NCE offers several command stations, boosters, and combination units that can be used to build or expand a DCC system. The important distinction is whether a device is a command station, a booster, or a combination of both.
NCE PH5-Box — Command Station + 5-Amp Booster
The NCE PH5-Box is an integrated DCC system box containing the equivalent of an NCE CS03 command station and 5-amp track booster in a single enclosure.
The PH5-Box is the heart of NCE's current 5-amp Power Pro system. Add a ProCab or other compatible NCE throttle and the appropriate power supply to build a complete system.
For a complete system including the ProCab throttle, see the NCE PH5 Power Pro 5-Amp DCC Starter System.
NCE CS03 — Command Station Only
The NCE CS03 Command Station provides the command-station functions of an NCE system but does not contain a track-power booster.
Because the CS03 does not generate track power by itself, it must be connected to a compatible NCE booster, such as a PB105a or PB110a, before it can operate trains.
This makes the CS03 particularly useful when building a system around a separately selected booster or when a larger-capacity booster is required.
NCE SB5a — Power Cab Upgrade
The NCE SB5a Smart Booster combines a command station and 5-amp track booster in one enclosure.
It is designed primarily as an upgrade path for users of the 2-amp NCE Power Cab starter system. With the SB5a running the layout, the Power Cab handset becomes a regular cab/throttle on the NCE Cab Bus rather than providing the layout's command station and track power.
The SB5a can also be configured to operate as a slave booster, allowing it to provide an additional 5-amp power district when used with another NCE command station, such as the CS03, PH5-Box or another SB5a.
Adding Additional 5-Amp Boosters
The SB5a, PH5-Box, and CS03-based systems can be expanded with compatible NCE boosters.
Current and previous-generation 5-amp boosters include:
- NCE PB105a 5-Amp Power Booster
- NCE DB5a 5-Amp Booster
- Earlier NCE PB5 boosters
The PB105a is NCE's current conventional 5-amp booster and follows the general design and application of the earlier PB105/PB5 family. The current PB105a is supplied with its power supply.
The DB5a performs the same basic job of providing an additional 5-amp DCC power district, but its packaging and power-supply arrangement differ from the PB105a.
NCE PB110a — 10-Amp Booster
For larger scales and applications requiring substantially more track current, NCE offers the PB110a 10-Amp Power Booster.
The PB110a can be controlled by the CS03 and is generally intended for S, O, G and other large-scale applications where a 10-amp booster is appropriate.
The PB110a requires a substantially larger power supply than NCE's 5-amp systems. A P519 is not an appropriate power supply for the PB110a.
Choosing the Correct Power Supply
Matching the power supply to the booster is important. Do not assume that an NCE power supply designed for one booster can safely or properly operate another.
For current PH5 5-amp systems, NCE offers the P519 19VDC Power Supply.
Important: The P519 is intended for the PH5 and is not intended for the SB5, DB5, or older PB5 boosters.
The PB105a is available with its appropriate power supply included.
The 10-amp PB110a requires a much higher-capacity power source. Suitable high-current supplies include the NCE 1024 24VDC Power Supply or an appropriately configured high-current supply such as the Digitrax PS2012E.
5 Amps or 10 Amps?
As a general guideline:
N and HO scale: A 5-amp system such as the PH5-Box, SB5a, PB105a, or DB5a is normally the appropriate choice.
S, O, G and larger scales: A 10-amp system using the PB110a/PH10 family may be appropriate because larger locomotives can have significantly greater current requirements.
Remember that adding boosters does not simply give the entire railroad a larger single pool of amperage. Additional boosters are normally used to create separate power districts, with each booster supplying its own section of the railroad.
Quick Compatibility Guide
| NCE Product | Command Station | Track Booster | Typical Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| CS03 | Yes | No | Standalone command station used with a separate booster |
| PH5-Box | Yes | 5 Amp | Complete system box for N/HO and similar applications |
| SB5a | Yes | 5 Amp | Power Cab upgrade; can also be configured as a slave booster |
| PB105a | No | 5 Amp | Adds a 5-amp power district |
| DB5a | No | 5 Amp | Adds a 5-amp power district |
| PB110a | No | 10 Amp | High-current booster for larger scales |
The Bottom Line
If you're starting with an NCE Power Cab and need more power and additional throttle capability, the SB5a is the natural upgrade path. The PH5-Box is another upgrade option for the Power Cab.
If you're building a full 5-amp NCE system, the PH5-Box provides the command station and booster together.
If you want to build a system using a separate command station and booster, use the CS03 with an appropriate PB-series booster.
And if you need additional power districts, add compatible PB105a, DB5a, or PB110a boosters according to the current requirements of your layout.
