dc

Model Railroader General Discussion (Model Railroader)
1

what happens when a dcc sound locomotive is put on a dc layout do any sounds go off or do you need dcc?

thanks for the help

2

Hi Norfolktom,

depends on the decoder, but generally yes you get sounds. Not everything works but the sounds are generally ok (engine revs or puffs but no whistles or bells). Only downside is you need to crack the throttle up a fair bit so there is enough power to drive the sound system built into the dcc decoder. This leaves you a much reduced effective throttle range to adjust the engine speed. I have run a Bachmann 4-4-0 and an Intermountain F3 on DC and their sound works, but not as good as using DCC.

cheers

3

It would be nice if you sign your name.

Yes, some sounds will work automatically. I believe if someone defeats the DC option, nothing will happen. Some defeat the option because a decoder can cause a runaway under certain conditions when controlled by a DCC system.

You will have to turn the power pack up higher than you do with a loco with no decoder. The microprocessor on the decoder needs at least five vdc, just to wake up. Maybe at least seven volts to get the loco to move. Nature of the beast.

Rich

4

Most all current modern DCC decoders are dual mode. If the DC/Analog Conversion mode is left enabled in the decoder, it will run on DC, but as has been noted already, may require more juice to get it going. However, DC/Analog support can be disabled in most decoders, so in that case it would not do anything.

There are some notable exceptions in the past. The earlier Soundtraxx decoders like the LC range, did not support DC/Analog and could actually be damaged if placed on a DC layout.

5

thank you all for telling me about the sound, i just ordered my first sound locomotive and i am very excited to get sounds in my layout. thank you all.

tommy

6

There are a couple of exceptions. Although not a DCC locomotive, the Blueline locomotives from BLI are actually DC locomotives with sound. They make a separate control for it that you wire in series with your throttle. The sound boards ARE programmable, in that you can set the starting voltages, volume, etc. The newer BLI locomotives with the new Paragon decoders can also be programmed with the above mentioned control.

There is also a control, wired the same way that works with BLI locomotives with the Quantum decoders. I have both and they work well, but you still won’t get the full range of sounds like you would with DCC, but you CAN ring the bell and sound the horn.

As far as I know, there is no such control for locomotives with Tsunami decoders.

Here’s a link for the BLI Master Analog Control Module: BLI Master Analog Control Note: this will ONLY work with newer BLI locomotives with the Paragon decoders and Blueline locomotives.

And here’s the one for the BLI locomotives with Quantum decoders: Quantum Engineer Note: this will only work with BLI locomotives with Quantum decoders.

7

What did you order Tommy? Steam or diesel?

Alan

8

thanks for asking i got a ho intermoutain es44ac union pacific with dcc and sound

i am just gonna run it in dc for now but i will switch soon.

thank you Alan for your post,

,Tommy