Choosing DCC

[SBcarshops]

Good Evening Everyone, 

Now I know this question has been asked, and I’ve seen some great answers. My question is a little different (but I apologize in advanced if this has been asked/answered and I’ve missed it). I'm getting back into the hobby and am making an N scale layout and will have a small HO scale Shelf Diorama/Layout etc. That will be expanded upon someday as well. Since I'm powering both and want them to both be DCC since my larger layouts will be eventually. I'm wondering if any system can go between N and HO or if there is a better one to do so. 

For example I want to be able to run my N Scale layout 80% of the time, and will be using the HO scale layout less, but I'd like to switch between them without having to have 2 separate power systems. If that's even possible. I assumed it would be setup similar because I can do that with my analog MRC controller but the little I've looked into DCC I wasn't sure if that was within the norms of a regular system/setup. Both of my setups would be small by most standards. 16x34 for HO and 24x38 for the N scale one. I'm only in planning stages now. I  have a decent analog power pack but am planning for double track on N and exploring all my options. 

 

 Thank you for your time.

[Lake]

From what I understand and it is true on my Digitrax system they have a switch for N, HO and O. As the switch has got moved to the HO setting at times and has never been a problem for my N scale engines.

I would expect that this info would be on the manufactures web site.

[tstage]

You should be fine with N-scale or HO-scale with any DCC system.  My NCE Power Cab does not have a scale "switch" but can be used for either one.

Tom

[PED]

As Ken noted, the Digitrax system has a switch to limit the voltage level according to the scale you are running. N = 12V, HO = 15V and O = 20V. You can easily use the same setup to switch back and forth between N and HO. Your other choice is what power level you want. Digitrax has starter system with a little as 3 Amp but most are 5 or 8 Amp. I would suggest the 5 Amp as a minimum since you are using HO sometime.

I am not familiar with the other brands of DCC systems but I would expect that they would offer similar flexability. In theory, all brands should work together for the most part but all brands have typically extended their features beyone the required minimum standards thus basic featurs should work together OK but the expanded features do not play together well. I would recommend you pick a system that will allow you to grow within its own family of components.