Yes, this is correct. Many of the new DCC systems are all DC input, mainly so they cna use universal (100-250V AC input) switching power supplies for worldwide use, plus such supplies are commoon as dirt.
Even older systems - I don't knoow of any that actually used 60HZ AC input as part of the DCC signal, they all have bridge rectifier and filter capacitors to first change the low voltage AC input into DC, and then generate the DCC signal with the circuitry inside.
--Randy
Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's
Visit my web site at www.readingeastpenn.com for construction updates, DCC Info, and more.
Obsessed Perfect timing of this thread for me. I'm just getting back into the hobby and helping in the early phase of a layout at a visitor center and convinced to go DCC, but I live off the grid (micro hydro) for 22 years and now convinced to go DCC at home. I have 12VDC and post inverter 120 VAC wired throughout my house and cabin. It seems to me that DCC should be able to run off of 12VDC just slower. Perhaps the DC -DC booster is just the answer. It would save me 22 watts per hour if I could avoid the AC power. The output of the AC power supplies for NCE is DC voltage, so the AC signals traveling to the track must be generated by the power cab. Is this correct. I hope it is. Does anyone know if the power cab needs the full amperage full time? BTW CTConrail, if I go DCC at home, I'll let you know how it comes out.
Perfect timing of this thread for me. I'm just getting back into the hobby and helping in the early phase of a layout at a visitor center and convinced to go DCC, but I live off the grid (micro hydro) for 22 years and now convinced to go DCC at home. I have 12VDC and post inverter 120 VAC wired throughout my house and cabin. It seems to me that DCC should be able to run off of 12VDC just slower. Perhaps the DC -DC booster is just the answer. It would save me 22 watts per hour if I could avoid the AC power. The output of the AC power supplies for NCE is DC voltage, so the AC signals traveling to the track must be generated by the power cab. Is this correct. I hope it is. Does anyone know if the power cab needs the full amperage full time?
BTW CTConrail, if I go DCC at home, I'll let you know how it comes out.
Awesome yes please keep me posted on what you do and how you make out. I just bought a Kato DCC locomotive today so it looks like DCC is a definite for me. Now just need to get a Digitrax and convert all my other engines. By the way the reason for this thread and the question itself is because when we move we plan to be totally off grid also. Wind and solar will be our source of electricity.
I've been off the grid for 22 years, so when you get to that point don't hesitate to contact me. We live off of my homemade micro hydro system. Lots of great stuff available now than back then, so I've been through most of the technology changes, but still running off of an auto alternator. It powers our huge 12VDC refridge/freezer and my AC guitar amps and mini recording studio. I'm determined to do DCC without using the inverter. We will see.
Obsessed I've been off the grid for 22 years, so when you get to that point don't hesitate to contact me. We live off of my homemade micro hydro system. Lots of great stuff available now than back then, so I've been through most of the technology changes, but still running off of an auto alternator. It powers our huge 12VDC refridge/freezer and my AC guitar amps and mini recording studio. I'm determined to do DCC without using the inverter. We will see.
Wow very cool! Yeah I have not bought property yet but doubtful I would be able to pull off hydro but I have 1 1600 watt wind turbine and some 220 watt solar panels so far. I will need to buy more but that has been the dream of my wife and I once we move the family down south.