dc along with dcc ???

Model Railroader Layouts and layout building
1

Is it possible to use DC along with DCC on the same layout. I have 4 brand new Bachmann 's equipped with dcc chips but I also have several units that are not equiped with dcc chips including an excellent running Kato
Lynn

2

  1. DC only - Most DCC decoders sense the presence of DC or a DCC signal on the track and go into the appropriate “mode”. In other words, if they see DC on the track, they’ll respond just like a “decoder-less” unit, just requiring a little more voltage to get them started. I’m not sure if the DC is passed straight through to the motor or if the decoder uses the DC to re-generate power. If it’s the latter, you may get better slow-speed response due to sending pulses to the motor rather than flat DC.

  2. DCC only - It is possible to run a single analog (non DCC-equipped) locomotive on a DCC layout as address ‘0’. It’s not the best way to go as the DCC signal can make the engne whine and hum, and in some rare cases can damage the motor.

  3. DC and DCC mixed - you could use both on a single layout using block control, where the DCC system would be switched as though it were another cab, but that complicates the wiring and pretty much defeats the overall purpose of DCC.

3

In short YES, look at my layout under my signature you will see both and how the panel looks. The automated features of DCC, Auto reverse and circuit breakers for districts will not function under DC and you must bypass and isolate these functions when on DC.
Take Care

4

WOW George you did a grand job setting up the dcc and dc I only hope mine looks that neat
George do you find the Digitrax PM-42 a good system my layout won’t be as complex as yours but I would like to get a system that will have all the bells and whistles ? Where on your layout can you run dc or would it run any where as long as its not in the same block as dcc is running a unit ?
Lynn

5

Thank you for the compliment. The rat’s nest is under the 1st try [:D]
We have Tony’s PsFour on the other panel and PStwo on the 3rd panel. Easier to install and does not requires a power supply. the coso is about he same. If you purchase a PSfour you can split it and get 2 PStwo units (that is how they are made). We ordred the balance of the units as PSfour and will split them out around some of the remote areas as we develope the 2nd phase of this monster.