Decoder Plug Question

[Boiler Bill]

I know, I know this is a noob question but I need to always be on the safe side for my beloved locos. I had installed a decoder in a DCC ready loco and decided to run it on a dc track. When unplugging the decoder, do I need to put the original blank 9-pin plug back in? 

[gshin]

Hi Bill,

Yes, you should put the 9-pin plug back in if you've removed the decoder. 

By the way, the decoder most probably allows running on DC track.  Most do by default.

Greg

[Overmod]

gshin

By the way, the decoder most probably allows running on DC track.

But it may NOT allow running on track powered by a number of designs of DC powerpack -- especially those that do speed control with some wacky version of PWM or distorted waveform.  In my opinion, unless you're SURE your DC power source is compatible with the decoder in question... you're better off removing it and substituting the plug.

(To clarify a bit: the engine will almost certainly NOT run correctly if you remove the decoder and then don't replace the dummy plug correctly (or appropriately jumper the circuits that need it...)

[richhotrain]

Boiler Bill

When unplugging the decoder, do I need to put the original blank 9-pin plug back in?  

Yes.

[wjstix]

Are you permanently converting it back to a DC engine? If so then yes you would remove the decoder and plug the dummy plug back in.

But almost all decoders are 'dual mode' so will work on DC or DCC. Unless you installed one of the few ones that won't work on DC, you don't need to remove the decoder to run on DC. I would try it on DC with the decoder and see how it works.