This article was written by NCE Super User Mark Gurries and was taken from his website. the original can be found here: https://sites.google.com/site/markgurries/home/nce-info/decoder-history
NCE Decoder History
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Below is a summary of all decoders made by NCE plus those made by NCE for Wangrow/System One (SYS1) & Tony's Train Exchange
Quick Summary of NCE Decoder Feature History. A complete detailed list of NCE decoder history is further below.
V1.x
Characteristics:
2/4 Digit Addressing
Advanced Consisting
14/28 Speed Steps
Speed Table
Acceleration / Deceleration
Start Voltage
Adjustable Low Frequency PWM motor drive operation using CV95
OPs Mode Programming
Page Mode Programming
Register Mode Programming
V2.x
Characteristics: Same as above Plus:
128 Speed Steps
Limited light effects on some specific decoders.
Adjustable Low Frequency PWM motor drive operation using CV9 (Not 95)
V3.1 to V3.3 (SR series)
Characteristics:
Same as above plus:
"Silent Running" High Frequency PWM
(15KHz) motor d
rive operation.
Kick Start
Mid/Max
Function Mapping
Consist Function Control
14 Light Effects with LED Support
Direct mode Programming
CV30 Reset function added but no instructions on how to use it.
14 speed step mode removed
V3.5 and Above (SR series)
Characteristics:
Same as above plus:
Torque Compensation for the Motor drive.
15 Light Effects with LED Support (One more added)
Brake on DC
Decoder Locking
Full CV30 decoder reset function documentation added.
Most NCE and SYS1 decoders "attempt" to use a descriptive model number/name for their decoders. For example:
D408 is a O scale "Decoder, 4A, 8 Function"
D102 is a HO scale "Decoder, 1A, 2 Function".
N103 is a N scale
"Decoder, 1A, 3 Function"
D104P2K is a HO scale "Decoder, 1A, Function" with plug intended for "Proto 2000" engine.
D13SR is a
HO scale "Decoder, 1A, 3 Function" with "Silent Running"
Notes:
1) Some decoder may have extra functions added without updating the model number to reflect that change till replaced by a newer model.
2) In general, the version number printed on the front of the manual does NOT necessarily mean that is the version of software in the decoder. Some revisions refer to hardware changes.
3) In general, the version of software is found in CV7
Manual Information
NCE decoder manuals can be found here: http://www.ncedcc.com/document-archives.html
Finding the manual: Some decoder manuals listed have file names with the first letter being a upper case "D" or a lower case "d". This effects where the manuals are listed in the above list. Look at the whole list from top to bottom.
NCE does not always keep records of older manuals (lower revisions). Below in each decoder section is a link where you might find older manuals.
Version 1.x Decoder Kits. Pre 1996
The NCE-DK15 decoder measured: 2.25" x 0.65" x 0.30"
1A/1.3A Peak Motor Drive, 3 Function outputs, Software Version 1.6
Characteristics: 2/4 Digit Addressing
Advanced Consisting
14/28 Speed Steps
Speed Table
Acceleration / Deceleration
Start Voltage
Adjustable Low Frequency PWM motor drive operation using CV95
OPs Mode Programming
Page Mode Programming
Register Mode Programming
NCE started out making a decoder kits that required the customer to solder together. It was NCE's first attempt at decoder design. It was discontinued when the cost of an assembled one (D102) was less than the cost of a kit.
I have no manual or pictures.
Version 2.x Basic Decoders Produced from 1996 to 2000.
Software wise basically a V1.6 decoder with a few enhancements. However the physical design uses surface mount parts and only sold fully assembled.
Some 2.x manuals not on NCE's website can be found here: (Requires joining NCE-DCC group)
Characteristics: Same as V1.0 Plus:
128 Speed Step Mode
Limited light effects on some specific decoders.
Adjustable Low Frequency PWM motor drive operation using CV9 (Not 95)
WANGROW/ SYSTEM ONE
Wangrow/System One (SYS1) decoder were manufactured by various sub-contractors including NCE. The internal decoder software is written for and owned by SYS1 but functionally the same as NCE's V2.0 decoders. Some of the decoders manufactured by NCE for SYS1 show a NCE label on the PCB but a SYS1 model number. This may mislead one to think they are NCE decoders. However NCE will not acknowledge these decoders as theirs and will not support them. SYS1 decoders follow NMRA standards for CV's EXCEPT for CV95 which is used for PWM frequency control. Manuals do note any special CV's used light effects. There is no default CV value information in the manuals. Thermal overload protection is unique to SYS1 decoders.
Version 3.1 to 3.3 Decoders Produced from 2001 to 10/2003
(V3.0 and V3.4 were never released.)
Characteristics:
Same as V2.0 plus:
"Silent Running" High Frequency (15KHz) PWM Motor Drive
Kick Start
Mid/Max
Function Mapping
Consist Function Control
14 Light Effects with LED Support
Direct mode Programming
14 speed step mode removed
Version 3.5 Decoders Produced from 200X to
Characteristics:
Same as V3.2 plus:
Torque Compensation for the Motor drive.
15 Light Effects with LED Support (One more added)
Brake on DC
Decoder Locking
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