DCC

[AlcoRS11Nut]

I am thinking about converting my 4x8 layout to DCC. ( I got the idea from the June issue of MR). If this question seems stupid please keep in-mind, I know nothing about DCC. Can you opperate engines that do not have devoders (like a strait out-of-the-box Athearn Engine) on a DCC layout? Thanks for your help.

[AlcoRS11Nut]

I am thinking about converting my 4x8 layout to DCC. ( I got the idea from the June issue of MR). If this question seems stupid please keep in-mind, I know nothing about DCC. Can you opperate engines that do not have devoders (like a strait out-of-the-box Athearn Engine) on a DCC layout? Thanks for your help.

[Anonymous]

yes

[Anonymous]

yes

[greendiamond]

The answer is yes BUT. With the NCE system you need to build a special throttle to run a non-decodered locomotive. For a good expandable full functioned starter set, I would seriously consider a Digitrax Zephyr. Not only can you run non-decodered loco, but you can actually add two non-DCC throttles ( like extra MRC Tech 2 or 3 packs or toy train packs you might have around the house). Check out the Digitrax website for more info or email me at [e-mail] if you need any additional help.

Mike

[greendiamond]

The answer is yes BUT. With the NCE system you need to build a special throttle to run a non-decodered locomotive. For a good expandable full functioned starter set, I would seriously consider a Digitrax Zephyr. Not only can you run non-decodered loco, but you can actually add two non-DCC throttles ( like extra MRC Tech 2 or 3 packs or toy train packs you might have around the house). Check out the Digitrax website for more info or email me at [e-mail] if you need any additional help.

Mike

[Anonymous]

Like all advertising, most of it is true and maybe some exaggerations are thrown in as well. So lets look at an industry lie, but some will call me on this. Can you run an engine without a decoder on a dcc layout - absolutely - BUT!!! Most non-decoder engines get this annoying hum which is irritating for many of us, but some will say it doesn't bother them. The hum is the engine reversing itself thousands and thousands of times.So you will be able to run your engines without a decoder - only one at a time on the layout. But you may not like the sound of it.

DCC for a small layout still makes sense - I wouldn't let this sound issue deter you; I just don't want you set up for disappointment. I had a small 2 1/2 by 8 N scale layout and we converted it to dcc and it made an immense difference - no throwing blocks every five seconds.

If money is an issue for you as it is with many of us, you may run your layout for the first time with a decoded engine and a non-decoded engine. Several thoughts will become apparent almost all at once. First, you will discover you want to decode your good engines. Two, you won't want to spend the money on decoders for engines that you feel are junk. Three, you will quickly want a second throttle to run your layout with a friend. That is one of the strengths of the Zephyr system, you can add on of your "non-pulsed" packs to the Zephyr system and it will be your second throttle.

[Anonymous]

Like all advertising, most of it is true and maybe some exaggerations are thrown in as well. So lets look at an industry lie, but some will call me on this. Can you run an engine without a decoder on a dcc layout - absolutely - BUT!!! Most non-decoder engines get this annoying hum which is irritating for many of us, but some will say it doesn't bother them. The hum is the engine reversing itself thousands and thousands of times.So you will be able to run your engines without a decoder - only one at a time on the layout. But you may not like the sound of it.

DCC for a small layout still makes sense - I wouldn't let this sound issue deter you; I just don't want you set up for disappointment. I had a small 2 1/2 by 8 N scale layout and we converted it to dcc and it made an immense difference - no throwing blocks every five seconds.

If money is an issue for you as it is with many of us, you may run your layout for the first time with a decoded engine and a non-decoded engine. Several thoughts will become apparent almost all at once. First, you will discover you want to decode your good engines. Two, you won't want to spend the money on decoders for engines that you feel are junk. Three, you will quickly want a second throttle to run your layout with a friend. That is one of the strengths of the Zephyr system, you can add on of your "non-pulsed" packs to the Zephyr system and it will be your second throttle.

[Anonymous]

Excuse me, but I run 3 non dcc Athearn engines lashed together and they run great together. I have also ran the three as seperate trains in display mode with no problem. I have also ran non dcc and coded units in the same train with no problems. In fact, when I run display mode I now mix a non dcc and dcc unit and use the dcc unit to push or pull down the non dcc units to control train speeds. As for the hum being annoying, have you done or seen a scientific poll? I think the hum adds some reality to the units. Ever go to the real tracks and hear a real loco? They are far from silent. The hum also is present in most pulse power packs.

[Anonymous]

Excuse me, but I run 3 non dcc Athearn engines lashed together and they run great together. I have also ran the three as seperate trains in display mode with no problem. I have also ran non dcc and coded units in the same train with no problems. In fact, when I run display mode I now mix a non dcc and dcc unit and use the dcc unit to push or pull down the non dcc units to control train speeds. As for the hum being annoying, have you done or seen a scientific poll? I think the hum adds some reality to the units. Ever go to the real tracks and hear a real loco? They are far from silent. The hum also is present in most pulse power packs.

[BR60103]

I talked to Mr. Lenz at the NMRA convention, and he said that they are coming out with a filter module that will let you run DC units on DCC without the hum. It's intended for locos where you can separate one motor brush from the frame.
I forogot to ask if you could still run them on DC.

[BR60103]

I talked to Mr. Lenz at the NMRA convention, and he said that they are coming out with a filter module that will let you run DC units on DCC without the hum. It's intended for locos where you can separate one motor brush from the frame.
I forogot to ask if you could still run them on DC.

[BentnoseWillie]

QUOTE: I forogot to ask if you could still run them on DC.

I'd expect they'll be fine for DC operation. Filters are basically transparent to DC. It'll just smooth the square-wave AC the DCC system supplies, quieting the motor.

I run a DC locomotive from time to time on my layout, but only to test the loco in question. That hum gets annoying really quickly, and I have enough locos with decoders that I don't feel the need to operate one that way.

[BentnoseWillie]

QUOTE: I forogot to ask if you could still run them on DC.

I'd expect they'll be fine for DC operation. Filters are basically transparent to DC. It'll just smooth the square-wave AC the DCC system supplies, quieting the motor.

I run a DC locomotive from time to time on my layout, but only to test the loco in question. That hum gets annoying really quickly, and I have enough locos with decoders that I don't feel the need to operate one that way.

[cacole]

Most DCC systems allow you to run a non-decoder equipped locmotive on address zero (0), but the motor will make a buzzing noise and overheat. Even though this is a "feature" of several DCC systems, some advise against doing it if you read the fine print in their manuals.

[cacole]

Most DCC systems allow you to run a non-decoder equipped locmotive on address zero (0), but the motor will make a buzzing noise and overheat. Even though this is a "feature" of several DCC systems, some advise against doing it if you read the fine print in their manuals.

[ClinchValleySD40]

Yes you can. They run on address of zero.
What's the nonesense about building a special throttle or something when using a NCE system? Not true at all. I have NCE and have never had to do that.

[ClinchValleySD40]

Yes you can. They run on address of zero.
What's the nonesense about building a special throttle or something when using a NCE system? Not true at all. I have NCE and have never had to do that.