DCC compatability question

[Gandy Dancer]

Since There are standards for DCC and decoders are compatible with all systems has anyone tried using throttles or components like reverse loop power control from one maufacturer with a system from another manufacturer?

Absolutely.  Complete success.   If they didn't all work together there wouldn't be any advantage of DCC over the other command control systems that DIDN'T become a standard.

I have MRC, Digitrax, and some other brand of auto-reverse units all working in harmony on my Lenz controlled system.   I am using CVP brand wireless throttles.  I should mention that the power supplies for the Lenz boosters are Digitrax brand.  I also use Digitrax power separators (PB42?) on the other side of the Lenz power boosters.  I am surprised and puzzled by the issue mentioned above with a circuit breaker.  That should be an area where the components re easily compatible.  I am even more surprised that the issue is with an NCE product.

The places the vendors products become incompatible are in areas not covered by the DCC standards like throttle busses.  Currently the odd men out there are Digitrax with their Loco-Net bus, and CVP's Easy DCC (with whatever it uses).  Most of the other vendors use or at least allow express-net.

[Bill54]

Since There are standards for DCC and decoders are compatible with all systems has anyone tried using throttles or components like reverse loop power control from one maufacturer with a system from another manufacturer?  What was the success or failure?  Thank you.

When I purchased my NCE Power Pro R DCC system in March 06 from Empire Northern I asked if system components were interchangable. 

They said the Command Stations, Boosters, and Throttles were not compatable with other systems.  I was told that each system was unique to the manufacturer.  They said items that were interchangable between most manufacturers are Decoders, Reverse Modules and UTP's (universal throtle pannels).

I have used several Digitrax decoders in my engines with no problems.  However, I cannot use a Digitrax throttle on my NCE system.

Bill 

[Vail and Southwestern RR]

This is an odd one, since it is exactly the type of thing that should work across systems.  How did it fail?  Did it not trip before the booster itself tripped?

 

[greendiamond]

I've had the NCE EB3 Circuit Breaker board, advertised as compatible with all systems, not work with another DCC system.  It was brought up to NCE, and they said they were aware of the situation and to return it to my dealer for a refund, but have still not changed their website or instruction manuals for this product. They are a good company to deal with, so I was quite surprised that the product did not work as it is marketed. So, just be aware, not all components are cross-compatible between manufacturers.  It's best to ask first and have fewer problems later.

[Vail and Southwestern RR]

Since There are standards for DCC and decoders are compatible with all systems has anyone tried using throttles or components like reverse loop power control from one maufacturer with a system from another manufacturer?  What was the success or failure?  Thank you.

As has been said, 'trackside' items should be fine.  Reverse loop controllers, boosters, and circuit breakers would fall into that category (EDIT: also decoders).  On the other hand 'control' side things, such as throttles, are generally not compatible.  There are a few exceptions to this, I think mainly due to cross branding.  The reason for the difference is that the DCC standards apply to what gets put on the rails.  This means that anything that uses the input to the rails (hence output of the booster) will be compatible.  The standards don't say anything about how a manufacturer deals with the control side and user interface side of things, that's where the differences in systems mainly exist.

 

[bearman]

It's my understanding that there should be no compatibility problems down-wire of the booster/command station.  Throttles etc up-wire of the booster/command station are a different matter.  I'm using a Digitrax Zephyr with PSX1 circuit breakers and will be installing a PSXAR for the reverse loop.

[reklein]

I've used an MRC reversing unit with my Digitrax with no problems. Alao I'm using several different decoders with the same system,no probs.

[ndbprr]

Since There are standards for DCC and decoders are compatible with all systems has anyone tried using throttles or components like reverse loop power control from one maufacturer with a system from another manufacturer?  What was the success or failure?  Thank you.