I just purchased a brand new Spectrum 2-8-0 that is DCC equipped, (by the way, I got it for a great price.) Now, I plan on switching to dcc in the very near future, but for now the layout (under construction) is DC with an MDC power pack. Do I need to remove the decoder from the steamer, or will it recognize that it’s getting a DC signal instead of digital input, and run ok. I seem to vaguely remember seeing also, that sometimes there will be a switch inside the loco to choose dcc or dc.
Before you tell me to look at any paperwork that came with the loco, I can’t yet. You see, this is a birthday present for my oldest boy who is turning 6 on Christmas Eve. Once he opens it, I can get a look at the instructions, but I won’t deprive him of tearing off the wrapping, and the shrink-wrap[:)] I would just like to know before hand, in case he opens it, and immediately wants to run downstairs and put it through its paces. Actually, that’s the type of response I expect, and what I hope for.[:D]
I just got a Spectrum Northern with DCC and it runs just fine on my DC layout, but does not hook up well with my BLI Mike. All I did was hook it up, connect the little plugs and away it went. Runs really well.
Any decoder that will run on DCC or DC is called “dual mode”. So if this engine works on DC that means it has a dual mode decoder. If you want that capability in the future I belive TCS and Digitrax decoders are dual mode.
I too just purchased a DCC equipped Spectrum Loco. It is a N&W J 4-8-4. It came with a plug you can use to change it back to DC operation with. It will operate on DC with the decoder in place, but the top speed is cut almost in half. Not a problem for me on the BRVRR which is DCC.
Yours should run on DC, just slower. Changing the plug will give better operation until you switch over to DCC.
Happy Birthday to your son. Merry Christmas to you and yours. Good luck!