Do Ihave to have DCC inorde to go to batter power?
No. Unless you want to use DCC decoders for sound, etc.
A local modeler uses Deltang wireless dead rail system on a Gn15 layout (HO gauge, 1/24th scale). Minimumally all he uses is a reciever, a voltage regulator and a LiPo battery. He can fit all of that in an tiny industrial engine based on one truck of a Bachmann 44 tonner.
One of the objections I’ve had to battery power is the size of the components. After seeing his stuff I think I could easily fit all of the parts in a “old time” HO steam engine. The battery is still the barrier, namely that there has to be an easy way to charge or swap out batteries.
BlueRail Trains has a battery powered circuit board for dead rail that does not use DCC.
Board configurations info http://bluerailtrains.com/2016/03/03/battery-powered-trains/
RR Baron
I used to take my portable N scale layout, which was DC, to Cub Scout day camp. I set up by my car, and connected the car’s battery through a fused cable to the layout. I just had to make sure that I didn’t drain the car battery too far. For a better solution, you could use a separate battery, such as a deep discharge marine battery.
So no, you don’t need DCC.