FAQ:NCE USB and Power Cab

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Many users have issues with the NCE USB interface and the Power Cab. Particularly when attempting to connect with JMRI.

To begin diagnosing the issue, all the jumpers (1 – 4) must be in the OFF position on the USB interface.

For more details see: NCE Serial Communications and the Power Cab specific Power Cab and JMRI for details.

NCE USB Setup

Driver Installation

NCE has recently replaced the CP2102 USB Transceiver with the CH340 USB Transceiver. A different driver is required. If the Device Manager reports a CH340, do not install the SiLabs driver for the CP2102.

The process to install a driver for this device will be similar to that described below.

Microsoft Windows CP2012 Driver Installation

The downloaded file will be a compressed Zip file.

  1. Open CP210xVCPInstaller_x86.exe for 32–bit computers or the CP210xVCPInstaller_x64.exe for a 64–bit computer
  2. The SiLabs device should appear as a new COM port in Windows Device Manager when the NCE USB device is plugged in
    1. A second install attempt may be required to get rid of the error symbol in Windows Device Manager
    2. If errors continue, removing driver in Device Manager and reinstalling may correct the issue
  3. The COM port should appear/disappear when installed correctly when connecting or disconnecting the NCE USB
    1. Do not attempt to set the baud rate in Windows Device Manager.

Configuration Instructions

The documentation contains some errors, so follow this procedure. It also explains how to read the version of your NCE USB:

  • The first digit counts, the last three report how jumpers 2-4 are set
    • Jumper 1 is ignored on all systems
Always disconnect, then reconnect both cables on the NCE USB after making any jumper changes.

Power Cab

The correct settings for a Power Cab with V1.65 or V1.28 firmware and an NCE USB V6[2]:

  • All USB Jumpers 2, 3 & 4 in the Off position
    • Jumper 1 is ignored

JMRI Preferences

  • System manufacturer: NCE
  • System connection: NCE USB
  • Serial port: Appropriate selection for your computer
  • USB version: V6.x.x
  • System: PowerCab
  • Additional Connection Settings checkbox ON
  • Baud rate: 9600

The JMRI console log should report V6.3.0. If it reports V7.3.0 and your Power Cab is V1.65, use the settings below instead.

Power Cab V1.65 / V1.65b and an NCE USB V7

  • All USB Jumpers 2, 3 & 4 ON
    • Jumper 1 is ignored

JMRI Preferences

  • System manufacturer: NCE
  • System connection: NCE USB
  • Serial port: Appropriate selection for your computer
  • USB version: V7.x.x
  • System: PowerCab
  • Additional Connection Settings checkbox ON
  • Baud rate: 19200

The JMRI console log should report V7.3.7

SB5 Instructions

USB Jumper 4 on. All others off

    • At least jumpers 2 & 3 in the off position
    • Jumper 1 is ignored

JMRI Preferences

  • System manufacturer: NCE
  • System connection: NCE USB
  • Serial port: Appropriate selection for your computer
  • USB version: V7.x.x
  • System: SB5
  • Additional Connection Settings checkbox ON
  • Baud rate: 19200

The JMRI console log should report V7.3.1.

Troubleshooting

If the system does not work after this:

  1. If the SB5/Power Cab firmware version is V1.65 rather than V1.65B, there may be a firmware issue triggered by a System Reset.
    1. Your NCE USB may be set to an invalid cab address (V7 only).
    2. There is a potential hardware issue with the NCE USB/Power Cab combination.

In either case:

  1. Quit JMRI
  2. Ensure neither LED on the NCE USB is stuck ON
    1. If true, power cycle the USB by unplugging it from the Cab Bus cable
  3. Ensure you have no other throttles connected
  4. Restart JMRI and immediately go to Configure USB Interface under the NCE menu
  5. Set Cab ID to 3
  6. Attempt a JMRI operation
    1. Use a JMRI throttle, or attempt to identify a decoder
  7. The status line should stay green and it should work

If this is not successful, additional assistance is available on the JMRI Users Mailing List on Groups.IO. Be sure to cut and paste the console logs into any message requesting assistance.

  1. There is a Universal driver available for Windows 10.
  2. Use these setting if unsure of the NCE USB device's version