locomotive’s motor power and lighting. Copy it and
show how you are going to insulate the motor from the frame, if it is not already
insulated, and where you are going to cut the wires from the track pickups to the
motor and lights. LGB locomotives can be tricky here.
l The power for the Functions normally is connected to the Blue wire. This will
supply the lights with 14-15 volts (for the NORMAL setting). If you connect one
wire of a light bulb to one of the rails (Red or Black) and the other wire to the
function wire, the voltage to the lights will be cut to half the normal voltage (7 - 8
volts).
l Place the loco on the programming track and refer to the section
“PROGRAMMING ON THE PROGRAMMING TRACK”. Almost all decoders come
from the factory with the short address “3”.
When wiring, the right hand rail is the rail to the right of the observer standing
between the rails with their back to the front of the locomotive, also referred to as the
“engineers side”. For traction systems, the overhead wire is considered the right
hand rail.

12
GENERAL SYSTEM INSTALLATION
DEVICE LOCATIONS
The physical locations for the Power CabTM can be anywhere. We suggest a location
where the LED on the front of the Power Panel can be easily seen should there be a
problem. Cab Bus panels such as the UTP or UTP-DIN are set up to use prewired
four or six wire RJ12 telephone type cables to connect from panel to panel behind
the layout fascia. Page 21 has a diagram of the proper wiring for these cables. We
recommend placing the panels about 7-8 feet apart. In yard areas closer spacing
may be needed. We suggest that a plug be no more than three feet from any siding
where an operator would most likely stop and spend some time. Consider that
operators will tend to gather at these panels so placement in crowded aisles may
require care.
A SEPARATE PROGRAMMING TRACK
The programming track is a separate section of track where programming (setting
the locomotive address and/or other internal parameters) takes place. The
programming track must be electrically separate from the main trackage. The end of
a convenient spur track will work fine. Install insulated joiners in both rails, directly
across the track from each other. Allow enough length for your longest locomotive.
If desired, the programming track can be connected with a double-pole double-throw
switch that is used to isolate this segment from the rest of your layout. This track is
needed to complete the necessary start up programming for most decoder-equipped
locos.
When the switch is set to use the programming track, the remainder of the layout is
stopped. With NCE decoders, all parameters can be changed on the mainline using
the “Programming on the Main” feature, without shutting down the whole layout.
Some other manufacturer’s decoders do not support “Programming on the Main” so
a programming track is required. Some owners have setup their shop loop to be DC,
DCC, and programming track, then they can do all the testing in their shop and have
only ready-to-run loco’s on the layout.
Insulated
joiners in
BOTH rails
Power Cab
track connector
MAIN TRACK PROGRAMMING TRACK

13
MAIN PROG
DCC
NCE
AUTO-SW
POWER
PCAB-PP
TRACK
Double Gaps
Program Track
Main Track
Power Cab
Power Supply
Track Out
DCC
Program
Main
Power Cab
Power Panel
Auto SW
You can use the optional NCE Auto SW to automatically turn off your mainline track
and let you program one locomotive at a time on your program track. Part number
524-226 is the Auto SW. When the Auto-SW is set to mainline, the program track will
be off.
REVERSE BLOCKS, WYES, AND CROSSOVERS
Reversing loops/sections still present the same potential for short circuits as
conventional DC layouts. You can use commercial auto-reverse loop modules such
as the MRC AD520 or Tony’s Trains Auto Reverser.
WIRING
If you already have a layout, your existing wiring most likely can be used without
problems as long as it can handle a continuous 2 amp current. We suggest a “bus”
of two large gauge (18 AWG) wires that follow the general track route of your layout
with feeder wires to the track about every 3-6 feet. For the most trouble free
operation we suggest a feeder to EVERY piece of rail. Don’t rely on the rail joiners to
handle 2 Amps of current. To prevent voltage drop over long runs a chart of
recommended track bus wire sizes is found below.
For the hobbyist wiring up a new layout our suggested wire sizes based on voltage
drop are:
Runs to twenty-five feet ...... #18
Runs to fifty feet................... #16
For best results on long runs (over 20 feet), twist the bus wires about three turns per
foot.
If you are planning a layout expansion that will require more power (more trains) in
the future, we suggest using #16 for runs to 25 feet and #14 for longer runs.
There is no special requirement for routing the power conductors with DCC. If you
are going to have long runs of cab bus cabling along the front of the layout you
should run the track bus wires nearer the rear to prevent potential “crosstalk”
between the track signal and the cab bus.
Installation of the Auto-SW to the Power CabTM System

14
SYSTEM POWER PANEL DESCRIPTION
POWER
PCAB-PP
TRACK
Track Wires
Power
Optional UTP Panel(s)
provide extra plug-in
locations for optional cab,
Mini Panel and/or USB
Interface
Optional
Extra Cab
(must be
set to cab
address 3)
Power Cab
here ONLY
Red LED glows
when there is
power to track
NOTES:
lThe Power CabTM will deliver track power only if it is plugged in to the LEFT socket.
With the flat, 6-wire cable.
lUse only the provided P114 power supply or a voltage regulated 10-15 VDC
supply of 3 Amps or less.
lThe flat 6 wire cable carries track power from the Power CabTM to the Power
PanelTM. Use this cable for Power CabTM operations.
lThe 4 wire coilcord DOES NOT carry track power. Use this cable when you use
the Power CabTM as a Pro CabTM on another system.

15
THE POWER CABTM
DCC COMPATIBLE COMMAND CONTROL
DIRECTION MOMENTUM
INC FAST
DEC FAST
INC
DEC
HORN/
WHISTLE BELL HEADLIGHT
OPTION RECALL
EMERGENCY
STOP
SELECT
LOCO MACRO
SELECT
ACCY
1 2 3 4
5 6 7 8
9 0 ENTER
PROG/ESC EXPN 28/128 SHIFT
CONSIST
SET UP
SPEED
LOC:1234
FWD: 000
12:00AM
L1-3---
CLEAR ADD DEL
F10 F12F11
NCE
CAB

16
SET THE PROCAB ADDRESS -
If the Power Cab is to be used as a Pro CabTM
Just as every locomotive has a separate number (address in DCC terms) each cab
needs a separate address so the command station can distinguish one cab from
another. Each Power CabTM is shipped from the factory with the address of 2. When
the Power CabTM is used in Power CabTM mode, the address is always 2 regardless of
the Pro CabTM address setting. To easily change the address:
1. Power up your Power CabTM system.
2.Plug in the Power CabTM cable to the CAB BUS connector of the Power CabTM
3. Unplug your Power CabTM at the base of the cab
4.Press and hold the SELECT LOCO button while re-plugging in the cable you just
removed from the cab
5.You should see the following display on the cab:
NCE PROCAB V1.3NCE PROCAB V1.3
NCE PROCAB V1.3NCE PROCAB V1.3
NCE PROCAB V1.3
CAB ADDRESS = 02CAB ADDRESS = 02
CAB ADDRESS = 02CAB ADDRESS = 02
CAB ADDRESS = 02
6. The cursor will be flashing over the 0 of “02”. Type in the new cab number. In this
case, you will press “3” (valid range = 1-63) followed by ENTER.
7.Press PROG/ESC to skip setting all the other cab setup options. They will be
discussed later on page 20 of this manual.
THE LCD SCREEN
The LCD screen provides you with
messages from the Power CabTM
Command Station. This information
includes: locomotive status, scale
time, command prompts and
messages regarding programming
decoders. The drawing above
shows how the display looks
during normal operation. The top
line of the display includes the locomotive number being controlled and the scale
time. The second line shows the direction, speed and status of the locomotive
function outputs. Decoder functions are represented with “L” for headlight or the
function number 1 through 6 being ON. A dash (“-”) indicating the function is OFF
LOCOMOTIVE CONTROL AREA
DIRECTION
The DIR key changes the direction of your loco or
consist. The current direction is displayed as the first
three characters of the second line on the screen.
This button is disabled if the cab is in Yard mode.
Holding down the DIRECTION button while turning the system on will cause it to
immediately go to Power CabTM mode.
MOMENTUM
This key changes the acceleration/deceleration rate of the currently controlled
locomotive/consist.
DIRECTION MOMENTUM
SPEED
DCC COMPATIBLE COMMAND CONTROL
LOC:1234
FWD: 000
12:00AM
L1-3---
NCE
CAB

17
SPEED CONTROL SECTION
The digital encoder equipped Power CabTM allows
you to use both the speed buttons and the knob for
controlling the speed of your locomotive. The left
two keys increase or decrease the speed by either
4 or 10 speed steps, depending on the speed step
mode (28 or 128), whereas the right keys increase
and decrease the speed by one speed step at a
time.
The knob increases the speed by rotating it up and
decreases the speed when it is rotated down.
Power CabsTM have a feature called ballistic tracking. The faster you rotate the knob
the faster it will increase or decrease the speed. This rate is adjustable from 0-7. The
factory default value is 3. See the Cab Setup section later in this manual.
Note: Speed buttons are disabled if the Power CabTM is in Yard mode.
COMMONLY USED BUTTONS
HORN/WHISTLE
Factory default is to operate function 2 when this
button is pushed. Unlike other keys which toggle
functions on/off this key blows the horn as long
as the key is held down. Pressing the 2key will
still toggle the function on or off.
BELL
Factory default is a toggle for function “1” on or off with each button press. This can
be changed in the Set Cab Params menu.
HEADLIGHT
Toggles the Headlight on and off. With DCC, the headlight is defined as Function 0,
and pressing the 0 (zero) key will perform the same function, but we felt the headlight
warranted its own button and a more convenient location.
OPTION
This button can be programmed to act as any button you wish (see the CAB SETUP
section on page 18, step 8).
EMERGENCY STOP
Pressing EMERGENCY STOP will stop the active loco/consist for this Cab only.
Speed will be immediately set to zero (no momentum). Loco is restarted by changing
the speed step or direction.
RECALL
This button toggles between the last two to six locomotives or consists addressed.
RECALL allows you to keep two to six locomotives and/or consists active in the
command station memory and access them in “round-robin” fashion with each press
of the button. Think of RECALL as being a set of memory slots. To put a locomotive
in a recall “slot”, press SELECT LOCO and enter the loco or consist to be operated
followed by pressing ENTER. To put another locomotive in the next slot, first press
RECALL to access the next slot. Now press SELECT LOCO and enter the second
loco followed by pressing ENTER. When additional trains are to be added either a
“slot” with “000” or an expendable loco/consist must be displayed on the screen.
Whatever is on the display will be replaced with the new loco/consist.
INC FAST
DEC FAST
INC
DEC
HORN/
SPEED
HORN/
WHISTLE BELL HEADLIGHT
OPTION RECALL
EMERGENCY
STOP

18
The number of RECALLS for each cab can be changed within the “SET CAB
PARAMS” menu (see PROG button description). The factory default value is two.
You may also “clear out” any locomotives in the recall slots using the “SET CAB
PARAMS” menu. We don’t advise using RECALL in Yard mode. Because the
‘DIRECTION’ can be fouled inside the ProCab.
LOCO and ACCESSORY SELECTION GROUP
SELECT LOCO
This allows the selection of a locomotive/consist to
operate. Press this key, the loco/consist number,
then ENTER.
When loco is selected, Speed Step 0 and Functions
0 through 8 commands are sent to the loco. This
serves to “Wake Up” sound decoders.
MACRO
When this key is pressed you are prompted to enter the macro number, then press
ENTER. Macros are used to control one or more accessories with a single
command.
This is especially useful for selecting a route through a switch ladder in a staging
yard or complex trackwork where it would be inefficient to throw several switches by
selecting them individually. Macros are explained in detail later on page 33.
SELECT ACCESSORY
For controlling “accessory” decoders that operate accessories such as switch
machines, lights, signals, etc.
DATA ENTRY/FUNCTION CONTROL
NUMBER KEYS
The keys 0through 9serve two purposes. First,
when operating a loco/consist if a number key is
pressed it toggles the corresponding function on the
loco (if that function is connected and supported by
the decoder). The second purpose is for typing in
numbers such as when selecting locomotives or
responding to screen prompts during programming.
ENTER
Used to confirm numeric inputs or select a programming mode.
CONSIST SETUP GROUP
Supports not only advanced decoders that respond
to the Extended Packet Format but also the older
entry-level decoders. For complete operating
instructions on consist makeup read the section on
SETTING UP A CONSIST on page 25.
SETUP
Starts the procedure for either creating an advanced or old style (some call it
Universal) consist.
SELECT
LOCO MACRO
SELECT
ACCY
1 2 3 4
5 6 7 8
9 0 ENTER
CONSIST
CONSIST
SET UP CLEAR ADD DEL

19
CLEAR
Disbands (breaks up) a consist.
ADD [LOCO]
Adds a locomotive to a consist.
DELETE [LOCO]
Drops a locomotive from a consist. For use with Advanced Consists ONLY (this
button is inactive with old style consists.
PROGRAMMING and EXTENDED FUNCTION
CONTROL
PROG/ESC/F10
Provides selection of the various system
menus available for setting up decoders,
cabs, time, etc.
This button also doubles as an “escape”
key during number/data entry. Whenever
the cursor (flashing rectangular box) is shown on the cab display to indicate the cab
is waiting for data to be input you can press PROG/ESC to cancel the data entry and
return to normal operations.
The following menus are accessed round robin fashion with each successive press
of the PROG/ESC key when in normal operations:
l First press: Program on the Main (Operations Mode programming)
l Second Press: Assign loco to Cab
l Third Press: Set Fast Clock
l Fourth Press: Use programming Track
l Fifth Press: Set up Command Station
l Sixth Press: Set up Cab Parameters
l Seventh Press: Program accessory decoders on the mainline
l Eighth Press: Set up Macros (switch route control)
l Ninth press: Browse Advanced Consists
l Tenth press: Program Signal decoders on the mainline
Pressing ENTER at any of the above menus will select that menu, pressing PROG/
ESC will step to the next menu. You can use ‘shortcuts’ to get to the menus you like.
For example: Pressing PROG/ESC followed by 4 takes you to the Program Track
menu.
Pressing SHIFT and PROG/ESC activates F10.
EXPN/F11
In Power CabTM mode, this button is reserved for future features. When the Power
Cab is used as a wireless Pro Cab, this button is used to access the radio setup
menu. When the cab is tethered, it toggles between the display of lines 1 and 2 of the
LCD display and lines 3 and 4. Pressing SHIFT and EXPN activates F11.
Pressing the EXPN key will show the status of functions 1 through 28. The top line of
the screen shows functions 1-14, ‘-’ means the function is off. A digit in the space
means the function is on. The second line of the screen shows functions 15 through
PROG/ESC EXPN 28/128 SHIFT
F10 F12F11

20
28 in the same manner. Pressing the EXPN key a second time returns the cab to the
normal display.
28/128/F12
Provides the ability to toggle between 28 and 128 speed step operation of the active
loco/consist. Pressing this button will display the speed step mode you have selected
on the cab LCD. The LCD display will be set to the normal operation display the next
time a function is toggled or ENTER is pressed. Pressing SHIFT and 28/128
activates F12. When the Power CabTM is turned off, the default is set to 28 speed steps.
SHIFT
This button gives each key on the ProCab an “alter ego”. When pressed and held
while pressing another key on the cab the alternate value of that key can be used.
For example: To access the function F10 you simply press SHIFT and PROG/ESC
at the same time to activate FUNCTION 10. Every key can be programmed to any
current or future feature we may think up. This is like having a whole cab full of
OPTION keys. Each key is preprogrammed at the factory to one of these alternate
uses. Try pressing SHIFT and 4. This takes you directly to the USE THE
PROGRAMMING TRACK menu. A list of the shifted keys is tabulated on page 21.
EXTENDED FUNCTION CONTROL (F10 - F28)
Control of functions F13 through F28 has been added. To access these function
numbers program the OPTION key to a value of 122 (see CAB SET UP, below).
Pressing OPTION will display “F10 through F19 on the bottom line of the cab.
Pressing a digit will toggle that number plus ten. For example. pressing 6will issue an
F16 command.
Pressing OPTION a second time will display “F21 through F28” on the cab. Pressing
a digit with this display will toggle that number plus twenty.
Pressing OPTION a third time will return to the F10 through F19 display. Pressing
Prog/Esc at any time will abort the operation.
CAB SETUP
The Power CabTM has various internal setup parameters and operating modes. Most
of the settings apply to both Pro CabTM and Power CabTM modes of operation. The
following steps describe the parameters you can change to customize the cab to
your liking.
To access the cab set up mode:
1)Turn on the system power.
2)Unplug your cab from the Power Panel.
3)Press and hold down the SELECT LOCO button while plugging in the cab. The
cab will now enter its internal setup program. At any time you may press PROG/
ESC to leave set up mode.
4)Press ENTER to accept the current cab address (unless you want to change it).
To change the cab address, type in a new address such as 3 followed by the
ENTER key. If you make a mistake just unplug the cab and re-plug it while holding
down the SELECT LOCO key.
NOTE: If you program the address to zero the cab will reprogram itself to the
original factory values, including the cab address, which will be set to 2.
5)At the “1=YARD 2=NORMAL” prompt you can press ENTER to accept the current
operating mode. Yard mode only works in Pro CabTM . To select between “normal”
operation where the speed knob stops at speed 0 when turned all the way down or
“yard” mode. In yard mode as the knob is turned down to zero it will reverse
locomotive direction and start increasing speed in reverse as the knob turning in