Installing an NCE Power Cab DCC System | Workbench Wednesday

For this week's Workbench Wednesday vlog I'm installing an NCE Powercab DCC control system on the On30 Goldfield & Calico layout. "DCC" stands for "digital command control" and the NCE Powercab is a great way to get started with this kind of system. I install the system on the G&CRR, add an on/off switch, and walk you through changing a locomotive's digital address using the CV functions.
Thanks for watching!
Dave
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[@michaelschlobohm8877]

I like ALL ThunderMesaStudio's videos. Sorry, the above is for the bean counters at YT HQ so I keep seeing your videos in my feed. What I like about the NCE system is you can have multiple layouts and as long as you remember the loco numbers all you need is multiple baseplate stations. As you said, it's all in one.

[@jamesezekiel5728]

A very good, short introductory video on the NCE Power Cab and how to get a loco address changed and the loco up and running. CV's can be lots of fun to change and test. Thanks for the video!

[@glenhaasdyk2081]

Great vidwo as always Dave. I have an NCE system and have no complaints

[@allenlandis4504]

great show, enjoyed it and I even learned a couple of things.

[@johna.dawson709]

great video. just wondering which sound decoders do you have in your Bachmann loco's that will work with the NCE power cab ? is that the NCE Power Cab 25 throttle you are using ? I see there is a new NEW Power cab 25 for 2024.

[@ThunderMesaStudio]

I have both Tsunami and TCS Wowsound decoders in my fleet and all work flawlessly with the Powercab. The only decoders I've ever had problems with are the older, non-sound, stock decoders in some Bachmann locomotives. The Powercab in this video is an older one. I'll be getting one of the new models for the Thunder Mesa layout.

[@mikediehl1468]

Ive had an NCE Throttle since 2020 and it ran my locomotive until I tried programming the address. I messed something up cuz I didn't understand it and I never could get my locomotive to run again.😐 I'm new to DCC. And I've had nobody to show me how to operate it. I will follow your instructions and try it again.

[@ThunderMesaStudio]

CV 8 will restore the decoder to factory specs in most cases. Use CV 1 to change the address.

[@mikediehl1468]

@@ThunderMesaStudio Thank you Dave!

[@loispadgett6306]

Thanks for showing how to install and use the NCE controller. I am new to this but this helped alot. GOD BLESS 🚂💖🚂💖🚂💖🚂💖

[@markdeschane4467]

Dave, I have been using a Digitrax DCS Zephyr system since I got into DCC around Mid 1990s. I am somewhat dissatisfied with Digitrax as DCC company.. Do you find the NCE system easier to use? .

[@ThunderMesaStudio]

The NCE system is pretty easy to use, but I don't have enough experience with Digitrax to make an honest comparison.

[@thomasfrench2012]

Any concern that during open houses that little fingers may wonder what this switch does and flip the power off?

[@ThunderMesaStudio]

It has yet to be a problem.

[@thomasfrench2012]

@@ThunderMesaStudio Well, if it now does, you can blame me.

[@lynnmccurdythehdmmrc2561]

Happy St. Patrick's Day.

[@wolfgangpfeilergartenbahnd6530]

It's great that you chose DCC. I've been driving with the DCC system for a long time. Interesting post from you. Best regards

[@jeffwardlow4626]

What type of turnouts do you use are they Peco, insulfrogs, and how do you wire them? Love your layout! Do you have terminal strips, suitcase connectors or solder your feeders?

[@martytaylor2004]

Thank you again Dave. Excellent information, as usual.

[@brianrooney2970]

Thanks for tutorial. Was wondering what guage wire you use for the buss?

[@ThunderMesaStudio]

Thank you. I like 14 AWG wire for the buss.

[@brianrooney2970]

@@ThunderMesaStudio appreciate the reply

[@cerisekappes580]

Awesome video as always 😊

[@JoeUser-Somebody]

It's the same either way but the NCE documentation has the LED at the bottom and uses the Left jack for the PowerCab. Just FYI...

[@ThunderMesaStudio]

Now you tell me!

[@aliothreuas9754]

Merci :)

[@jwrailve3615]

Can I use the 2 pin wiring track connector that comes with a Bachmann dcc system to connect to the tracks? I just bought this and now I think I have to turn around and go buy feeder wires so I can even use this

[@ThunderMesaStudio]

You can use it

[@jwrailve3615]

@@ThunderMesaStudio thank you!!! I was really hoping I could because I was gonna inter switch between my one dc switcher then turn that off and start up the NCE system for new locos I picked up today at a show