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decoders

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  • Member since
    February 2002
  • From: Mpls/St.Paul
  • 13,892 posts
Posted by wjstix on Tuesday, July 22, 2008 9:50 AM

You could use a bridge rectifier to convert the engine's AC motor to DC, and then use a DCC system and decoders designed for O two-rail use. Might be easier to go with the Lionel system.

You might get better info if you also posted this in the Classic Toy Trains forum. Smile [:)]

Stix
  • Member since
    July 2003
  • From: Sierra Vista, Arizona
  • 13,757 posts
Posted by cacole on Tuesday, July 22, 2008 9:36 AM

The DCC signal is a square wave AC command signal combined with the DC track power.  Decoders will not work with AC power because they are digital devices, which require DC.  I think Lionel makes a command control system that works with AC power, but it is not DCC as defined by the NMRA, and NMRA compliant decoders will not work with it.

Dub
  • Member since
    July 2008
  • From: Seacoast, New Hampshire
  • 224 posts
Posted by Dub on Tuesday, July 22, 2008 7:14 AM

Electronically the chips run on DC. I have read that DCC systems put out 16 to 24 AC to the track. This is so a decoder can activate an AC accessory. O scale just has larger power supplies to operate the larger motors (amps). Whatever system you have you have to install the decoder per manufacturer's instruction. If a decoder runs off the track it has a bridge rectifier and power amplifier to convert AC to specific DC voltage to run the circuitry. 

Lionel Legacy does have a converter to run standard engines to activate e units. I don't know any details.

July Issue classic toy trains

Bob
  • Member since
    September 2007
  • From: Southwest, Idaho
  • 17 posts
decoders
Posted by idahocookie on Tuesday, July 22, 2008 1:31 AM
can anyone tell me if there is a decoder that will work for o gauge three rail ac power or know of a way to get a dcc system to work with ac power.
Keep the rails warm

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