DCC and DC

[Jersey Jimbo]

Am new to this so if this question has v=been asked and answered, my apologies.

Can a DCC engine run n a DC layout?

Thanks in advance!

[cacole]

If CV 29 is set to allow DC operation, yes; but operation is likely to be rather erratic.

Some decoders do not allow DC operation, so you need to know what brand of decoder is in a locomotive, and consult the manufacturer's documentation to determine if it can be ran on DC power.

If you don't have a DCC system with which to check or modify the value in CV 29, there's not much you can do other than put the locomotive on a DC powered track and see what happens.  Usually no harm will be done to the decoder or locomotive.  

[Jersey Jimbo]

Thanks Cacole. What I am thinking about is using a Trix locomovtive wheel cleaner on a small DC track with a Power pack I have, just to clean the wheels.

Trix Cleaner - www.trixtrains.com/clean.html 

Thanks again

[JoeinPA]

In addition, if the loco is equipped with sound it will require you to advance the DC throttle quite a bit before you get movement.

Joe 

[Jersey Jimbo]

Thanks Joe, I'll keep that in mind

 

Jim

[richg1998]

The microprocessor on the decoder requires at least five volts to just wake up. Sounds and lights but no movement usually until a couple volts more.

The motor gets pulses from the decoder.

Nature of the beast.

Rich

 

[Jersey Jimbo]

Thanks everyone