I have an H.O. engine soon to be delivered that uses DCC circuitry, is there any special power reguirements for this engine? Can I run it in conventional mode at all?
I mainly run O gauge so DCC is new to me and that is why I am asking.
Lee F.
The special power requirements would be DCC. Whether it can run on DC or not is totally dependent on the specific decoder it is equipped with. Some manufactures make “dual mode” (DCC and DC) decoders. What brand is the new unit?
Without knowing what brand the engine is we cannot precisely help you. If it happens to be a Broadway Limited Unit then it will be a Dual Mode Decoder equipped for operation on both DCC and DC with auto sensing the difference.
If it has a DCC Decoder on-board chances are it might only run on DCC system and not analog. Then again it depends on the decoder because some are dual mode.
Then there are some engines that are DCC READY meaning it either has a plug for the decoder or otherwise is set up to recieve a decoder install.
Bachman Plus series, it is a Reading GP-30, the ad said it was DCC equipped.
To use it in DCC what would I need to buy? A new transformer or just DCC control box?
Already have a DCS TIU & AIU from MTH for O Gauge if that helps.
Lee F.
Well.
Any number of DCC control is availble for HO Digitrax for example.
Before we get into it, does your O scale DCC have a HO/N scale switch? I know that my Super Chief has the moxie to run O scale stuff thanks to my 2012 power supply and is equippted with a switch to select a scale other than HO.
Yes you can run the Bachmann DCC equipped loco on a HO 12volt DC system. You do not have to use DCC to control it.
I can’t say whether the DCS you have is compatable with DCC or not. I thought O gauge ran on higher voltage than HO and N. If so then you would not be able to use it because it could damage the decoder.
Bill
There is no switch on the DCS unit but the instructions did mention about running two rail D.C.
Can you find Digitrax at most hobby shops? Or just at hobby shops that specialize in H.O.
Bill54,
You have to supply each channel or track with power from a separate transformer for use with the DCS system.
Lee F.
PhillyReading,
Go to your Hobby Shop or Tony’s Train Exchange on the internet, call them and talk with Tony or others. Your first pass into the great world of DCC will be easier after talking to people who know. The local Hobby shop is great, yes the DCC control system will cost more at the hobby shop than mail order but you speak with others who have experience and will be happy to answer dozens of questions now and in the future, and you will have them.
Keep the Reading Company alive!!!
You should be able to find DCC systems at most hobby shops. DCC has nothing to do with HO or vice-versa.
Most DCC systems also require a separate power supply. With some of these they are included in the package (e.g. Digitrax Zephyr) while others aren’t (Lenz set 100).