Problem With NCE PowerCab and SB5 not clearing startup

[brammy]

I am having a weird problem with my Powercab and a SB5 booster. Not sure where the issue is since I have only one controller and this is with the coil cab cable

When I plug it into the fascia, with the cable still connected to the PowerCab, it flashes "NCE PowerCab v1.13 (I think that is the version) and Cab Address 02". It then displays "NCE POWERC and CAB ADDRESS 02" Basically, it looses the v.1.x and some of the top header. Usually, unplugging from the controller and plugging back in fixes this. Trains run fine and there aren't any detected shorts.

I have taken the following steps to troubleshoot it:
- Tried new cables. At least 2 out of the shrink wrap
- Run through the PRG/ESC system reset sequence.
- I tried plugging it into my programming track with the flat cable but forgot to unplug from the UTP panel on the back.

Edit: This only happens when I move to a new panel. Once I've done this song and dance I can plug and unplug from the same panel at will.

[NS4122]

Are your Powercab and SB5 using the same firmware version? Current version is 1.65B.

[brammy]

I am not sure on the SB5, but the Powercab is 1.65b.

But, this got interesting.

I emailed support and Ed was outstanding at helping me.

The problem persisted when I plugged right into the SB5

We ended up removing the SB5 and testing with my PCP panel which was still the first panel in the chain. The problem went way. Ok, maybe I need to send it in.

So, I plugged everything back into the SB5 so I can run trains while I see if I can get a loaner from my club for a month.

Problem went away. Maybe the track power connector was just a little loose?

[edwardsutorik]

This sounds a lot like the disease my Pro Cab has had for forever.

It displays the opening screen (that Cab=02 stuff), and then USUALLY goes to the 2nd screen which is the "this is your loco" one. But sometimes it just gets stuck on the opening screen. So far, I've found that if I just shut everything down and come back "later", it will work again. IF I try to bully it into working right now, it won't.

Years ago, I talked to NCE, and they had no clue. They said send it in. I did. It came back the same. And they NEVER told me what was going on.

So I've kinda learned to accept that my throttle likes to take mini-vacations. I do, too, so it's hard to argue.


Ed