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Moving the Power Cab to a different panel location

The Power Cab is a self-contained three in one DCC system. It is a Cab, a Booster, and a Command station in one unit. The cable used for the Power Cab is a one of kind cable specially made thicker and heavier for this purpose. You cannot substitute ANY other type of cable. Longer cables, or coiled cables are not available.

For this reason, you cannot move the Power Cab to different panel locations without a few changes to the layout. The reason for this is that the actual track power on the rails and the power from the wall transformer BOTH go through the Handset / Cab directly. If you unplug the Power Cab you have no track power and all locomotives will stop instantly. This also means that to use different panels and different locations you would have to move the track and wall power connections on the rear of panel each time.

If you do not need more power and only need a new location to control trains from: One option is to add a second cab of any kind. As long as the Power Cab stays plugged in to the original panel, a second panel and a second cab can be added to provide control from a different location. You can have up to 3 additional cabs, and an unlimited amount of panels with certain provisions for cable length. Option B could also be a wireless cab. If the Power Cab again stays plugged in. You add an RB02 radio base station and any wireless cab.

If you need more power add the SB5 Smartbooster. This is a combination 5amp booster and command station. With the SB5 running the layout, the Power Cab is now just a regular cab. The Power Cab can now be unplugged and used in multiple locations via panels. You can reuse the original panel for this with no track wire or power connections on the rear, or you can add a UTP – Universal Throttle Panel.

If you wish to use the Power Cab in two completely separate locations such as a work bench and a layout that can be done by having two P114 power supplies and two (PCP) power cab panels. one set in each location. The two locations cannot be electrically connected or have a connection via track. 

 

2nd cab for operator – 5240039 Cab06 w/4 digit LED display, digital encoder, recall capability  

2nd cab 5240010  Pro Cab full size cab with LCD display


2nd cab panel 5240207 UTP Panel Cab Bus fascia panel w/RJ12 connectors

RJ12-7 7 Foot, 6 wire flat cable cab bus, 2 RJ12 connectors 5240213
RJ12-12 12 Foot, 6 wire flat cable cab bus, 2 RJ12 connectors 5240214

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