I have not wired my trackwork yet…
I have older MRC powerpacks that I do not want to get rid of.
I want to get into DCC also.
Can I block the tracks so I can either use “Block Operation” OR DCC operation.
That way I will have a choice of either system.
Anyway, maybe a time my DCC system will go on the blink, I still will
be able to revert back to the old block method, sort of a backup system.
I blocked mine simply because I have a large amount of locomotives that are not DCC. I can have them on the layout and some still be functional.
RMax1
Yes, you can easily do that. Wire your layout as if for multiple cab/block operation. Then just connect your DCC to one of your cabs. When you want to run DCC, just set all the blocks to the DCC cab.
HTH,
Steve
I’m no expert…but you can use the Zephyr and the jump ports to utilize your DC throttles…
Blocking, I believe, will also help to troubleshoot–i.e. you can isolate block by block until you find that nasty short…
From what little I’ve read on this forum and elsewhere, I think you’ll want to run large gauge wire (14 or 12 gauge, depending on the length of the run) power buses from your power packs to where you’ll need the power feeds to your track. You could use these for the power source for either standard block wiring or for DCC, if you decide to convert. This is what I plan to do on my own layout when I start wiring it. It’s my impression that you need to do this so there’s not a decrease in the DCC signal. Or do I have this all wrong?
Make sure that your blocks are completely electrically isolated from each other, with no common rail. You can then connect a DCC system up as one of the cabs in the block system. The module group I am in runs both DC and DCC, and we found out the hard way that putting both to a track at the same time will burn up one or both of them.
John Fallon
I have asked a Similar question on “The Gauge”. generaly, its a bad idea. if a DC train goes onto a DCC track, or vice versa, everything explodes, to put it simply. you’ll short out the DCC chip, blow up the DC train’s motor, and possibly cause dammage to the system itself. I’d avoid it.
I am going to try something in the wiring of my new N-scale layout that I think will work. At least in my feeble electrical mind it will work.
I am going to put a DPDT switch at the beginning of the power bus for the entire railroad. I have only one block for a programming track and the rest is one power division. I am going to put the output from the DCC system (Digitrax Super Empire Builder) on one side of the switch and a standard DC power pack output on the other side. In my thinking, this will allow me to run either DCC or DC. I still have many locos that are analog and would like to run them on a layout.
I realize I will be restricted in being able to run only one loco at a time in the DC mode, but that is a start.
Can I do this?
I guess the alternative would be to block the entire layout and add two power packs for two train operation. This would not affect the DCC operation would it:?
I am just doing some preliminary thinking before I put the track down. The roadbed is in place and I am at a decision point.
Dr. Joe
Put me in the column for short electrical sections, regardless of what basic system you use. Being able to isolate each few meters of track is a Godsend when a mystery short develops (and they always do!)
The simple answer for me is to wire as if for pure DC, then assign one ‘cab’ designator for DCC. At present, my cab selectors have an ‘off’ position (straight up on the rotary selector.) Attaching those to one bus of the DCC system, and attaching the other bus to the DC common rail, will simply mean that any section not assigned to a specific DC loco will be available to any loco with DCC.
It will also mean that engineers running DCC locos will have to pay strict attention to the timetable, train orders and signal indications! The control system will not save them from their follies.
We do blocks on our DCC Layout. Again, like some here. It helps to isolate a problem when there is a short. With a powershield (or simular device) if there is a short in a block, it will only shut down that block, leaving the other blocks/trains running. This also allows us to do block detection. We plan to tie this in with signaling. With the help of a computer, You can “enforce” train rules such as 2 clear blocks between trains. etc. In other words, to keep your options open for the future so you do not have to do a lot of rewiring. setup your DCC in blocks.
That sounds good, but howabout the “sparks & smoke” if a DCC and DC powerpack
accidently get assigned to the same block?
I wonder if there is some type of fuse or protective device that you could put in the block to “blow” if that happens?
I built my layout with standard block wiring and now use cab “A” for my DCC. I have accidentally run across blocks where one was assigned to DCC and one was DC. The DC powerpack made a buzzing noise but nothing smoked and nothing was damaged. I shut the system down as quickly as I could.
Having said that, I am now in the process of removing block toggles and going to straight DCC. Once I got DCC I had zero interest in running DC engines anymore, except for testing. If I had known before, I would have probably saved the time and effort and expense of wiring all those toggles. I will keep the blocks since they’re already wired. As people have said, it’s convenient for troubleshooting.
If you only intend to run one analog engine or consist at a time, you can do so on the DCC system using address 0. As long as the locomotive is not stopped on powered track for longer than a few minutes, it should work fine.
To PREVENT SMOKE and Sparks a Yail light bulb for a car wired to one leg of the DC power pack will take the hit insted of the power pack. I think it is a #1154 bulb with holder from NAPA.
Just my $.02
Our group operates a modular HO railrod that has both DC & DCC operarted through five position rotary switches. Position 1-3 are wired for DC. Position 4 is DCC. Position 5 is off. The railroad is blocked just like any standard DC operation.