DC and DCC that is the question.

[woodman]

I am getting back into the hobby after a 20 year absence. In the next few weeks I will begin to lay track.I already have completed my framework and have designed a track layout that I like. I still can't decide to stick with DC or switch to DCC, which I don't know or understand a thing about. My question is, if I decide to go with DCC can I still run my DC engines on a DCC system? Also, what DCC systems would you recommend to me to choose, without breaking the bank. Something that is reliable and easy to use and understand. This will be HO scale, and manual turnouts, if that is of any importance.

[retsignalmtr]

There are two ways you can run a DC loco on a DCC layout.  Some DCC systems will allow you to run a DC loco on DCC by using the address 0. Some systems won't.  Also you can't leave a DC loco on a DCC powered track with the track power on.  Or  by using a DPDT toggle switch and a DC power pack you can switch back and forth between the DC and DCC system. 

[rrinker]

 Digitrax and Lenz are the only two mainstream systems that will run analo DC engines. It sort of works, depending on the loco. It's ok to test things but most of the time the DC loco will never go as fast as an equivalent DCC loco, nor will it go as fast as it used to on DC. And never EVER let a DC loco sit on DCC track not moving, you are essentially putting AC through the motor and it will start to heat up and if left long enough, will melt a winding or some other serious problem and it will be time for a new motor.

 Basic operation of all the common systems is pretty much the same. Press the Loco or Select button, key in the address that was programmed into the decoder, press Enter, turn the knob to control speed.

                      --Randy

 

[rockislandnut]

rrinker

 Digitrax and Lenz are the only two mainstream systems that will run analo DC engines. It sort of works, depending on the loco. It's ok to test things but most of the time the DC loco will never go as fast as an equivalent DCC loco, nor will it go as fast as it used to on DC. And never EVER let a DC loco sit on DCC track not moving, you are essentially putting AC through the motor and it will start to heat up and if left long enough, will melt a winding or some other serious problem and it will be time for a new motor.

 Basic operation of all the common systems is pretty much the same. Press the Loco or Select button, key in the address that was programmed into the decoder, press Enter, turn the knob to control speed.

                      --Randy

 

As much as I disagree with Randy on other subjects, truer words were never spoken as in his above post. You and other DC to DCC modelers should very well heed his message.

[Alantrains]

Hi Woodman,

I would recommend the NCE Powercab as a start. It's very easy to use. It only has a capacity of 1.7 amps, easily enough for 2, 3  or 4 modern locos. It is upgradable to a 5 amp system. Perhaps you should lurk around some of the dedicated DCC system groups on Yahoo and find out what each one offers. I have a small layout with 4 DCC equipped diesels (one with sound) and the powercab works well. My steamers (5) are yet to be converted to DCC. NCE doesn't support DC and DCC at the same time, so I isolate all the diesels in a spur and swap the power over to DC and run just steam. Mixing DC and DCC can cause problems (smoked decoders and/or command stations) so I use one or the other never both at the same time. That is until I get a decoder in each loco.

cheers

[tstage]

woodman

I still can't decide to stick with DC or switch to DCC, which I don't know or understand a thing about.

woodman,

Perhaps the first (and best) step for you would be to read and learn about DCC before you make ANY decisions; albeit whether or not to migrate to DCC or which system to use.

Tony's Train Exchange has a very convenient primer called DCC for Beginners.  You can either read it online or download onto your computer as a .pdf file.  It should answer a number of your questions.

Another handy book is Lionel Strang's DCC Made Easy (Kalmbach Publishing).  Lionel has a real knack for explaining things in very understandable terms.  It's out of print but you should be able to find it either online or down at you local hobby shop (LHS).

woodman, once you read up on and understand DCC more, you'll then be better prepared to make an informed decision on whether it's right for you AND...which system will best fit your needs.  Otherwise, you run the risk of making a hasty decision that you could regret down the road.

As the old adage goes, "Don't put the horse before the cart."  Read...understand...then decide.  You'll be glad you did.

Tom

[Texas Zepher]

woodman

I still can't decide to stick with DC or switch to DCC, which I don't know or understand a thing about.

You do not need to understand it to understand what it does.  Instead of controlling trains by controlling the electricity to the track, the locomotives are controlled directly.   It requires each locomotive to have a "decoder" in it.

DCC is simply the "standardized" command control system instead of the various vendor brands that were around when you were here 20 years go.   CTC-16,  PMP-112, RailCommand, Lynx, OnBoard, etc.   Standardization has brought the prices down and doesn't lock  a person to a single brand as the DCC brands NCE, Digitrax, Zimo, CVP, Lenz, MRC, etc. can all be mixed and matched for the most part.

Having used command control since the build it yourself CTC-16 articles in 1979 MR, I can't imagine going back to flipping all those block switches just to run two trains.   Much more enjoyable to run my train rather than playing power distributor.   The only time I recommend DC is for a single operator who will only ever run one train at a time.

 My question is, if I decide to go with DCC can I still run my DC engines on a DCC system?

Yeah BUT, as the others have said and I echo, "I very strongly recommend against this".   First there can only be 1 DC locomotive operated this way.  Second, the DC lomotive can very quickly develop a damaged motor in a very short period of time if it is not moving.  A fellow here on the fourm did some experiments and it was shown that a standard Athearn Blue box locomotive could melt down in as short as 20 minutes sitting on a DCC track.

 Also, what DCC systems would you recommend to me to choose, without breaking the bank. Something that is reliable and easy to use and understand.

The Digitrax Zephyr and CVP systems are closest to the DC power packs you are probably used to. Many people like the NCE Power Cab.  I analyzed DCC systems for about 6 months and still couldn't decide.   I would recommend looking at and playing with the throttles of the various systems - use the look and feel of that as a determining factor as to which system you want.  I have a Zephyr, a Lenz, and an old MRC 2000,  plus I regularly operate on NCE systems.  I would not want to have to choose a new system today.   Another factor might be what other clubs/operators in your area have.  It is so nice to go to an operating session and bring ones personal throttle and not have to "remember" how to run the other system. 

This will be HO scale, and manual turnouts, if that is of any importance.

It is not.