CVP's DCC Zonemaster track booster comes with an Auto Reverser (depending on model). I read through many threads here in the forum on DCC and DC layouts (tenor seems to be: you can do it but it will cost you some equipment, better don't do it).
(A) What if a CVP DCC Zonemaster block is bridged (by wheels) with a DC block where polarity is the same? Technically, it's not a short (two different power supplies, the two blocks are bridged, but not the left and right rail of the same power suppliy). Will the CVP Zonemaster trip and shut off the DCC block?
(B) What if a CVP DCC Zonemaster block is bridged (by wheels) with a DC block of opposite polarity (ground of DCC now connects with hot of DC)? Will the Zonemaster trip and shut off the DCC block?
In either case, operation both DCC and DC on the same layout is not a good thing to do. 'Bridging' gap will happen and your Zonemaster may prevent a disaster(and it may not) The issue is that even though your DC is 'separate', you might 'ground loop' back though the transformer or house wiring and cause a problem.
Jim
Modeling BNSF and Milwaukee Road in SW Wisconsin
Trying to have both DC and DCC on a layout at the same time, regardless of how careful you think you are, is a recipe for disaster. Sooner or later, you're going to make a mistake and destroy a DCC system or, at the very least, a DCC decoder.
At one time, we had our HO scale club layout set up with rotary switches on the control panels that could be set for either DC or DCC operation. Too many instances of people crossing the boundary between the two turned several decoders into instantaneous smoke generators, and even destroyed a PSX-AR board.
The layout has been rewired for DCC-only using NCE PowerPro radio throttles, and the control panels have all been removed.
A totally separate 8-foot section of track that is not even part of the layout has been set aside for test running DC-only locomotives to see if they're worthy of having a decoder installed.
We don't have a CVP Zonemaster so I can't say what would happen to it if you bridged a gap between DC and DCC, but don't think it would be a good thing.
I suggest you direct your question to CVP. Al is very good at answering email questions about CVP's products.
Beside possible damage to your DC or DCC equipment there is the very real possibility of damaging your train. For the brief period when that DC/DCC gap is crossed the combined voltage of both sides will go to the engine. Most motors can take the brief surge. However, you will be replacing blown light bulbs in any piece of equipment that has a light bulb.
Hopefully, the circuit breakers in one or both will trip. Zonemasters are optocoupled so most likely will not be damaged. Can't say about a DC power pack.
all of you seem to have real and horrid stories to share, so i will drop the idea of running both dc and dcc on the same layout. bummer, because the trains are too small to retrofit
What's too small? A friend of mine scratchbuilds small 1900-era locos in N scale. Some have small slopeback tenders - and are tender drive (motor in tender, drive shaft to loco) and still he fits in a small CT Electronik decoder.All in the tender, other than the gear space, the loco boiler is completel filled with weight so it can actually pull something.
--Randy
Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's
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