Generally, it means that the motor is wired and/or has a 8-pin NMRA socket ready for a DCC decoder. In reality, some decoder installs are easier than others.
And, in the case of the Proto 2000 S1 switcher, it means absolutely nothing. Even though the box says "DCC-ready", the motor brushes still have to be isolated from the chassis or your decoder goes **poof**
Tom
https://tstage9.wixsite.com/nyc-modeling
Time...It marches on...without ever turning around to see if anyone is even keeping in step.
DCC ready means that the loco is easy to install a decoder. Usually there is a plug for the decoder to plug into. Usually there is a dummy plug that allow the loco run on DC.
I hope you didn't put that particular loco on powered track with DCC. The motor will be fried with the DC dummy plug in place.
Will
As I stated before, I just got back into the hobby after close to 20 years. I have decided to go with DCC operation. I know less than nothing about DCC. I purchased the Digitrax Zephyr Xtra system. I just recently purchased 3 DCC engines. A spectrum SD-45, a Bachmann GP-30 and a Spectrum GE-44 Ton Switcher. I have been able to get the SD-45 and GP-30 running, but only in the 03 mode. I have been unable to program the four digit engine number, I keep getting d nr error message, the manual say something about, it can not read the decoder. What do I do to correct this? Also the GE-44 Ton switcher will not respond to any programing. I noticed on the box it states that it is DCC ready, did I just purchase a DC loco that will need a decoder installed? Like I said, I know less than nothing about DCC. I am really worried that I might be in over my head. I have just purchased an Atlas Gold line GP-40-2 with QSI sound, it should arrive next week. Have I bitten off more than I can chew?