Model Railway Forum

I have got a Bachmann EZ and at the moment it does the job as I am still building the layout. So it is more than adequate for testing the track and checking that I have fitted an encoder properly. The pseudo DC output on channel 10 seems to work OK on relatively modern locos, but I tried it on one with an old Hornby X04 motor and it didn't like it at all!

I have been on the lookout for a 2nd hand NCE Powercab, but they seem to sell for about £130 on eBay, but you can get them new for £150.

Hi
Firstly, its not recommended to use a non decoder fitted loco (DC only) on a DCC powered track regardless of whether the DCC can try and simulate DC via address zero (10 on the basic ez Command).
More importantly is to never leave a DC only loco sitting on DCC powered rails either, as the motor will begin to overheat and eventually the windings will burn out!

As for the NCE PowerCab... Great piece of kit and any second-hand ones need to be fitted with the current upgraded EPROM chip at V1.65? Older ones with earlier EPROM versions will cost you around £25-£35 to upgrade!
So, IMO its better to buy a brand new one and have at least a one year warranty and the latest firmware already fitted.

Brian wrote: ↑Thu Sep 24, 2020 10:43 am ...second-hand ones need to be fitted with the current upgraded EPROM chip at V1.65? Older ones with earlier EPROM versions will cost you around £25-£35 to upgrade!

That is an interesting point, yet another reason to buy new. I have noticed that a lot of the new PowerCabs for sale on ebay for around £150 actually come from the US, so you need to add about £50 postage. The typical price from UK suppliers seems to be about £180, apart from Amazon where it is £403.53

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Power-Cab-DCC- ... B005M8GRKW

Hattons had a "pre-owned" one on sale yesterday for £140!

Even that one is from Newbeach USA!
I would opt with someone like Coastal DCC who know DCC inside out or another reputable UK DCC supplier rather than import. Coastal are £180
I believe Coastal have the repair contract for NCE in the UK now?
https://www.coastaldcc.co.uk/products/n ... /power-cab

Much cheaper new from Hattons at £159, but currently no new ones in stock, though new Pre ordering is offered at that price with stock expected now!https://www.hattons.co.uk/60679/nce_524 ... etail.aspx