I've wired both of my layouts for DC or DCC using DPDT center off switches I found at Ace Hardware in the automotive section for about $10 apiece. The center leads go to the buss and either set of end leads come from the respective systems. The switches are lighted so I can see if there is power and what system is online at a glance.
It's either or for me as far as operating goes but never both at the same time. Both DCC systems are capable of running 1 DC loco, but I try to do as little of that as possible because of the noises that DC locos make on DCC systems and they tend to run hotter as well....not good for the equipment as far as I'm concerned.
Bob Berger, C.O.O. N-ovation & Northwestern R.R. My patio layout....SEE IT HERE
There's no place like ~/ ;)
Not all DCC systems support running a DC equipped engine. NCE for instance. My personal preference is NCE but there is that limitation.
I suspect that once you start running locos using DCC you will be putting decoders in your other locos as fast as your time and money permit. I can't imagine going back to DC now.
Good luck!
Yes. I did that when I changed to DCC. I have not used the DC once since then. I still run my DC engines on DCC. The only limit is I can only do one at a time and I have to park them on dead track. I accomlished that by putting in simple spst switch in the feed line between the buss and the track. I have also learned that adding a decoder is easier than adding an additional cab control and costs way less.
A single buss will work for either system
NEVER USE BOTH SYSTEMS AT THE SAME TIME!
Connecting the two outputs together, even by an accidental short or an engine venturing into the wrong area can damage your command station.
You can use a DPDT switch to select between the systems, but it would be safer to use a plug at the power pack end so that it is only possible to connect to one power pack or command station at a time.
The other possibility is to have two totally independent layouts on the same bench work that never connect to each other.
Dave
Lackawanna Route of the Phoebe Snow
I'm currently building a simple end-to-end 12' layout, single track with passing loop. Is it possible to wire it with two sets of bus wires, one for dcc, the other for dc, using a DPDT switch? <Too many locos to convert all!>