I have just switched over to DCC using an NCE Powercab. Having ran only DC for the last year, I have 15 DC/DCC ready locos that I like very much and will slowley add decoders to them.
How can I make an easy way to switch between DC and DCC?
Could I wire in a switch? Flip it one way and I’m running DCC, flip it the other way, DC.
Is this possible?
Good morning Ringo
In answering your question there is a way to do it and a very simple way at that.
My situation is just the same as yours. The newer MRC Tech 6 is a very affordable power pack that is compatible with both DC/DCC. Lots of info and a few videos on the net. Check it out, it’s “plug-n-play”. This is what I will eventually be going with.
TF
I operate my layout dual mode. I used a relay to switch the track power from my DCC controller to my DC power pack. I connected the relay coil to the DC power pack accessory power so that when I turn on my DC power pack the relay pulls in and switches the track from my DCC controller to the DC power pack.
Has worked great for over 12 years. I can operate in either mode DC or DCC.
I operate in DC mode about 70% and DCC the remaining 30%. Basically I operate my passenger trains in DCC and freight in DC.
Mel
My Model Railroad
http://melvineperry.blogspot.com/
Bakersfield, California
I’m beginning to realize that aging is not for wimps.
I actually just returned my tech 6 back to the hobby shop in exchange for the NCE powercab!
Yes, exactly. It’s one OR the other by flipping a switch. Just make sure whatever is connected to the layout or sitting on it is compatible to both. I had a small DC layout, that I converted to DCC using the same approach. Because it was a small layout, I would remove all of the engines and used only DCC engines when on DCC, and DC engines when on DC. Some DCC engines were left on the layout when on DC as they were compatible. But DCC quickly took the lead in air time, and after a few weeks, I spent 90% of my time on DCC… My new layout is 100% DCC. I still have a few locos to convert, but I’m getting there.
Simon
Thats a good idea! Would a 3 position toggle switch work?
Yes, but . . . . the toggle switch is not fail safe. You have to remember to operate the switch, the relay is a safe interlock preventing an accidental screw up.
Mel
My Model Railroad
http://melvineperry.blogspot.com/
Bakersfield, California
I’m beginning to realize that aging is not for wimps.
I can run both DC and DCC, but I disconnect one system, and connect the other, physically, no switch as Mel uses.
By disconnect, I mean I remove the two wires from the DCC power supply to the control panel, and connect the two wires from DC, and vice versa.
I very seldom run in DC, so this works for me, as it’s a positive no-brainer that DC and DCC won’t get accidently crossed.
When I wired my layout, I made control blocks with both rails gapped, and feeders to each block.
The current MRR has an article about it. I haven’t read it yet.
Mike.
Hi Ringo,
One way to make the situation a little safer using just a switch is to use a DPDT switch with the center off position so that you have to go to an off position before switching to the other system. Mel’s advice is still trueabout some danger being involved, so I would have the system that I am switching to turned off when you throw the switch. That way you don’t have both signals on at the same time.
As others have said, you will find yourself using DC less as you start adding decoders to your locomotives.
Good luck and have fun with it.
Scott Sonntag
A DPDT center off switch is what NCE recommends using if you want to use DC & DCC on the same layout. One or the other but never both simultaneously.
I use a RCA PLUG- one for DCC & one for DC. You can only plug in one or the other. No way to mess up.
Smart man. [Y] I’ve had my Power Cab for 16 years now and have been very happy with that choice. Since it’s a dedicated DCC system you’ll be able to do more on the DCC side of things than you would with the MRC Tech 6.
Tom
Yeah I realized that after I tried changing horns on my F45, wasn’t happening!
I was browsing napas website and found a few. I would want one with 6 terminals correct? How would the wiring diagram look?
6 correct
I don’t have drawing skill like the others but
o o o
/ \
DCC DC
\ /
o o o
The center terminals go to the track
You ought to be laughing at me Ringo!
When I first read your post and reply, the immediate picture painted in my mind was the NCE Powercab was some sort of low geared steam locomotive similar to a Shay[(-D][(-D]
After reading further into your thread and looking it up, I now know what it is[:-^]
TF
To be extra safe, when running in the DC mode, unplug the PowerCab from the panel. That way it is impossible for DC power to feed back in and damage the PowerCab.
–Randy
MRC Tech 6 has some limitations. I’m not sure how you consist two diesels with one facing backwards, for example.
Also, the Tech 6 remains set on the mode it was set when powered down. There is a risk of you forgetting which that was.
Unless you really do guarantee no DC only locomotive is on powered track when powering up the Tech 6 it may be problematic. I have one. I may find out.
Critical issue is of course never ever powering up a DC only locomotive with DCC voltage.
MRR February issue page 56 has a pretty complete description of this topic. Except for the idea of a safety relay preventing DCC unintentionally powering the layout, assuming I understand that idea correctly.