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Available Connections:
1- Two position TRACK output power connector
1- CONTROL BUS output connector
2- Cab bus “RJ” connectors
1- DC Power connector
1- Ground screw on rear of box
Indicator Lights:
1- DC power on (red LED)
DCC Specifications of the SB5:
Maximum number of cabs (throttles): 6 - Cab Addresses MUST be in the range of 2 through 7
Plus USB, AIU, Mini Panel accessories in address range of 8 through 10
Maximum number of simultaneous trains: 18
Functions controlled: 29
Locomotive address range: 1-127 (short), 0-9999 (long)
Accessory address range: 1-2044
Signal address range: 1-2044
Maximum number of advanced consists: 16 (addresses 112-127)
Maximum number of old consists: 36 (6 per cab)
Maximum number of Recalls: 6 per cab
Resetting (Rebooting) the System:
The SB5 has a large power storage capability. This stored up power will continue to
operate the microprocessor in the SB5 for up to 15 seconds after power is removed. To
reset the system, turn the power off for at least 20 seconds (wait until the red DC power
LED goes completely out). If you see the “NCE SB5” message on your cab when you re-
apply power, the system has properly reset to normal power up condition. If the above
message does not appear during the power up process remove power and wait a bit
longer before restoring it.
Returning the System to Original Factory Settings:
At the “normal display” press <PROG/ESC> followed by <5>. Press <ENTER> about ten
times until the “RESET SYSTEM?” Prompt appears. Press <6> followed by <1> to reset
the system to factory default condition. This takes about
10 seconds.
Using a Program Track:
The SB5 is a combination command station and booster,
it does not have a dedicated Program Track. It does have
the ability to Program on the Main. To access the NCE
Program Track, you will need to have available, the
original set up of the Power Cab and use it connected to a
separate piece of track that you can use as the Program
Track.
SB5 Booster Mode:
You can disable the command station portion of the SB5 to use it as a “Dumb Booster”
with another DCC system. To set the SB5 to booster only mode:
1. Move the small switch on the bottom of the SB5 toward the rear of the box.
2. Connect a PowerCab or ProCab to the SB5.
PCP
Program/Test Track
P114
Power Cab
a. Press <PROG/ESC> followed by <5> to see the SET CMD STATION prompt on the
LCD of the cab
b. Press <ENTER> repeatedly until you see “ENABLE BOOSTER”
c. Press <1> to enable booster only mode
d. The status LED on the SB5 should start flashing rapidly indictaing that there is no DCC
signal present and the SB5 is now in Booster mode.
The “Control Bus” jack on the front of the SB5 becomes a DCC signal input rather than a
DCC signal output. Connect your DCC signal here.
To return the SB5 to normal command station mode, just reverse the above process
(switch toward front of box, disable booster mode in SET CMD STATION).
Note: When in Booster mode cabs connected to the SB5 will still appear to work normally
except the word “BOOSTER” will replace the fast clock display. These cabs will not be
able to affect actual operation of trains or accessories.
Copyright & Trademarks
Copyright © 1994-2013 NCE Corporation. The identifying product terms Power Cab, Power Pro, PH-Pro, and
ProCab are trademarks of NCE Corporation. The look and feel of this software and its interaction with the user
through the ProCab or Power Cab is copyright NCE Corporation. The distinctive shape of the ProCab and Power
Cab with LCD and thumbwheel is a trademark of NCE Corporation. All non-NCE brands and product names
mentioned are likely to be trademarks or registered trademarks of their respected companies.
Limited Warranty
NCE guarantees that when used with the factory supplied Power Supply, every Power Cab and Smart Booster DCC
System is free from physical defects in material and workmanship for a period of 1 year. Use of a different Power
Supply will void the warranty.
Within the first year full repair or replacement will be made to the original purchaser of any item that has failed due
to manufacturer defect. Should the item no longer be produced and the item not repairable a similar item will be
substituted at the manufacturer’s discretion. The customer pays only shipping to the NCE Warranty Center. Please
save your original receipt as a photocopy of it may be requested. NCE returns the items UPS ground unless other
arrangements are made in advance. After the first year a fair and reasonable service charge may be placed on each
failed item returned for repair.
This warranty is not valid if the customer has intentionally misused, miswired, performed any unauthorized
alterations to the product, used the incorrect Power Supply or removed any product protection devices. In this case
a service charge will be applied for all repairs and replacements. To protect the warranty, please contact the
Warranty Center for authorization prior to altering any product. In no event will NCE’s liability exceed the price paid
for the product from direct, indirect, special, incidental or consequential damages resulting from the use of the
product, it’s accompanying software or its documentation. NCE makes no warranty or representation, expressed,
implied or statutory with respect to its products or the contents or use of this documentation and accompanying
software and specifically disclaims its quality, performance, merchantability, or fitness for any particular purpose.
NCE reserves the right to revise or update its products, software, or documentation without obligation to notify any
individual or entity.
Please contact the Warranty Center for specific shipping instructions and any service charges before returning any
product for service.
NCE Warranty Center - 585-265-0230
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