NCE V6 USB Adapter
In this section:
1) VERSION 6 JUMPER SETTINGS, SOFTWARE VERSIONS & BUGS
2) VERSION 6 USB ADAPTER LIMITATION SUMMARY (Compatibility Matrix/Table)
When configured to work with the PowerCab, the V6 USB adapter automatically takes Cab Address 3. When working with any other command station, the Cab Address default is 3 but becomes user definable via the PC interface.
If you are not sure what USB version you have, start here: NCE USB Adapter
1) VERSION 6 JUMPER SETTINGS, SOFTWARE VERSIONS & BUGS
The USB Jumper Setting exist to LIMIT the type of commands that the USB adapter will pass on to the command station. For example, passing a programming track command to a SB3 system is not good idea since the SB3 does not support a Programming Track.
One could use the "ALLSYS" setting for everything but NCE would not be responsible for what works or does not work. This includes the possibility of crashing the command station receiving the command it does not understand or who's value is beyond what it can support..
KEY:
"-" = NO JUMPER INSTALLED
"ON" = JUMPER INSTALLED
NOTES:
[1] = One must have V1.28x software chip installed to allow the USB interface to work. The USB Adapter comes with a chip to do the upgrade.
[2] = There is no functional difference between a SB3 and a SB3a from a command station point of view. Hence the jumper settings are the same. There is a big difference in the booster current rating which has nothing to do with the USB interface.
[3] = Any version of the 2007 system PROM/ROM/EPROM will work.
[4] = "All Systems" is the same as no limitations. No features will be restricted that are supported by the NCE USB Adapter.
SOFTWARE BUGS:
[A] SB3/A BUG (4/5/2012): Per the NCE documentation, a jumper is to be installed in this position. Unfortunately in practice it does not work with JMRI Decoder Pro. Instead, one must use the "PowerCab jumper settings" or NO JUMPERS instead and likewise chose the PowerCab option in the JMRI setup menu. IF YOU DO THIS OPTION REMEMBER to not use the Programming Track option allowed by decoderpro because the SB3/SB3a does not physically support a programming track. Stated another way, to allow the SB3/a to work, we must "lie" to Decoder Pro and let it think it is working with a PowerCab.
2) VERSION 6 USB ADAPTER LIMITATION SUMMARY (Compatibility Matrix/Table)
The following is a table of the functions that can be accessed or controlled by the computer with this version of the USB adapter.
Table Definitions:
1) AIU: Auxilary Input Unit. This is NCE layout feedback device that connect to the command station via the Cab bus and read by a PC running a program such a JMRI. Feedback is typically in the form of signals from an Occupancy Detection device (BD20), Supervisory/Monitory Device (DCC Circuit Breaker) or spare contacts on a Turnout Motor (Tortoise).
2) Accessory Decoder: The allowable address range for any DCC compatible accessory decoder device. For NCE, accessory decoder are the Switch-It or the Switch-8. To learn more, go here: Accessory Decoders
3) Fast Clock: The ability to setup and control the fast clock.
4) Prog Track: Programming Track Support.
5) Main Line Prog (Ops Mode): Main Line Programming Support / Operations Mode programming.
6) Macro: The ability to call a macro (Accessory Decoder Command Script) and have it executed. To learn more about macro's go here: NCE Macros
7) CS Memory Access: Allow the computer to access Command Station memory to read status or control functions supported by the system.
NOTES:
[1] = When PowerCab is used alone (without the SB3a connected) and directly hooked up to some section of track to be used for programming.
[2]= Signal support means sending DCC signal commands to an accessory decoder that is designed to specifically drive signals. However at this time, 3/18/11 the NMRA has not approved the entire Signal Command proposal made by NCE. In other words the command set is incomplete and useless. The signal commands are "signal aspect" commands" using DCC Accessory packets. There is nothing proprietary about them nor limited to a specific type of signal. (Search Light Target all the way to B&O CPL's are supported) The only decoder that will accept these commands so far is the unreleased NCE SIG12 signal board. It is hoped that NMRA will review it again and incorporated NCE's list or something like it so that other DCC manufactures will adopt these "standard" signal commands.
[3]= Requires USB to RS232 adapter.
[4]= There is no difference in command and control functions between a SB3 and a SB3a. NCE introduced a replacement version of the SB3a in a new package and calls it a SB5 which also includes a power supply. There is no functional difference between the SB3a and the SB5.
Last Update: 5/25/14