Hello All,
Check out this forum thread on the same subject:
http://cs.trains.com/mrr/f/744/t/226338.aspx
Hope this helps.
"Uhh...I didn’t know it was 'impossible' I just made it work...sorry"
I'd agree that this is a bad idea for a couple of reasons. Unless you do it right, you risk damaging the DCC system in particular, but I'm sure there are situations where a DC system could be fried too.
If you're like most of us, once you start using DCC, you won't go back. So, why put the effort into a system you'll seldom use?
The only reason to do this is if you already have a large roster of high-quality DC engines. For a few engines, just put decoders in them.
It takes an iron man to play with a toy iron horse.
My suggestion: Don't.
Only one, or the other.
DCC command stations and DC power packs do not get along....
You will fry one, or both, if you use both.
The only way it will work, and absolutely the only way, is if you wire it separately, so that only one or the other will be used. Never both together. Ever. It will create issues if you do. Expensive ones....
The issue this creates, either full DC wiring, with blocks, to do it correctly, or, full DCC wiring, with a power bus and feeder drops, can't be done.
So, my suggestion, still, is to choose either DCC, or DC, but not both for control systems.
If you need to run a DC locomotive or two, until they are converted, the Digitrax Zephyr can handle both DCC locomotives with decoders, and DC loco (one at a time) on address "0". That would be the best suggestion I can give here.
Ricky W.
HO scale Proto-freelancer.
My Railroad rules:
1: It's my railroad, my rules.
2: It's for having fun and enjoyment.
3: Any objections, consult above rules.
smaller layout you wire it for DC (blocks) and just hook up a DCC unit to one of the cabs. Just make sure you dont have a DCC engine on a DC power supply or a DC engine on a DCC block.
But it is best to not mix the two.
How is wiring done for this? Do you have to wire for dcc and then wire for dc? Seems like a wiring nightmare. Any help, ideas, suggestions, etc???
Thanks