DC/DCC

[Mr Mekanik]

After 15 years I started to run my HO trains. But, now I see ads for DCC locos and would like to buy a DCC Steam Loco. Some info says that Loco Is "DCC Ready" and others say that Locos can be run on DC or DCC tracks. [?]I would like to know if going from DC to DCC to DC you need to install and remove decoders?
I know that DCC models need to have a Generator (Transformer) and a controller for the engine functions. Does

[BR60103]

Hi Mr Mekani.
The most recent decoders should automatically sense if you are using DC or DCC. Some of the older ones may not.
"DCC ready" may mean different things to different manufacturers. If it says "DCC equipped", it should include a decoder.
There is a provision in DCC for running DC locos, but it is not ideal -- it uses a form of AC and is noisy and hard on motors. (I talked to Mr. Lenz last year, and he told me they were coming out with a "filter" module to fix this -- like a brain dead chip.)
Really, you should install a chip in each loco to go to DCC. You shouldn't have to remove them again.

[nfmisso]

Most DCC decoders will NOT operate on DC.

Read this: http://www.dcctrains.com/tonystips/dccprimer/index.htm

Then ask questions.

[dehusman]

I have 20 or so locomotives equipped with decoders and all of them will operate on DC (if I turn on the capability). Normally I turn off the DC mode on my decoders so I can break in DC locomotives without operating all the DCC engines.

Dave H.