Radio Base Station Versions Explained and Identified – Welcome to the NCE Information Station

DO NOT update anything unless you are trying to solve a problem.

To get the radio firmware version on a Pro Cab or converted Power Cab, turn off the cab and then the DCC system. Hit the red e-stop button to turn the throttle back on. You will see the wireless version on the screen.

The current WIRELESS radio version is 1.71 Note that this differs from the Pro Cab keypad and display firmware, which is always 1.3.

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Any cab NOT version 1.5 or higher will need a new wireless board with an internal antenna installed. The cost for this is $106+ return shipping. You must also send in your RB02 radio base station if it is not version 2.1. Check the sticker on the bottom. Upgrading to wireless firmware costs $30 per item + return shipping.

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The RB01 and non-upgraded RB02 radio base station would start to show problems when the following conditions were met:

1) A lot of radio cabs were being used.
2) The combination of wired (plugged-in) and wireless (radio) cabs being used at the same time.
3) The radio cab addresses are being used.

4) Sudden complete loss of radio operation on power up from a previous operating session where the radio ran just fine.

In other words, very flaky radio operation under some conditions or loss of radio operation.

Version 2.0 update of the RB02 fixed bugs and timing issues related to:
1) Key presses to get dropped
2) Runaway trains
3) Several cab addresses (8, 18, and 49) would cause the system to do bad things.

4) Loss of correct radio ID in the base station.

Version 2.1 update of the RB02 fixed display bug for the Cab06

You will need to send in your RB02 radio base station if it is not version 2.0 or 2.1; check the sticker on the bottom. If you have a Cab06, the RB02 must be version 2.1. Upgrading your RB02 to the current wireless firmware costs $30 per item + return shipping. Repeaters / RPT1 do NOT get updated.

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