Will most off the shelf DCC equipped locos run on dc? Also what about Digitrax decoders that would be installed into current DC locos
I am currently running DC but planning on switching to DCC in the future. I have a few Locos with DCC factory installed, i just want to know if it would be safe to run them currently on DC
Most are Atlas & Older Bachmann
If you go to the Digitrax web site, there is decoder selector feature that matches decoders to your locos.
The Atlas (assuming your talking HO scale) I have with factory DCC, came shipped in DC mode. You have to reposition a jumper board to go to DCC mode. You can usually access this by removing the brake housing, on the top of the loco, so you don't have to remove the whole body shell. If you have the instructions that came with, it explains it all.
Bachmann, not sure what you have. If it's a blue box, with the clear window, and says DCC Equiped, it's ready for DCC right out of the box. Not sure if there is a jumper arrangment on these, that can be set to DC.
Not much help with the loco part, unless your more specific on just what you have, but you'll get lots of good info from other members
Mike.
My You Tube
For the past maybe ten years, decoders have been dual mode.
I do know SoundTraxx decoders that many and I installed had to be set to run on DC.
Locos today with DCC on board will run out of the box on DC.
Bachmann with on board non sound and with SoundTraxx run on DC out of the box. I have a couple with on board SoundTraxx.
Be aware, the decoder will require at least five volts just wake up the microprocessor and maybe a couple more volts to begin to move the loco. Nature of the beast.
I know SoundTraxx at their site says 7.5 volts.
Do not use pulse power if your controller has the option. It can confuse the decoder.
A few of the Bachmann steamers come with a DC adapter for the eight pin socket. I have some.
A couple small Bachmann come with two metal clips and you solder the seven wires from a decoder.
Today, some brands come with six pin, eight pin, nine pin and 21 pin connections. Many diesles are what you call hardwired. They have a light board decoder with all wires attached to the decoder, soldered or wires held in place by plastic clips.
Rich
If you ever fall over in public, pick yourself up and say “sorry it’s been a while since I inhabited a body.” And just walk away.
Make sure you do a current reading for the locos at 12 vdc. Hold the motor shaft.
All the decoder companies state the max amps.
As far as I know all locomotives are DC and are designed to run on DC out of the box. On the Bachmann locomotive I have you must install a jumper which is included with the locomotive if you wish to use it with DCC. Many others require that you install a decoder yourself.
DCC ready Bachmann locos come with the jumper in place out of the box, no need to install it.
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