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Dcc Newbee

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  • Member since
    October 2004
  • From: Colorful Colorado
  • 8,639 posts
Posted by Texas Zepher on Saturday, March 7, 2009 6:50 PM

Northernwoodw
Running dc now looking to buy a dcc with sound loco, what else do i need to run it and how does controller get hooked up to track?

Nothing, other than maybe cleaning the track.  Remove the DC controller, connect the DCC controller where it was (the same two wires), dial up channel #3, run the train.

  • Member since
    February 2005
  • From: Vancouver Island, BC
  • 23,330 posts
Posted by selector on Saturday, March 7, 2009 3:33 PM

Your DC engines are generally content to run on somewhat dirty or oxydized rails, but some DCC engines may not like dirty rails.  The better sound decoders have "keep alive" capacitors that get the engine across dirty patches.  Just to be aware that DCC engines are sometimes a bit more finicky.  You may find that a couple pairs of feeders on other parts of the rails will help...maybe not.  It is a trial kind of thing.  But Driline is pretty much correct...it is simply hook up two wires to a suitable place on the track system and play.

I would like to compliment you for asking questions because DCC systems are not the same.  In fact, this forum has many archived threads, including some now on page two or three, substantial discussions, that may help you out.  The same is true for sound-equipped DCC engines.  Even the decoders are different.  So, knowing what is available, which systems and decoders have what capabilities and limitations, and then comparing utility and price...these factors go a long way.

-Crandell

  • Member since
    July 2006
  • From: Bettendorf Iowa
  • 2,173 posts
Posted by Driline on Saturday, March 7, 2009 2:10 PM

Controller gets hooked up to track same as DC. 2 wires. How much you wanna spend?

Modeling the Davenport Rock Island & Northwestern 1995 in HO
  • Member since
    March 2009
  • 15 posts
Dcc Newbee
Posted by Northernwoodw on Saturday, March 7, 2009 1:38 PM

Running dc now looking to buy a dcc with sound loco, what else do i need to run it and how does controller get hooked up to track?

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