dc and dcc transformers

[grumpygramps]

can you run dc engines with a dcc transformers and can you run dc engines with a dcc transformer? i am a beginer and i am starting a lay out but having problem picking right transformer.

[rrinker]

I'll assume by 'transformer' you mean the usual DC powerpack and a DCC system of some sort. The answer to both questions is yes, for the most part.
If you run DC engine son a DCC system, you can only run one loco at a time. If you leave DC locos sitting on DCC powered track without moving them, the motors WILL heat up, and if left long enough, it will burn them up. If you actually RUN them, it's not a problem. Short stops are not a problem either - what I mean is, don't sit a DC loco on the DCC track, and go off and spend a hour running a different loco while the DC one sits standing still.
The other way around, DCC locos on DC, most DCC decoders have 'analog conversion' which allows them to run just fine under DC power. They will detect the lack of DCC signal in the track and automatically switch to DC power. There are af ew exceptions, such as the Atlas Dual Mode decoders, where you have to move a jumper plug to switch between DC and DCC operation, but most newer decoders have the automatic analog conversion feature.

--Randy

[simon1966]

Hi grumpygramps, welcome to the forum!

I have a Digitrax Zephyr DCC throttle/command station combination. With it, I can run a DC locomotive by selecting the 00 address. It works fine in the sence that the locomotives move OK, but there is an annoying whine sound that comes from using a DC locomotive in this way that I don't particularly like.

I think that you probably meant to ask if you can run DCC equipped locomotives with a DC transformer for the 2nd part of the question? Well the answer to this is a qualified yes. Some decoders automatically detect if they are in a DC environment and switch automatically, some require you to manually switch them by moving a small jumper and some don't let you run in DC at all.

A hint for future referenence with the forum, if you want to add some more information to a post, just open the post and use the edit button rather than start a new topic.

Good luck