Some detailed clarification on the history of the RB02 / RPT1.
Downgrading an RB02 to an RPT1 was provided as a courtesy during the transition when it was discontinued many years ago. Doing so required an older version of the RB02 / RPT1 when they were both made with the same boards and components. After the RPT1 was officially discontinued, the RB02 was eventually redesigned. The new board design cannot be downgraded. The online article referenced in the conversation was created on 7/3/2014 and was not archived when the situation changed. I have since deleted the article. Again, I apologize for not taking the article down sooner.
The new wireless products have better response times and coverage area compared to the older versions.
The current RB02 radio receiver version is 2.6.
The current wireless board version used in all our cabs is 1.71.
Placement of the RB02 and the length of the cables used will have an impact on wireless performance. In most cases the RB02 is sensitive enough to be put almost anywhere and achieve good coverage. For absolute maximum coverage, a few things can help you. Ideal placement of the RB02 is in the center of the layout upside down on the ceiling. The coverage area is a very large doughnut. Placement testing before deciding on a permanent location is very important.
The total length of the cab bus cables used from the RB02 to the command station will have an impact. Only NCE cables should be used for the cab bus devices and panels including the RB02.
For extra-long lengths of cab bus cables, you can inject additional power to keep the voltage drop from becoming an issue.
NCE has no plans to offer a repeater, and we are unaware of any 3rd party alternatives.
Each cab MUST have a unique address. The valid address range depends on which NCE DCC System is being used.
Do your wireless cabs work when plugged in, and no batteries are installed? Do you have other wireless cabs that are working okay? Are all wireless cabs having this issue? If your wireless cab has an external antenna or an older version of the wireless, you might have an older firmware version with a "layout ID." Wireless layout ID is an obsolete feature. Any cab with this feature will need a new wireless board for $106+ shipping.
The RB02 Radio Base Station can handle a maximum of 16 wireless Pro Cabs. Wireless Procabs must use cab addresses 2-17 only. All other wireless cabs can use 2 - 49.
A stubby 1/4 wave roughly has 30% less range than a full 1/2 wave antenna.
6. To get the radio firmware version - turn off the DCC system and hit the red button on the throttle. The current wireless CAB version is 1.71. The RB02 base station version must be version 2.6.
7. Wireless layout ID is an obsolete feature. Any cab with this feature will need a new wireless board for $106+ shipping.
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Setting the layout ID on an old RB02.
1- Unplug the RB02 from the Cab Bus. Do not turn off system power.
2- Plug a ProCab into the PORT A connector of the RB02 using any standard Cab Bus cable.
If a repeater cable is already plugged into this expansion port, temporarily remove it.
3- Restore the Cab Bus connection to the RB02.
**** If you DO NOT see the Layout ID option, you have an updated RB02 version.
4- Type the desired Layout ID number (factory default), then press ENTER.
5- Unplug the Pro Cab from PORT A to enable the radio operation of the RB02. The radio will not
operate until the cab is unplugged.
6- Restore the repeater connection to PORT A if it was removed
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Setting the layout ID on the ProCab
Turn the command station OFF.
The layout ID is set by pressing “EXPN” and selecting option #2 (SETUP RADIO).
Press “ENTER” to skip setting/changing the automatic shutdown timer.
Press 0 to set the Layout ID. Press enter, and the cab should return to normal operation. **** If you DO NOT see the Layout ID option, you have an updated wireless cab version firmware 1.5 or later, and it has been removed.
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If you have the layout ID option in one piece of hardware but not the other, you have mismatched wireless versions. ALL items with the Layout ID option still available MUST be sent to NCE for a firmware update so all components will operate together correctly. Everything will work fine if ALL components still have the layout ID option, provided the Layout ID is set to 0. Do not attempt to use any other number.
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