Component Shortages

S-CAB is negatively impacted by price increases and component shortages.
  • Effective July 1, SoundTraxx has increased decoder prices.
  • Components for BPS battery power supplies are unavailable.
  • Price increases are anticipated if/when components become available.
This has the following consequences:
  • Instead of increasing decoder prices, higher costs have been have been absorbed by making a few changes elsewhere in the 2021 price list.
  • BPS-v4 inventory is low and unlikely to be replaced until some time next year. For example, a critical component from TI is out of stock with February next year estimated delivery date.
  • Due to limited inventory, BPS-v4 delivery will be reserved for existing S-CAB users and new orders for full S-CAB battery power, radio control (BPRC) systems. Large orders cannot be supplied at this time.

S-CAB Receivers

A large inventory of radio modules and a choice of three S-CAB receivers is good news.

Feb 2021: LXR-v4.3b: Basic S-CAB receiver with DRC

An S-CAB receiver for direct radio connection with NCE D13J, D408, SoundTraxx TSU-2200 and TSU-4400 decoders. ​

March 2021: LXR-NEM for decoders with NEM sockets

SoundTraxx TSU-21PNEM, ECO-21PNEM and NCE D16MTC decoders with S-CAB direct radio connect (DRC) plug onto the NEM header.​

Feb 2021: LXR-DCC for decoders requiring DCC input

​Receiver is integrated with DCC booster for use with decoders where DRC is not feasible. Used with SoundTraxx TSU-1100 decoders.

Development

Battery Power Supply

​Jan. 2020: BPS-Lite

​BPS-Lite is an on-board battery power supply for mobile lighting; specifically, coaches and cabooses. ​
bps-lite_v1.pdf
File Size: 559 kb
File Type: pdf
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Batteries

​​Dec. 2020: Introduced a 1200 mAh Battery

S-CAB Throttle

​Jan. 2020: Radio Upgrade
s-cab_operation-v2.5.pdf
File Size: 138 kb
File Type: pdf
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Since the new radio receiver is backward compatible with Linx Technology radio modules (now obsolete), the upgrade has no affect on existing users. Not only is this the best result for S-CAB users, it is a good choice for new users since it is lower cost and requires no DCC equipment (except decoder), no WiFi network, no Bluetooth or other communications equipment, no computer, no phone.
Another advantage, especially when using battery power, is very low energy consumption. An S-CAB receiver consumes 7 mA compared to approx. 200 mA for a typical WiFi receiver.
​Configurable frequency is another benefit. The radio module can be configured to use any frequency in US ISM band (902 to 928 MHz). In addition to 916.48 MHz required for S-CAB backward compatibility, a second frequency (918.12 MHz) is provided to allow use of CVP's T-5000 throttle (Freq 11) and to avoid interference with NCE wireless throttles.

​April 2020: Throttle v2.5 Firmware Upgrade

​The upgrade is distributed as a replacement microprocessor chip.
version_2.5_upgrade.pdf
File Size: 227 kb
File Type: pdf
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Motherboards

June 2019: MB-GP-v3: For decoders with JST 9-pin Socket

​Developed as upgrade of earlier motherboards, MB-GP-v3 fits a broad selection of HO scale, US style diesel-electric locos; including EMD GP series for which interior width is limited to approx. 0.7 inches. When assembled, this MB is 5.8” long, 0.67" wide, 0.43" thick (148 x 17 x 11 mm). Small enough for a GP-7, yet large enough to include components for a complete battery powered, radio controlled, ready-to-run installation. Ends can be trimmed to reduce length to 5.25".
​​​​​A 9-pin JST connector is provided for decoders with NMRA-compliant socket. No wiring harness is required. A BPS-v4 battery power supply mounts directly on motherboard (as in photo). Connections are provided for motor, lights and battery charging input.
Picture

​July 2020: MB-GP-NEM: For decoders with 21-pin NEM Socket

​MB-GP-NEM is a diesel loco motherboard for SoundTraxx (sound) and NCE (non-sound) decoders with a 21-pin NEM socket. It's the second member of S-CAB's motherboard family.
​Measurements are 5.5" x 0.7" x 0.4" (140 x 17.5  x 10.2 mm). For 2P-420 battery, allow 12 mm vertical clearance.
mb-gp-nem.pdf
File Size: 1087 kb
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Picture

Dec 2020: ​MB-GP-NEM-S: A short version of MB-GP-NEM

MB-GP-NEM-S is a short version of MB-GP-NEM which does not include battery space on the motherboard. Measurements are 3.3” long, 0.7 “ wide, and 0.41” at thickest point. ​
mb-gp-nem-s.pdf
File Size: 707 kb
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