DCC Newbie

[saptrainer]

Is there an advantage to run both my dcc engines and dc engines using the MRC #0001278 Tech 7 Ampac 780 Dual Action Power Pack and Digitrax #ZEPX Zephyr Xtra 3.0 amp DCC Starter set 

 

[MisterBeasley]

You need to make sure only one system or the other, not both, is connected at any given time.  

Once you get used to DCC you will realize that the best thing to do is to put decoders in your DC engines and put the DC system in a box in a closet.

[BRVRR]

You can operate the DC and DCC locos with either system. You cannot run trains with both systems at once.

Most current decoders are "dual mode" meaning they will operate on DC or DCC. So the Tech 7 should work for both providing the decoders are set for the DCC mode.

You can run one DC locomotive with the Zephyr set for address "0". The loco will not run at full speed since there is a voltage limiter built into the Zephyr for DC operation. This shouldn't be a problem as locos are seldom run at 'full speed' on a layout.

Hope this answers your question.

[richg1998]

saptrainer

Is there an advantage to run both my dcc engines and dc engines using the MRC #0001278 Tech 7 Ampac 780 Dual Action Power Pack and Digitrax #ZEPX Zephyr Xtra 3.0 amp DCC Starter set 

 

 

As was said, you cannot use both controllers together.

Some years ago I use to use a MRC2K DCC system that could contol a DCC loco and a DC loco but the DC loco buzzed. The DCC, the AC component made the DC motor buzz. The motor does get hot even when the loco is stopped and power is still on the track. I had to back the pusher loco to a siding and switch the power off. I made temp measurements with an infra red temp scanner some years ago.

I finally bought a NCE Power Cab.

Rich

[RR_Mel]

I run dual mode on my layout, I have more DC locomotives than I have DCC equipped.  To prevent accidental damage I interlocked the two controllers so that only one can be operational at a time.

 

I use a 12 volt DC 4PDT relay (a DPDT will work, I paralleled the contacts of the 4PDT relay) with a full wave rectifier in series to the Accessory output on the DC power pack to switch the track power to the DC power pack when it is turned on.  With the DC power pack off the rails default to the DCC controller.

 

You can click on the picture to make it larger.

 

A single diode will work to power the relay but a full wave bridge will eliminate relay hum or buzz, can be very annoying.

 

 

 

 

Mel

 

 

My Model Railroad   

http://melvineperry.blogspot.com/

 

Bakersfield, California

 

I'm beginning to realize that aging is not for wimps.

 

[NeO6874]

MisterBeasley

You need to make sure only one system or the other, not both, is connected at any given time.  

Once you get used to DCC you will realize that the best thing to do is to put decoders in your DC engines and put the DC system in a box in a closet.

 

 

Or a shelf under the layout, connected to the LED lighting bus... 

[saptrainer]

Thanks for the quick answer. Ed

[saptrainer]

Very helpful. Thanks!