My layout at home is DC, the club layout is DCC. If i put a decoder in one of my locos and then take it out to use the loco at home, will I have to re-program the decoder if I re-install it for use on the club layout?
No, but many (most?) decoders will sense DC and run on it. There may be a CV to set to enable this.
I believe that would be the “4” bit (third bit from the right), of CV29 called Power Source Conversion.
like they say, the loco should run at both. DO not remove the decoder.
sometimes the decoders forget who they are, or CVs become mixed up. 2 of my locos began running backward after I took the trucks apart for cleaning. I had to have someone at the club straigten them out.
Be very careful when you select the decoder and insure that is is one that can run from both DC and DCC - there are still some that won’t.
Most newer DCC decoders are capable of running both DC and DCC. Some are better than others. TCS decoders are invisible on DC. They are the ones I use most. The newer decoders even remember what lites you used on DCC so when placed on DC track you still have directional or mars lites ect. ect.
Pete