i’m not going to switch to DCC yet but - will a non-DCC ready loco (say, an old Athearn) run on the DCC layout? are all Decoders compatible w/ all DCC systems? what does it take to convert a non-DCC ready to DCC?
Thanks
Dingoix,
Yes. You should be able to run it on address 0 with no problems. On my Bachmann E-Z Command, address 10 is the DC address.
If they are NMRA compliant, yes. (They have to be to be compliant. That’s why the standard was written.)
Depends entirely on how old your locomotive(s) are. Newer ones that state that they are “DCC-ready” generaly means that it’s wired to receive a decoder - most of the time one that you can just drop right in. Older locomoitves may require more care or isolating the motor from the frame first before installing a decoder.
Tom
You can run a non DCC loco on a DCC system but you cant let it sit too long or the motor will burn up. As for compatibility of decoders with various systems I cant answer that. I know with some DCC ready engines all you do is take out the existing computer chip and “drop” in the DCC decoder and hook up the wires, while on other DCC ready engines the computer chip has a DCC plug where you put the DCC chip.
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Older engines may have a couple of difficulties, one DCC-related, the other not. First, the flanges on the wheels may give you fits. If they are large, they will bounce the loco around your layout. That aside, the first, and most important, thing is to ensure that the motor is fully isolated from the frame and from any electrical contact other than the decoder, itself. That often means removing the motor and replacing any mounting hardware with nylon brackets and/or screws, and even wrapping the motor in electrical tape! After that critical step, wire the decoder in as per the instructions that will usually accompany it, or use those on several websites.
As for running a non-DCC locomotive on a DCC powered track, you should be okay, as others have stated. “Should” is the key word. It may , it may not. Regardless of what you decide, once you have experimented, never let the loco sit idle while you do other things if you have the power on. You may get away with a couple of minutes, maybe even five, but experience seems to suggest that the non-DCC motor will heat up quickly and eventually burn out. Bottom line, run it or remove it.
Short answers are Yes…
The only decoders I’ve had compatability problems with are the Original MRC decoders (#310 if you run across any) with my Digitrax system… As I remember it, they didn’t work very well with my MRC 2000 either. Beyond that, they all work fine…
With respect to Non DCC locos on the track, Heed everyone’s warnings… Even though some systems will run one, the carrier (yes, I know that’s not the excact proper word) signal is an AC signal which as some of us have experienced, can cook a motor… Newer can motors are more sensitive to this but it’s still a concern to keep in mind.
On installs, DCC ready… Maybe, Maybe not… In simplest terms it usually means that the motor is isolated from the track (see Selectors post)… It doesn’t Always mean however, that the lights are ready to go, even if there’s a plug… Remember that you are putting full track power out to the lighting circuits and in the case of HO, that’s usually about 15-18 volts. Really though, once you’ve done your first one, it couldn’t be simpler. If you can solder 2 wires together, you are half way to becoming an expert…
Good luck,
Jeff
my Atlas U33C and Athearn AC4400 are DCC-ready (the athearn is quick plug equipped)
dingoix,
Then all you’ll need to do is to plug in a decoder and you’re ready to go. A good place to go to check on the different makes and types of decoders in on Tony’s Train Exchange web site:
They have a Decoder Comparison Matrix that is very handy to look at. Here’s the direct link:
http://www.tonystrains.com/productcompare/decoder_comparison.htm
Tom