CNCharlie wrote: I have since completely re-done the layout; track, wiring, etc. and wired it for DCC however I have set it up so that I can use DC for a few locos that I likely won't convert. I did so by isolating the yard where the DCC locos are stored and have a power drop to hook up a DC power pack.
Not necessary. Set the DCC engines so they don't run on DC (a decoder setting) and then flip the switch from DCC to DC on your power system. Doesn't matter where the DCC engines are they won't respond to the DC.
Dave H.
Dave H. Painted side goes up. My website : wnbranch.com
tstage wrote:I believe Lenz does not, either.
The thing about running a DC locomotive is that it sucks up so much of the bandwidth, the control of the other DCC locomotives can become sluggish. Also one cannot really leave the DC locomotive on the track idle for long periods of time. As a person here on the forums demonstrated with with real-life equipment, the motor will suffer damage.
If you really have "too many" locomotives to convert to DCC I would recommend something more like CNCharlie said in the prior post. Wire the layout so it can be controlled by DC or DCC.
I built a small layout last year using DC block control and then when the DCC bug hit due to sound locos, I used Cab B for DCC. I have since completely re-done the layout; track, wiring, etc. and wired it for DCC however I have set it up so that I can use DC for a few locos that I likely won't convert. I did so by isolating the yard where the DCC locos are stored and have a power drop to hook up a DC power pack. I can then at least run the DC locos on most of the track. You can also use a DPDT switch to go back from one power source or the other as has been explained by others on the forum. That way you don't have to worry about what DCC system you use and whether or not it can operate a DC loco.
The reason that NCE doesn't permit it is that it can harm some DC motors (they aren't really running on DC they are just running on a modified DCC signal that pulses the motor).
tstage wrote: Don, As Jim indicated, Digitrax does. So does Bachmann. (Course, that's a more limited system than anything from Digitrax. It's fine for what it does do.) NCE and MRC for sure do NOT support DC. I believe Lenz does not, either. I'm not sure about EasyDCC (CVP).Tom
Don,
As Jim indicated, Digitrax does. So does Bachmann. (Course, that's a more limited system than anything from Digitrax. It's fine for what it does do.) NCE and MRC for sure do NOT support DC. I believe Lenz does not, either. I'm not sure about EasyDCC (CVP).
Tom
To correct that, Lenz does allow you to operate a DC engine. Like the others, it "runs the track" just like DC does, so all DC engines will run at once, in the same direction. Like DC, it controls the direction of motion of all engines on the DC track (as in left-to-right, or clockwise around a loop) instead of the cab-end forward, non-cab-end reverse idea of direction that we're used to for DCC.
For all of these systems, auto-reversers do not work with DC engines. Sometimes the circuitry will cause the engine to reverse direction at the loop boundary, and sometimes it will just short out.
The best thing you can do is try it. Most likely, you'll be convinced that DC works poorly on a DCC system, and the right thing to do is buy decoders for the engines you like most.
It takes an iron man to play with a toy iron horse.
The original Prodigy did (does), I have first hand knowledge of that.
There are several reasons that it is not being put into as many newer systems. I think the biggest reason is that using this feature reduces the amount of time left for sending useful DCC information through the rails. As we run more locos, with more functions (sound, etc), the bandwidth taken up by the DC operation can start to impact DCC operation. Since that is clearly not an acceptable situation, some units are not allowing it at all.
Even if it is available there are reason why you might not use it, even though you think you will. First, the noise of a DC loco on a DCC track is pretty annoying. Secondly, some DC motors have been known to burn out running in this mode. Thirdly, operation of a DC loco through a reverse section will not be as clean as DCC is, you'll have to change the loco direction when the polarity changes.
I know that just due to the noise, and less than stellar performance, I would not use this mode for more than a pre decoder install check of a loco.
How much benefit it it really to be able to run a single DC loco o the layout?
Jeff But it's a dry heat!
I am surprised that more of the DCC control units are not offering control of a single DC unit. I for one would only use a control unit that allows use of both. I have too many engines to install DCC in each unit. So I will obtain a unit that allows me to run either DCC or DC.
Did not the old original MRC Prodigy DCC control allow the use of a DC unit?
https://tstage9.wixsite.com/nyc-modeling
Time...It marches on...without ever turning around to see if anyone is even keeping in step.
With Digitrax you can operate of one analog (no decoder) locomotive by selecting address "00" on a throttle. You can run more than one analog locomotive, but they will all run at the same speed and direction, and can use only one throttle.
JIM
Jim, Modeling the Kansas City Southern Lines in HO scale.
Am thinking of starting another HO layout and am wondering what the current DCC control systems offer in the way of DC and DCC compatability.
Which of the newer systems allow control of both DC and DCC engines on the same layout. I have an assortment of sound and non-sound engines as well as DC anc DCC. How many engines could I run?
It will make life so much easier if I can run both DC and DCC at the same time.