I have used the MRC Command 2000 DCC system since it first came out in the mid/late '90s and have been pleased with it as far as it goes. I recently decided that the improvements in DCC, especially sound, in the last dozen years have persuaded me to replace the old system. An email to MRC with a few basic questions about making the change raised some serious concerns. Did I get the right/straight answers?
1. Since I have a number (20 or so) custom painted older DC locomotives, I asked about using some of them on the layout pending their upgrade to decoders. Answer was that "newer dcc systems do not run analog locos as it is no good for the loco motor or the dcc system." I had never heard this. Is it accurate?
2. My layout is completely 'wired' with a 4-wire telophone jack system for walkaround throttle control. I was told that "it would need to be changed" in order to accept the Prodigy hand held throttle. Is this correct?
Thanks.
I would suggest working with your local hobby shop if this is your first DCC system. It may cost more for the equipment but you will have some local experienced people you can call up. You can ask them to try a DC loco on a test track that is attached to a DCC throttle. You can than see and hear for yourself.
I use MRC Prodigy Advance and do not operate any of my older DC units, they are awaiting conversion to DCC. I replaced a DigiTrax Big Boy that supported DC and DCC. The DCC part was fine, the DC part was lousy. It was noisey, with high pitched wining. Maybe the newer systems do not have this problem.
The bottom line is you will be spoiled by DCC and will want to upgrade most of your power. I would not use the "will support DC loco's" as a major criteria. I have not looked back since going to DCC 10 years ago. I know there are some who will take issue with this, but I really do not know anyone who routinely mixes DCC and DC.
I hope someone who is experienced with running both DCC and DC simultaneously on a regular basis responds to this post with his or her experience.
The best advice work with your local hobby shop and test it before buying.
Chris
RDG1519 wrote: I use MRC Prodigy Advance and do not operate any of my older DC units, they are awaiting conversion to DCC. I replaced a DigiTrax Big Boy that supported DC and DCC. The DCC part was fine, the DC part was lousy. It was noisey, with high pitched wining. Maybe the newer systems do not have this problem.Chris
they do have the 'problem', they work by using AC to drive the DC motor, the slower the loco is travelling the worse the high pitched whining. although DC loco's can be driven, it is not really advisable as the motor gets a lot hotter on address 00.
When you do run DC locos on a DCC layout, they behave like DC locos. That is, you are back to "running the track" instead of running the trains. All DC locos will move in the same direction, at about the same speed, at the same time. Instead of "forward" and "reverse," you're back to "left" and "right," or maybe "clockwise" and "counterclockwise" if you have a loop. So, while you can run one DC engine, or two or more if you consist them together, you will never have independent control of multiple DC engines the way you do with DCC.
Another DCC advantage, the availability of auto-reverse units to control reverse loops and wyes, simply doesn't work with DC engines.
So, the answer I'd give is "Yes, you can run DC locos on your DCC layout, but after a short while you won't want to." Hopefully, those engines are good enough to install decoders in and convert them to DCC.
It takes an iron man to play with a toy iron horse.