32
32: Removing the PowerCab chip
to upgrade software.
7) Support for Analog Fast Clocks – I don’t know what this
means and haven’t gotten a response from NCE yet. They are
swamped getting the upgrade out to all the users.
8) New, improved USB/computer commands
I got the upgrade for my PowerCab and installation is a breeze.
First, note any of the settings that you have in your unit, per the
instructions. These settings are stored in the chip you are going to
replace, so they won’t be there once you change to the new chip.
The hardest part is taking all nine screws out of the back of
the PowerCab. Once you have it open, a small screwdriver pry
under the ROM chip on the main board will remove the old
one. I recommend a slight bend of the new leads, as shown in
the accompanying NCE documentation, before you insert the
new chip. A quick visual check that all 28 legs are in the correct
socket and you are ready to put the cab back together and en-
joy your new functions.
DCC Impulses column - 23
From Mr. DCC’s Workbench
Release of new software for the NCE
PowerCab – Version 1.65
In November 2012, NCE announced the long-awaited release
of its upgrade software for the PowerCab. Version 1.65 replaces
1.28C, which has stood for quite some time. NCE is supplying the
upgrade free of charge to folks who bought their PowerCab in
the last 20 months. If yours is older, $25 will fix you up.
This software upgrade is a real boost to folks who use the Pow-
erCab as the basis for a small to medium layout, as I do. If you
are mostly using your PowerCab on the workbench and as a
Pro Cab on a larger NCE system, there is very little in this up-
grade for you. So you may not want to upgrade if you have an
older unit and need to pay for the software. Here are NCE’s
claims for the new version:
1) Support for up to 6 recalls – two recalls remains the default
2) Support for 3 external throttles, using addresses 3, 4 and 5
3) Support for 3 AIU, USB or Mini-Panels in addition to the ex-
tra throttles
4) New thumbwheel control of CV programming values. For ex-
ample, when programming on the main, you can select the CV
value for the volume on your sound decoder and ramp it up or
down with the knob or the speed buttons. I like this one a lot.
5) Easy operation of the last thrown turnout – press the SELECT
ACCY twice in a row and the last used accessory will toggle to
the opposite position.
6) Programmable ProCab mode timeout so multiple PowerCabs
can be used together more easily.
MRH-Jan 2013
