When looking at new engines on the internet or in catalogs they make the statement DCC ready or DCC on board what is the differance??? will one or both run on a DC wired layout?? “The Harven”
‘DCC Ready’ usually means that the engine does not have a DCC decoder, but is wired to accept one. ‘DCC Onboard’ is Bachmann advertising lingo - It means that the engine has a DCC decoder installed from the factory. Bachmann also sells locomotives with ‘Sound on Board’ - This means that they have a sound decoder installed. Normally these factory install decoders will operate on both DC and DCC.
Jim
DCC OnBoard is what you see on Bachmann locos that have DCC installed from the factory. I don’t know about the steamers but the diesels will run on a DC layout with no modification.
DCC Ready usually means the loco is ready to have a DCC decoder installed but for the present is set up to run on DC only. But sometimes DCC Ready can mean as little as the motor has been isolated from the frame.
DCC Onboard is a Bachmann thing. I’m always a little wary of their decoders. Other manufacturers usually list the price separately for DC and DCC. Most newer locomotives that claim to be DCC-ready actually have theharness installed, and all you have to do is plug in the defoder, a simple process which even a ham-handed SOB like me can handle.
DCC control is different from DC. DCC controls the locomotive via an individual decoder within the loco., DC controls via DC current to the rails.
DCC On Board means there is a full decoder installed for at least some functions {IE; speed, direction, lighting} or for full functions {Lights, direction, speed, sounds}. Bachmann promotes the “DCC OnBoard” and “DCC SOUND ONBoard” Brands locos.
Other manufacturers have DCC decoder systems already within the loco called “DCC Equipped” {Could be called “onboard” too}. COuld be a plug and play or hardwired soldered decoder within.
“DCC Ready” means that at least the motor is isolated from the frame at minimum, and at maximum that the circuit board is there for DCC installation. You supply your decoder. either Plug and play or to be hard wired by you soldering it in.
“plug and play” DCC within means the circuit board is there with a jumper for DC operation, but will be removed and a new decoder you supply can be “plugged in” to the circuit board “easily”.
While some DCCs can be run on a DC layout, especially with the DC jumper, I would stick with buying just DC locos if your layout is Dc and you have no intention of changing.They are cheaper than the ones with DCC OnBoard or DCC Equipped!
Though, many are going to DCC only, so you may be forced to DCC if you want a certain fleet of locos, unless you want to make them DC again.
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There is a DCC forum here.
Below is a link you need about DCC. Bruce use to own a online DCC company and is now very active in writing DCC info on the Internet. Look, especially in Curriculum.
Never, ever assume with DCC. It can bite you as in buying the wrong loco, wiring of decoders, etc. Some experts will tell you switching is easy, because they have experience.
For new people who are only familiar with two wires, DC, and have little or no electronics background, it can be daunting.
Rich
LION wanted the Bachmann locomotive, it was DCC on-board.
It is NOT DCC onboard anymore. The LION opened it up, pulled the whole circuit board off, and soldered the wheels directly to the motor.
THIS is the LION’S way of doing things!
LION also gets rid of the couplers and replaces them with draw bars, and him wires the loco through the train so that other cars will pick up power as well.
ROAR