NCE Powerhouse/Pro Cab upgrade

[Cajonpassfan]

A question for fellow NCE users and/or experts: what is the most current version and date of release of the NCE EPROM chip?
Is it V1.65, released when...2007? Seems like there should be a more current version?

Before I install the upgrade chip I obtained several years ago that’s dated March 2007, and probably lose al my macros as a result, I’d like to make sure it’s the most recent version. I’d hate to have to reprogram all my macros more than once...if at all.
Advice appreciated, thanks.
Otto K.

[Maletrain]

The latest version is V1.65B.  The "B" is important.  The previous V1.65 (no "B") chip reverts to the capabilities of the V1.28 chip is you ever do a "factory reset". 

My V1.65B chip doesn't have a date on the chip, but the literature that came with it says "Copyright 2005-2012."  So, I  am guessing it was released in 2012.

Dave Heap over at NCE-DCC@groups.io could tell you for sure.  But, you would need to become a member of that group.  Which is actually a really good idea if you have NCE equipment.

[peteski]

My NCE Power Cab was upgraded by me to 1.65B few years ago (I got my upgrade chip for free at the NCE booth at the Anherst show).  So the Pro Cab throttles use the same firmware as Power Cabs?

[Maletrain]

My NCE Power Cab was upgraded by me to 1.65B few years ago (I got my upgrade chip for free at the NCE booth at the Anherst show).  So the Pro Cab throttles use the same firmware as Power Cabs?

I also got my V1.65B chip for free from the NCE booth at the Amherst show.  But, the guy in the booth seemed unexpectedly reluctant (compared to what I had been told) until I mentioned that I also had their USB connector to set up JMRI on my computer.  That seemed to somehow make the NCE rep much more willing to give me the chip for free.  He said something about having problems with the 1.65 chip and the USB connection making it important that I install the B version chip.  But, I have not heard anything about that before or since.  So, maybe he just figured I was more "into NCE" than some guy who just bought a PowerCab on the cheap.

Anyway, the 1.65 does lose some ability to address some cab numbers for auxiliary throttles and non-throttle items like the USB connector if you do a factory reset on the PowerCab unit.  Not sure what happens, if anything, with a non-command station throttle like the ProCab. 

The groups.io NCE group is the best place to get info like that from guys like Dave Heap and Ken Cameron.

[Cajonpassfan]

Thanks guys, I just signed up, waiting for approval. The funny thing is, I didn’t know about this group but belong to the other groups I.O. NCE group forum that’s mostly inactive now 
Appreciate the suggestions, I’m sure I’ll get the answer I need.
Otto

[Maletrain]

Well, I see that Otto has asked and received answers over on NCC-DCC@groups.io.

Just to set some misinformation I supplied here straight, the info on the V1.65B chips is for the PowerCab and SB5 DCC command stations, but not the PowerHouse, PowerPro command stations.  For those, the latest chip is 2007C (not "A" or "B").

[Cajonpassfan]

Yes I did, pretty quickly., and already learned some other things I didn’t know about. Looks like a great resource for anyone with NCE.
Thanks again, and for the clarification.
Otto