Yes, with 2 switches, and both DC and DCC connected, it's too easy to accidently turn on BOTH switches and that will absolutely fry something - probably the DCC system. If you want to be able to use both, the best way is a mechanical means of preventing both from being connected. For example, a 2 pin connector ont he layout. ANd matching 2 pin plugs connected to the DC power pack, and the DCC system. Only one or the other can be physically plugged in at a time, it's not possible to have both connected no matter how absent minded you get. A big old knife switch mentioned in the other thread is a good option - also not possible to have both systems connected. A DPDT center off (must be center off - that gives you an electrically dead option in the middle) switch works fine. It's either set to DC, set to DCC< or completely off, there's no way for the DC to touch DCC - that is the end goal, the two must NEVER come together, deliberately or accidently. Either run ALL DC, or ALL DCC. Never a mix.
--Randy
Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's
Visit my web site at www.readingeastpenn.com for construction updates, DCC Info, and more.
rrinkerYes, with 2 switches, and both DC and DCC connected, it's too easy to accidently turn on BOTH switches and that will absolutely fry something - probably the DCC system.
+1
Layout Design GalleryLayout Design Special Interest Group
In my opinion either go DCC and remove the DC power option, or stay with DC since most DCC locos will run (maybe not as well) on DC.
This business of going back and forth between DCC and DC sounds like a problem waiting to happen. Reminds me of the guy who took such large steps to save his $20 shoes that he split his $50 pants.
RR_MelI’ve been running dual mode since I bought my DCC Prodigy in 2006 and I’ve never had any problems.
maxman In my opinion either go DCC and remove the DC power option, or stay with DC since most DCC locos will run (maybe not as well) on DC. This business of going back and forth between DCC and DC sounds like a problem waiting to happen. Reminds me of the guy who took such large steps to save his $20 shoes that he split his $50 pants.
Most dual mode decoders won't run at all on the DC throttles I use..........
Sheldon
ATLANTIC CENTRALMost dual mode decoders won't run at all on the DC throttles I use..........
Most DC users don't use the throttles you use...........
maxman ATLANTIC CENTRAL Most dual mode decoders won't run at all on the DC throttles I use.......... Most DC users don't use the throttles you use...........
ATLANTIC CENTRAL Most dual mode decoders won't run at all on the DC throttles I use..........
And you have taken that survey?
They may not use the Aristo throttles, but a great many who have stayed with DC use advanced throttles with pulse width modulated motor control, or other forms of pulse power, that are not compatible with dual mode decoders.
rrinkerA DPDT center off (must be center off - that gives you an electrically dead option in the middle) switch works fine. It's either set to DC, set to DCC< or completely off, there's no way for the DC to touch DCC
.
After reading this, I think an Onan OTPC transfer switch is the only safe switching option. They are set up for dual inputs, 480 volt three phase from both Utility Line and Stand By Generator. It is impossible for the output to be connecteed to both at once.
The built in lockout mechanism is rated for transfering loads at full power, so durability will not be an issue.
If it works for office buiding line power, it should be able to handle DC and DCC safely.
-Kevin (tounge in cheek)
Living the dream.
I think Mel has a great approach for those not wanting to convert their whole fleet of locos to DCC.
Apart from that, I agree, I would be all in one way or the other.
That's why I remove those pesky decoders.
Back in the day, those motion only Bachmann decoders sold real well on Ebay. I often sold them in three packs for about $40.00
Kevin,
You use Troller power packs right? Have you ever tried to run a dual mode decoder DCC loco with one of those?
I suspect the result would not be good.
Dr Wayne uses pulse power throttles, I use pulse power throttles, maybe we need a survey........
My only dual mode decoder works with a Kato power pack just fine.
I only have one locomotive with a dual mode decoder. I have never tried it on a Troller Autopulse power pack because I fear damaging it, and I accidentally glued the tender shell shut.
If I damage the decoder, I am up a creek.
-Kevin
SeeYou190 My only dual mode decoder works with a Kato power pack just fine. . I only have one locomotive with a dual mode decoder. I have never tried it on a Troller Autopulse power pack because I fear damaging it, and I accidentally glued the tender shell shut. . If I damage the decoder, I am up a creek. . -Kevin .
Well, I have to admit, I've never touched a KATO power pack........
ATLANTIC CENTRALAnd you have taken that survey?
No I haven't. But I'm not sure I see the point of doing so. The population of people who would need to be surveyed would be those who would wish to use DCC locos with sound on either DC or DCC; or want to go back and forth between DC and DCC (which I think was the original question, but I'd have to go back and look).
I don't think that surveying people who are DC only, have no interest in DCC, or remove DCC decoders has much relevance to the swapping back and forth thing.
duplicate
maxman ATLANTIC CENTRAL And you have taken that survey? No I haven't. But I'm not sure I see the point of doing so. The population of people who would need to be surveyed would be those who would wish to use DCC locos with sound on either DC or DCC; or want to go back and forth between DC and DCC (which I think was the original question, but I'd have to go back and look). I don't think that surveying people who are DC only, have no interest in DCC, or remove DCC decoders has much relevance to the swapping back and forth thing.
ATLANTIC CENTRAL And you have taken that survey?
But it does have relevance to your suggestion of running DCC locos on DC?
Which is particularly troublesome with sound locos, where the locos do not even move until half throttle, even with pure DC throttles that are friendly to dual mode decoders.
ATLANTIC CENTRALBut it does have relevance to your suggestion of running DCC locos on DC?
No, not exactly. What I typed was:
"In my opinion either go DCC and remove the DC power option, or stay with DC since most DCC locos will run (maybe not as well) on DC."
And that was to address the folks who want to go back and forth between DC and DCC. I would sort of think that those individuals who are asking the "how do I go both ways" question are not using the more sophistocated DC power sources, but I could be mistaken
SeeYou190 rrinker A DPDT center off (must be center off - that gives you an electrically dead option in the middle) switch works fine. It's either set to DC, set to DCC< or completely off, there's no way for the DC to touch DCC . After reading this, I think an Onan OTPC transfer switch is the only safe switching option. They are set up for dual inputs, 480 volt three phase from both Utility Line and Stand By Generator. It is impossible for the output to be connecteed to both at once. . The built in lockout mechanism is rated for transfering loads at full power, so durability will not be an issue. . If it works for office buiding line power, it should be able to handle DC and DCC safely. . . -Kevin (tounge in cheek) .
rrinker A DPDT center off (must be center off - that gives you an electrically dead option in the middle) switch works fine. It's either set to DC, set to DCC< or completely off, there's no way for the DC to touch DCC
Well, there would definitely be no issued with power loss due to contact resistance. ANd should one EVER wear out, there is a spare contact on both sides.