DCC beginner

[Waltie]

I just purchased my first DCC system.  It is the Bachmann EZ comand system and I wondered if anyone has used it.  I know it is limited but I can only run 5 or 6 engines at a time and it fits my budget.   I have a couple of questions as I set up the layout for DCC.  First can I keep one loop of my main line on DC and will I need to isolate both rails on thet loop?  Thanks for the help!  God Bless, Waltie

[tstage]

Waltie, 

Since you can run one (1) DC locomotive with your Bachmann E-Z Command, I think it would be wiser if you just made the whole layout DCC.  Yes, you could isolate a crossover to keep the two loops electrically separate.  But, if you inadvertently span the gap with a locomotive, you run the risk of frying your E-Z Command, decoder, or both.

I would go all DCC for your layout and not look back.  I haven't and have never missed it.  DC and DCC are not compatible.

Tom 

[C&O Fan]

Good advise from Tom ~!

I have my layout set up to run Either DC OR DCC

using a DTDP Switch

 Because i have alot of old DC locos

But not Both at the same time !

 

[dadret]

Its generally a BAD idea to combine DC and DCC on the same layout - You're probably just asking for future problems.

[wjstix]

Many of us who already had DC layouts put in a DPDT switch when we switched to DCC so the layout could be either DC or DCC. I like being able to test out and break in a new engine on DC before opening it up to install a decoder. You're better off setting it up to be all DC or all DCC at a given time as noted in earlier posts, so you don't accidently run an engine from DCC to DC and cause problems.

[jeffrey-wimberly]

My layout was originnaly set up for use with a DC pack so naturally it's all blocked with DPDT's controlling each block. In it's original configuration I had a dual control power pack connected and could run each block from either throttle. When I got my Bachmann EZ-Command system I simply disconnected the wires from one of the sets of terminals on the DC pack and connected them to the Bachmann system. Now withe the flip of a switch I can any block from either the DC pack or the EZ-Command.

[jamnest]

I would move to 100% DCC.  You can spend your money on converting your locomotives to DCC rather than lots of wire and switches to maintain both systems. 

JIM

[ARTHILL]

Like many,  when I converted to DCC I kept the DC and used a DPDT switch to select between the two. THE POINT? I have NEVER used the DC since. Running one DC loco at a time with the DCC alows all the opperation I need.

[heinz]

hello to you all;i am new  on the forum and first time poster,so excuse my ignorance.i have snooped around here for a while and picked up quite a few pointers.my name is volker,i live in calgary,alberta,canada(brr its cold up here).in a whay i am like Waltie,a beginner.i jumped into some tracks and engines from my brother in "ex east berlin".so guess what it was gauge tt and now i found out no one here carries it.so it is e-bay for me.so like Waltie i got a dynamis and decodered (just 2functions) and the thing runs really smooth on 03.i put an analog  lok on the track but it will not run.bachmann's dynamis does say it will not handle  analog.can i do something to make it work like readdressing the digital lok and then run the analog on the 03 address?any tips?oh boy,here i am first time on the forum and i am postin questions already.by the way,hello mr.moderator and please excuse the long discourse.volker

don't worry,be happy