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Post by NS4122 on Aug 7, 2020 9:13:57 GMT -8
I would suggest getting another UTP panel. My recommendation would be to keep the PCP and wire it to a separate piece of track for programming/testing. The SB5 doesn't have a program track provision. I have another sandy check question. I bought a smart booster SB5 because I need to unlock my power cab to walk around the layout. I bought 2 UTP panels, but realize now I need 3. My understanding is as long as I disconnect power (the wall wart and the track power feeds), I can use the PCP as a UTP. So, is it safe to assume that if I wire it this way it works?: - SB5 - UTP#1 (command station jack) - UTP#1-UTP#2 - UTP#2-PCP (single back jack so I am using this as there final connection.)
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Post by brammy on Aug 8, 2020 7:05:49 GMT -8
I have a spare PCP for the programming track. The PCP did work as a replacement for the UTP.
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Post by aharown on Jan 31, 2023 18:29:51 GMT -8
I'd think 5 amp is more than enough. I had this conversation regarding my planned layout and they recommended 3 or 4 power districts which helps manage loads it seems. I have a Digitrax 5 amp booster/command station. If it turns out 5 amps isn't enough, worst case is I may need a second booster at most. BTW, from discussions I've been reading about DCC, there is a growing consensus that Digtrax and NCE systems are both getting very dated and that wifi is the way of the future. The UWT-100 TCS throttle is getting very favorable comments and it operates off wifi and the Proto Throttle is also a big hit with some operators, and also wifi. At one time I was seriously considering buying a full NCE system, as Digitrax operation never "clicked" for me. But it looks like I can keep my Digitrax system and adapt it to wifi throttle and the reward would be easier use. The cost of wifi enabling an existing system is fairly modest. For Digitrax, around $60 somthing and for NCE the WFD-30 runs more at $110. I've wanted to ge one of the Proto Throttles and try it out as well - many report they enhance their operating experience. I wanted to necro this thread to thank you for the WFD-30 idea, as it looks to be much simpler than the JMRI setup I was envisioning with an old laptop. I'll probably get the WFD-31, as it's a simple replacement for NCE's stock circuit board, and I've always been a fan of elegant solutions. I have an old phone as well as an ipad mini, so will use one of those for the throttle.
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