Due to number of dc engines in my roster that I can't afford to convert, I'm looking at a dual power DC/DCC layout Using a dpdt switch to frun either power at a time.
my concern comes at having a reverse loop. If I were running DCC only I would use something like an AR1 to deal with it. But in thinking about how a DC reverse works, having an isolated section and switching mainline polarity as the engine progresses, would that work as well for DCC by switching the track polarity of the unoccupied section? Use of a dpdt to handle it under either condition would simplfy the problem.
thoughts?
Yes, if your loop works with DC it will also work with DCC. I wired my layout with DC block control back in 1990 and when I added my DCC controller in 2005 I used a DPDT relay to switch from DC to DCC. Been using it that way for 17 years.Mel My Model Railroad http://melvineperry.blogspot.com/ Bakersfield, California Turned 84 in July, aging is definitely not for wimps.
The electron path/conflict problem is the same in either case, so the reverser should work if it's an analog type. I doubt a Digital Specialties product would work with analog feed, but I've never inquired or sought the information since I'm strictly DCC.
Polarity for DC, phase for alternating current types.
RR_MelYes, if your loop works with DC it will also work with DCC.
And...
selectorThe electron path/conflict problem is the same in either case.
I think that pretty well says it all right there.
-Kevin
Living the dream.
DCC AR circuits could be used on a DC system.
the difference, as already alluded to, is that with DCC either the mainline or reverse section polarity can be changed but for DC the polarity of the section being entered must be reverse and this requres additional circuitry to make automatic
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greg - Philadelphia & Reading / Reading