Aegis Delivers Power And Performance For The NCE PowerCab (348)
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- Опубликовано: 13 июл 2024
- The NCE PowerCab is loved by model railroaders all over the world. However as an introductory system is does come with a few limitations. DCCconcepts have just introduced their new Aegis system that addresses many of these limitations by providing power and performance upgrades to the basic PowerCab. DCCconcepts provided me with a pre-release sample of the Aegis system and I want to share with you a closeup look at what it offers and how it works. For more information on the Aegis system and to download a copy of the user instructions visit www.dccconcepts.com and click on the aegis logo. They are taking pre-orders for delivery in early January 2024 and you can order directly from them, Rails of Sheffield, or other of their venders in the UK. US sales are being handled by Iron Planet Hobbies (https//www.ironplanethobbies.com) and they currently have them on sale so act fast. In Canada sales are through Kingston Locomotive works (www.locomotiveworks.ca). There are also several dealers in Austrlia that will have initial allocations.
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While I am a very happy Digitrax man myself, I find this interesting. Thanks, Larry.
Watched this and I have to agree that this appears to be a great addition to the NCE system. Having the NCE system and needing to upgrade, I have purchased the system from Iron Planet. I’m just wondering when they are going to ship them. I believe this will be a great addition to my layout. Thanks so much for sharing this information with us all. You always seem to post videos at the time I need the information you are sharing.
They received the first shipment from China in the UK office this past week and are now shipping out pre-orders. I suspect they will ship a batch to Iron Planet for US distribution but will ask Matt just to see.
OK, I just heard back from DCCconcepts and they have shipped enough Aegis systems to Iron Planet to fulfill pre-orders so expect yours soon.
Outstanding!! Thanks so much for the information about this system and for checking on delivery.
Larry Nice Review DCC Concepts always come out with nice products.
Dear Larry, recently saw the DCC-concepts introduction vid on the Aegis system. Looks even more promising from your report!
Thank you Larry for a great review! This will be a great addition for many Power Cab users.
Great video. Cheers!
That is a really well thought out piece of kit!
Thanks Larry great review
Thank you for sharing.👍
Thank you Larry for the heads up, that gives me more options on up grading my NCE Power Cab.
Looks really cool. I will check it out.
06:30 Mark, impressive. Quite the value-added feature.
THANK YOU FOR DETAIL VIDEO
My pleasure
This looks an awesome upgrade for the powercab. I love the built in circuit breaker, I love that it’s wireless and I love the programming track.
However, I have already upgraded my powercab with 5 amp alpha power, and a different companies circuit breaker, both of which would be redundant.
It’s hard to justify such a big cost for the wireless functionality alone, as good as it sounds.
When I started out in DCC back when (1990's) I was a customer of yours. I started with Digitrax. A move from Ohio to Texas had me reset my Hobby. During the transition I purchased a NCE Power Cab to use while I built my layout. (It now resides on my test bench). Along came ESU Cab Control and I purchased one to replace my Digitrax which I had sold. I have yet to use the ESU to run trains. I also have my power cab wired into my layout. My reason for this was the time it takes for the ESU system to start up. So as I am wiring and testing my layout I am using the NCE. The main driver to using ESU Cab Control was many N scale manufacturers were factory installing ESU decoders. I like the ESU decoder programmer and when needed I also use decoder Pro.
Now I am thinking about switching to the Aegis system. I have ordered from DCC concepts so I received announcements ahead of your review. I have been waiting eagerly for your review announced in MRR magazine.
If I may I have a question you may be able to answer.
I have power districts set up using DCC specialties products.
Will Aegis work with DCC specialties?
will I need to make changes to Aegis or DCC specialties?
Thanks for your input.
DCC Specilties products are generic and will,work with all DCC systems as far as I know.
I like the etched labeling. It not only helps with long term user friendliness, it also keeps the panel looking brand new. If someone has a different system with printed letters, they could take pictures of the existing labels and etch them into the panels themselves. If fhey don't want to etch in the labels, that's their preference. I'm not gonna argue about it.
@@evanschaefer3812 How would I know?
I like this, if I didn't already go down the road of Digitrax, it would be on my Christmas list
NCE provides components to make your NCE Powercab wireless, which is what I use currently. It was easy to plug in and go! Thanks for your video.
hello larry & it's is randy and i like yours is cool thanks larry friends randy
I can’t get past the look of the NCE. It just reminds me of an 80s computer.
An interesting piece of kit Larry, but it is expensive - £499-95 in the UK. So an Aegis plus a Powercab is similar in price to a Power Pro Radio system. If the user already has a Powercab, a SB5 and a Wifitrax WFD-30 is a considerably cheaper way of adding a wireless throttle.
Don’t forget to factor in the cost of a circuit breaker and some way to get a programming track. Plus the SB5 will only give you 3 amps continuous and 5 amps peak.
Looks nice Larry. With it mounted to the facia it would be difficult to access the plug-ins on the back of the unit. It is very pricey ($437 US).
Add up the individual cost of a 5 amp booster, a wireless interface for the throttle and its receiver, a circuit breaker, a AutoSW, and additional parts to get it to do all that Aegis can and see how it compares.
Grrat review! Do you know if we could use decoderpro with it?
I see you already answered this: yes, and you'll be doing a video.
Larry, I appreciate your videos. With that, this post has nothing to do with this video but you said you see things sooner if they are on current videos. I am wondering if there is any reason I can not use led lights from old Christmas nets for the layout such as for engine headlights, in car lighting, or for buildings? And, would they need resistors for the lights?
I have no idea how they are wired. If you have a string that is junk then cut them up and experiment.
Thanks for the very thorough overview. Being new to NCE Powercab, it’s a bit of information overload. Could you please summarize the top 3 things this system adds to Power Cab that might matter to someone who just wants DCC operations on a small to mid-sized switching layout? Or is this system not for such a person? Thanks!
Please read my review in the January MR, also available on their website for free.
My initial thoughts are that the cable from the power pack to the Aegis unit looks a little thin for a 5 amp (continuous) supply. I would have gone with something closer to 14 AWG. Maybe it just looks thinner than it really is in the video...
I think it is short enough to not be a significant factor.
Hey Larry that's Pretty cool as I've had a Power Cab since 2016 it's no longer @ Entry level use as I have a number of DCC Engines Sound engines but they're N Scale will Aeges system Run N Scale as the voltage for N Scale isn't as great like HO and I'm using a Circuit Breaker with my PowerCab a NCE Circuit Breaker if this system will work with N scale & is circuit breaker protected this would be a Game changer on all levels then you add the extra panels or Wifi that would be extra cool only if works with N scale for me that is...
The System that TCS sells that works with the Power Cab is good to add to one's layout but I'm liking the Aeges system hopefully I can buy it in my Hobby shop.. Cheers 🥂
Happy Holidays hope you had a good Thanksgiving Allen D
Since you can set track voltage as low as 14 volts it should be fine for N scale. As for purchasing it, I mentioned current sources towards the end of the video, and it will only be available from those sources for the near future. A second release is sure to follow but I have no idea when or how many units will be made.
This is an interesting piece of hardware. But I'm curious, why? I mean what are the conditions or circumstances that would trigger a need for it? (I hope that makes sense)
1. To upgrade to a 5 amp system.
2. To convert the PowerCab to wireless walk around.
3. To add a fast acting circuit breaker.
4. To easily add a dedicated programming track to the layout.
5. To declutter plus it looks cool!
Great review, thank you! I have the NCE PowerCab starter set which I am using successfully with "Train Controller" software. I need more accessory addresses though (I can only use addresses 4, 5, 8, 9 and 10 with "Train Controller"), as well as more power. I was thinking of buying the NCE PowerPro 5A for these reasons. If I were to buy Aegis however, would I get away with buying just the CS02 (i.e. just the command station portion of the PowerPro system)? Would the CS02 work with Aegis? I would rather not buy the NCE power pack and ProCab if they are not needed, but again, I will ultimately need more accessory addresses than what PowerCab can provide.
I believe Aegis is exclusive to the PowerCab but you can use other throttles with it. The PowerCab supports all 2044 accessory addresses. I am not familiar with Train Controller and its limitations.
Hi Larry,
Can you link the NCE USB to the Aegis system, for a link to JMRI, for programming?
The DCCconcepts guys tell me yes. We’ll be testing it in an upcoming video!
Larry looks very interesting, but is it compatible with Wifi interface, and the TCS UWT50 wireless wifi throttle
DCCconcepts have tested it with WifiTrax and I will give it a go in a future video using the usb interface to WiThrottle in DecoderPro. S I think the answer is yes all ways.
Thanks Larry interesting stuff. I have gone down the Digitrax, I started with a Zephyr Express controller which I really like but to allow me to move around the layout I bought a UT6 controller and plug in panels.
Do you have any knowledge/experience with these units. The throttle dial takes two full two turns in “ballistic” mode but acceleration/deceleration varies with the speed that you turn the knob, making a nonsense or the CV speed settings. Turning off “ballistic” mode makes it worse 5 full turns to get 100% throttle. Cheers Peter.
I think there is a setting to alter the sensitivity of the bassistic tracking but have nit done that in years. Check the Ops settings in your manual.
@@TheDCCGuy . Thanks Larry, I’ll have a look, although their later manuals seem to cover less. I found an older version of the Zephyr manual on line that had more info than the manual in the box. Desensitising the ballistic function may help. Cheers Peter.
I checked some of my older manuals and it appears there is only the choice between ballistic and straight lone tracking. So with ballistic on just slow down with your knob thumb.
@@TheDCCGuy . Yes that is what I thought. I have been corresponding with their tech department this week for more info on the Throttle Option settings under ID 20. Specifically the difference between “0=28 speed steps”, “3=128 speed steps” and “4=28 speed steps advanced” but the contact couldn’t help me. Cheers and thanks Peter.
What is the blue thing on top of your power cab? One of you layout buildings has a faded white sign on a brick building. Can you show us how you did that?
Just got to the part about the blue thing.
Those are photo backdrops, ie. the faded sign was a real faded sign. You can model it by gluing an image to a building and then lightly sanding to create the faded effect.
Hi Larry are you able to run a nce cab-06 handset while using the aegis wireless powercab. I recieved my aegis system last week and have it all hooked up. When using the wired version of both controllers they work ok. But when i use the wireless powercab it works good but the cab-06 just displays Ad03 and doesent work.Any suggestions.
Unfortunately no. In order for a wired throttle or computer interface to work it has to communicate with the PowerCab throttle and that can’t happen when it is in wireless mode. This is because the wireless interface is just a transmitter and not a transceiver so does not support bidirectional communications. It was a tradeoff they made as a transceiver would have been much more expensive to engineer and build. So they assumed most users would be lone wolf operators using the PowerCab in wireless mode when running alone. I am hoping that a future release will bring bidirectional capability.
@@TheDCCGuy Thankyou Larry for letting me know. I really like learning all the helpfull info you put out there.
Hi Larry! Based on this video, I ordered the Aegis system and it arrives Friday. I just realized that it’s probably not compatible with JMRI which I use quite a bit. Am I correct about this?
Watch video #353. DecoderPro works with it using ops mode but I could not get it to work with service mode, I think it’s because of the way it does the programming track switching. I need to go back and check this now that I have a full production model and see if that is different. They did tell me that when they release their computer interface they plan to make sure it will work but you could ask them about it too.
I just checked and the new Aegis unit does work just as I showed in video #353 with the pre-production one. At least it does work with ops mode programming and also I can still use the virtual throttle and my TCS UWT100 throttle. I need to find some time to test the service mode programming but have a dentist appt tomorrow, maybe Friday.
I just connected the usb interface to the throttle network just as I did for a stand alone PowerCab setup. Then I connected the PowerCab to the main cab socket on the Aegis faceplate. After that it worked just as if it were attached to the PowerCab power panel. I assume you have done that in the past since you said you use JMRI a lot. Make sure you don’t have any other wired throttles connected as cab 3 since I think the computer program tries to use that address. I was able to confirm that DecoderPro will not work with service mode since when the PowerCab is connected to the programming track and you hit the program switch on Aegis it shuts down the throttle network sockets. One work around would be to use an NCE Auto-SW for service mode programming. However I just use the PowerCab itself to do service mode programming of the basic CVs then use DecoderPro ops mode for the more complex programming on the main track. I was also able to control locos using the virtual throttle in DecoderPro.
@@TheDCCGuy I finally got my PC to communicate, but only when connected via the USB interface to the EXT1 socket on the back of the unit. For whatever reason I couldn’t get it to communicate when plugged in the main socket on the front. I’m sure it’s something I did (operator error) but at least it working now. Thank you very much for all your help figuring this out!
Is this system capable of working with the proto throttle?
Yes
I wish I could get mine to work. Waiting for a reply from retailer and manufacturer.
What is it not doing? Both my advanced release and production units have worked fine and I think I use it several times each week.
@@TheDCCGuy When I power up the ESP Aegis, I can hear the loco on the track idling, so power is going to the track. The Powercab commands have no effect. Neither speed nor accessory commands have any effect. The Powercab by itself works perfectly when connected directly to the track. I've watched your video numerous times and carefully examined the instruction book for the ESP System. I have concentrated on plugging the Powercab using the curly wire connector directly to the main line track plug. I tried to use the wireless connection but never achieved a steady blue light state. Not knowing if the ESP fails because there is no command connection, so I have deferred the wireless feature until I solve the wired set up.
I don’t know who you have contacted but try their sales manager Richard Brighton r.brighton@dccconcepts.com and/or tech support Mick Bryan m.bryan@dccconcepts.com . Richard knows the system well and as sales manager should be able to take care of you-Larry
@@TheDCCGuy I received a prompt reply from Iron Planet Hobbies support suggesting that I use the flat wire provided with the NCE Power Cab. All Power Cab functions are working so that is a giant step forward. The added power to the layout makes a huge difference. So tomorrow will by wiring up the programming track. I'm curious to see how the ESP wireless will work if I have to use the long flat cable there as well. Thank you, Larry, for sharing your knowledge of the hobby.
Interesting. I had heard that the original flat cable from NCE uses a slightly thicker wire gage so maybe that is the case. However, I have used a variety of cables without issues and always used the coiled cable. I’ll have to tried a variety as a test to see if it matters in my case. Thanks for getting back to me and I hope it is working for you now-Larry
Can this be used with a ProCab rather than a PowerCab?
Yes, the Ramtraxx throttle I also tested it with is the equivalent of a ProCab.
I just noticed you said rather than. You must also have a PowerCab as it provides the DCC command station functions.
I have the NCE Wireless Cab and Controller, so not sure it would Interface to this??
DCCconcepts says it will.
@@TheDCCGuy
So maybe the Wireless Transceiver just plugs into the NCE Port on the Aegis.
Yes, it is basically handled as a throttle and can plug into the back of the unit or one of the expansion panels.
@@TheDCCGuy That’s great! Thanks!
I know they have tested both the NCE wireless and the WifiTraxx unit with Aegis. When the PowerCab is physically plugged into the Aegis base station it functions just like it would when plugged into the power panel in its original configuration.
Larry I'm new to DCC I just recently bought the NCE power pro. I put hooked it to a piece of flex track. I put 3 different locomotives on the track and they all started making sound but as soon as one touches the other they short out. Why would this be. Please help
Some loco models use the chassis as part of the electrical pathway and if couplers with metal parts are used and are not in an insulated box they can short. Same if they are brass locos. Other than that Imam at a loss. What do you mean they are touching anyway and what models are they?
@TheDCCGuy if I couple together. 3 are Kato p42s one is an Anthern
Not sure about the Katos but I’m pretty sure the Athearn has body mounted coupler boxes. Try using the KD couplers with plastic shanks and see if that fixes it.
@TheDCCGuy thanks Larry I really appreciate it
Too bad they did not allow the pairing fob to be nested with the silicone sleeve on the power cab. Supply a short 6 wire RJ cord and you have a nice walk around unit is a single lump that props the head of the power cab up for better visibility. The curly cord, belt clip is a no go for me. Too many parts.
The “fob” contains a Li ion battery, charging circuit, transmitter circuitry. This method means you don’t have to send in your throttle to have it modified and it will work with any PowerCab.
I see some people are silly here. This system at that price is not bad. These people need to look at the price of decoders , extra module controls and etc for Digitrax and NCE. Also the same people have 150 to 200 dollar locomotives or more in Ho locomotives plus the price of decoders. If your serious in the hobby and this system seems like it fits the bill save the money to buy. Quit complaining about a price in an expensive hobby you have chosen.
The Power Cab sells for about $200. The Aegis for $435. If you want a second operator, a plug-in cab costs $95. That's a hefty price tag for entry into DCC for a newcomer wanting a small layout and the ability to run trains with a friend. A similar package from TCS or Digitrax is no less daunting. It's unsurprising that DC operation is still used widely, especially by beginners. After viewing your video and the DCConcepts video it appears expanding this system is limited to a single wireless throttle and 5 wired throttles. NCE Power Cab is a good plug-n--play system if you're techno-phobic and possess the financial resources to go that pathway. However, for anyone testing if model railroading is for them or have limited resources DCC-EX represents a more realistic entry path to DCC. Most people, certainly younger people, have cell phones and computers. Assembling a DCC-EX command station is certainly within their capabilities. They can start running trains for under $100.
Its more to it than that, add the cost of a circuit breaker, wireless system, converting the PowerCab to wireless, adding some kind of programming capacity, the lanyard system, and the individual components add up to over $700, whereas Iron Planet has Aegis on sale for about $437! and that’s assuming you already own a PowerCab.
@@TheDCCGuy DCC-EX has overload protection, wireless, programing, and 5 amps power for under $100. Assuming you already own a cell phone or tablet, there's no requirement to purchase additional throttles. It is compatible with TCS throttles. DCC-EX does require some assembly, but that is simple: certainly if you're already at the level of needing a programming function. DCC-EX is open source and has a significant developer community. This means there is continuing development and enhancements for the system. It isn't for eveyone, but is a cost effective way to enter DCC. I have used NCE and believe it's a great system, but costs can be an important consideration.
I had a spelling toy when I was 8 that looked like that throttle and I can’t get past that. The technology of most DCC systems is so dated looking
Yeah look up RailPro handheld that came out 15 years ago or more. Was wireless back then with a color touch screen. All kinds of sounds and customization you can do downloading from the website and uploading from controller wirelessly to your loco. The modules for the locos are the same or less than a DCC sound board but are a bit large to fit in some locos after you do all the wiring.
I’ve set up alot of locos on mine. I still play with DCC for my main layout but it’s by no means cutting edge. Just works and people are satisfied with it.
Have you considered movie to Rumble or another platform so I can dump RUclips?
No, it took me several years to get close to 45,000 subscribers and I won’t start over.