I do not have a DCC setup but I do have several locomotives that are DCC equipped. I also use a BLI PCM DC Master on one track for my BLI GE Dash 7 sounds. I noticed that on this particular track, the response is slower to the locomotives for speed and startup. Even the non equipped loco's need a push to over 70 on the dial to move, while on the other tracks they move at a much lower position. Now here's the real questions: I recently purchased a Bachmann locomotive that is DCC equipped but with no sound. IF I remove the DCC board and install the dummy plugs provided, will this affect the operation of the locomotive on just a straight DC mode? If so, how would it be affected? Or is the DC Master the power robbing culprit? Oh yea, I have 3 working tracks and use Tech 4 MRC 220 power packs.
Thanks in advance.
I didn;t think the DC Master robbed any power when you weren't pressing any of the buttons, but I could be wrong. Your situation seems to indicate that it indeed does.
As for the bachmann DCC loco, I would expect it to run slightly faster on DC if you repalce the decoder with a dummy plug, as it will get around 1 volt more to the motor if the power does not flow through the decoder. Probably not a huge difference - 1 volt is noticeable but should not be the difference between, say 50 SMPH and 100 SMPH.
--Randy
Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's
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