NCE Decoder History

Below is a summary of all decoders made by NCE plus those made by NCE for Wangrow/System One (SYS1) & Tony's Train Exchange

Quick Summary of NCE Decoder Feature History. A complete detailed list of NCE decoder history is further below.

V1.x

Characteristics:

2/4 Digit Addressing

Advanced Consisting

14/28 Speed Steps

Speed Table

Acceleration / Deceleration

Start Voltage

Adjustable Low Frequency PWM motor drive operation using CV95

OPs Mode Programming

Page Mode Programming

V2.x

Characteristics: Same as above Plus:

128 Speed Steps

Limited light effects on some specific decoders.

Adjustable Low Frequency PWM motor drive operation using CV9 (Not 95)

V3.1 to V3.3 (SR series)

Characteristics: Same as above plus:

"Silent Running" High Frequency PWM (15KHz) motor drive operation.

Kick Start

Mid/Max

Function Mapping

Consist Function Control

14 Light Effects with LED Support

Direct mode Programming

CV30 Reset function added but no instructions on how to use it.

14 speed step mode removed

V3.5 and Above (SR series)

Characteristics: Same as above plus:

Torque Compensation for the Motor drive.

15 Light Effects with LED Support (One more added)

Brake on DC

Decoder Locking

Full CV30 decoder reset function documentation added.

N103 is a N scale "Decoder, 1A, 3 Function"

Decoder Model Number naming System

Most NCE and SYS1 decoders "attempt" to use a descriptive model number/name for their decoders. For example:

D408 is a O scale "Decoder, 4A, 8 Function"

D102 is a HO scale "Decoder, 1A, 2 Function".

D104P2K is a HO scale "Decoder, 1A, Function" with plug intended for "Proto 2000" engine.

D13SR is a HO scale "Decoder, 1A, 3 Function" with "Silent Running"

Notes:

1) Some decoder may have extra functions added without updating the model number to reflect that change till replaced by a newer model.

2) In general, the version number printed on the front of the manual does NOT necessarily mean that is the version of software in the decoder. Some revisions refer to hardware changes.

3) In general, the version of software is found in CV7

Manual Information

NCE decoder manuals can be found here: http://www.ncedcc.com/document-archives.html

Finding the manual: Some decoder manuals listed have file names with the first letter being a upper case "D" or a lower case "d". This effects where the manuals are listed in the above list. Look at the whole list from top to bottom.

NCE does not always keep records of older manuals (lower revisions). Below in each decoder section is a link where you might find older manuals.

Version 1.x Decoder Kits. Pre 1996

The NCE-DK15 decoder measured: 2.25" x 0.65" x 0.30"

1A/1.3A Peak Motor Drive, 3 Function outputs, Software Version 1.6

Characteristics:

2/4 Digit Addressing

Advanced Consisting

14/28 Speed Steps

Speed Table

Acceleration / Deceleration

Start Voltage

Adjustable Low Frequency PWM motor drive operation using CV95

OPs Mode Programming

Page Mode Programming

NCE started out making a decoder kits that required the customer to solder together. It was NCE's first attempt at decoder design. It was discontinued when the cost of an assembled one (D102) was less than the cost of a kit.

I have no manual or pictures.

Version 2.x Basic Decoders Produced from 1996 to 2000.

Software wise basically a V1.6 decoder with a few enhancements. However the physical design uses surface mount parts and only sold fully assembled.

Some 2.x manuals not on NCE's website can be found here: (Requires joining NCE-DCC group)

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/NCE-DCC/files/Decoder%20Manuals%202.x%20and%20up/

Characteristics: Same as V1.0 Plus:

128 Speed Step Mode

Limited light effects on some specific decoders.

Adjustable Low Frequency PWM motor drive operation using CV9 (Not 95)

WANGROW/ SYSTEM ONE

Wangrow/System One (SYS1) decoder were manufactured by various sub-contractors including NCE. The internal decoder software is written for and owned by SYS1 but functionally the same as NCE's V2.0 decoders. Some of the decoders manufactured by NCE for SYS1 show a NCE label on the PCB but a SYS1 model number. This may mislead one to think they are NCE decoders. However NCE will not acknowledge these decoders as theirs and will not support them. SYS1 decoders follow NMRA standards for CV's EXCEPT for CV95 which is used for PWM frequency control. Manuals do note any special CV's used light effects. There is no default CV value information in the manuals. Thermal overload protection is unique to SYS1 decoders.

Version 3.1 to 3.3 Decoders Produced from 2001 to 10/2003

(V3.0 and V3.4 were never released.)

Characteristics: Same as V2.0 plus:

"Silent Running" High Frequency (15KHz) PWM Motor Drive