Rookie DCC Compatibility Question

[Anonymous]

Hi all,

I've searched on the net but unable to find an answer. I'm a complete DCC newbie, and I'm wondering are DCC systems compatible? For example if I have a MRC DCC system, and I want a decoder for an engine, is it ok to but a Digitrax DCC Decoder in the engine?

Thanks in advance,
Peter

[freeway3]

Peter,

Absolutely you can you a Digitrax decoder with the MRC system. Most (there are exceptions) DCC products are manufactured to be compatible with each other, look for those that are "NMRA compatible" or "meet NMRA Standards".

NMRA, if you don't know, is the National Model Railroad Association, who, among other things, create standards for electronics, track, couplers, car weights, etc. See http://www.nmra.org/

And welcome to the forum!

Ed

[Anonymous]

Thanks so much Ed! This forum looks like a great resource for me. My Father and I are just redoing his older layout and getting back into the Model RR. It's been a while.

Thanks again.

[NZRMac]

[#welcome]

This is a great forum I've been here a while and learned alot.
Don' t hesitate to ask questions there is someone here who knows the answer.

Enjoy with your Dad

Ken.

[Bikerdad]

The core compatibility is between decoders and command stations. Everybody's DCC command station is supposed to work with everybody's mobile decoders. There may be a few early exceptions, and BLI's have "issues" with power levels when programming, but that's the extent of it. Buy a new decoder from Vendor X and use it on your buddy's DCC layout using Vendor Y, or Z's station, no problem.

However, throttles are generally not cross compatible. Atlas throttles will work with Lenz systems (and visa versa), but that's because Lenz makes the Atlas system. NCE and Easy DCC or somesuch throttles are also common. But amongst the entry level, throttle compatibility is effectively non-existent save the Atlas/Lenz. Digitrax does not talk to Lenz does not talk to MRC does not talk to Bachmann.

The upshot is, you can buy decoders with confidence that you can use them with any DCC system.

Grace and peace, BD

[BRVRR]

Peter [#welcome],
Your question has already been answered. The simple answer is yes.[tup]
The exceptions that were mentioned are primarily with European systems.
The throttle compatibility issue mentioned by Bikerdad is real and has to do with the 'protocols' (communication method) the various systems by Digitrax, NCE, Lenz etc. use.
Again, welcome to the forum. There are a lot of knowledgeable and experienced people here. Help is seldom more than a few minutes away![:D]
Remember: It's your railroad![:D]