Can I run dcc equiped locos on a dc layout? Are there any adjustments that need to be made to the dcc loco or can I run it "out of the box"?
It depends on the specific DCC decoder installed in the loco. Most of the decoders produced these days will work on DC without any "adjustments", but again, it depends because there are exceptions and conditions:
- Some decoders, especially older ones, may not be able to tolerate DC current, and trying to run them on a DC layout will destroy the decoder.
- Some decoders (Atlas non-sound comes to mind) have jumper plugs that must be set one way for DC and the other way for DCC.
- Some DCC decoders that are capable of running on DC can have that feature turned off by setting a CV.
To add, there is one niggling fly in the ointment. While it is true that the vast majority of decoders produced after, say, 2006, are what we call "dual mode" decoders, meaning they can operate safely on either DC or DCC, the DC engine operating on DCC systems will sing and squeal something awful as the motor and drive-train respond to the frequency of the pulsed current produced by the DCC main component.
As for DCC on DC, yes, no problem as long as the decoder is known to have that dual nature. You just won't be able to make the engine behave as it would if you were able to programme some of the configuraton variables. Making two different diesels work in concert, or MU'd as we sometimes call it (multiple unit), is not going to work if their gearing is such that they don't really work well together at the same voltage in DC.
Crandell
Most if not all decoders will run on "straight" DC. None will be damaged by DC, they just won't run. Many decoders have the option built in to disable "analog conversion" (running on DC). If it has been disabled, they won't run until reprogrammed to do so. Decoders are shipped from the factory with DC enabled because it would be very hard to sell them to people who do not own DCC.
Decoders do not do so well on pulsed DC. The pulses look like DCC packets so they just sit there waiting for the right pulse which never comes. Ad the throttle setting is increased the pulses get closer together and the decoder finally recognizes them as DC. Jack rabbit starts and higher than prototype speeds are the result of pulsed DC. Many decoders also do not run as well on DC because the voltage level has to overcome the voltage drop of the components before the motor will spin. They usually have poor slow speed performance on DC. Some newer "dual mode" decoders have improved on DC performance.
Engines with dummy plugs run very well with the plug installed. That's because the plug removes the decoder from the circuit. The plug makes the engine electrically the same as a DC engine.
Martin Myers
Look for locos, which are equipped with so-called "dual mode" decoders. They run on DC as well as DCC.
ALl good info above.
If the loco is brand new and has a dual use decoder you are fine. If it needs a jumper, you will need to switch that jumper.
My DCC system has one slot for using a DC loco on my layout without any harm.
But, as a general rule, I would not run a DCC loco on a DC layout, nor a DC loco on a DCC layout. Just to be sure I don't fry anything and ruin a good thing. Just as a matter of precaution.
-G .
Just my thoughts, ideas, opinions and experiences. Others may vary.
HO and N Scale.
After long and careful thought, they have convinced me. I have come to the conclusion that they are right. The aliens did it.