Having been out of the operational end of hobby for years,(out chasin the real ones) I’m completely lost. I have never stopped buying loco, rolling stock, structures,etc. but I haven’t had a layout in 15 years. I’m going to start building a new layout, and will probably be dcc. My question is, will my old equipment( non dcc) work on the new layout? Will dcc controlled and non dcc controlled work on the same trackage? Can anyone give me some insight? Thanks much in advance. Randy Staller
Some DCC systems will run one non-DCC decoder equipped engine on address 0, but it’s not too difficult to install decoders into older engines, either, if they run well enough to be worth the cost of a decoder.
Randy,
Most DCC systems will allow you to run one (1) DC locomotive on your layout. NCE and MRC are two DCC manufacturers who’s systems do not have that capability. That doesn’t mean they aren’t good systems. It just means that they decided not to include that option. Since I just started in the hobby about 3 years ago, that wasn’t a make or break decision for me.
Tom
I use a Digitrax system, which does allow for a non-DCC equipped loco to run as loco 0. This is fine for testing purposes but I wouldn’t recommend for longer periods - the high frequency AC current makes the DC motor “sing” and it can get quite hot too. I certainly wouldn’t have thought it would do older N scale mechs any good at all.
As its already been said - certainly in HO - its not that tricky to install a decoder in most locos. The main problem with older locos (eg: brass) is the stall current draw on the motor can be too high for a standard medium size (HO) decoder.
When I converted to DCC, I had about 35 DC locos to convert. Luckily, there’s a decoder that’s perfect for getting a bunch of DC engines converted at relatively low cost: NCE D13SRJ @ about $11.50 to $12/per if you shop around. I did 10 at a time to spread the cost out.
I wouldn’t really bother with trying to run DC locos on a DCC system, the power on the tracks (in DC mode) is very different from regular DC power and often makes DC engines buzz as they run. Just bite the bullet and start converting!
The most important thing you can do is go back to school and do your reading, here’s a couple of good sites that have good beginner how-to’s:
The short answer is no. Many DCC systems will allow exactly 1 DC locomotive to work simultaniously with the DCC fleet. But there are many reasons many people don’t do that. The 1 DCC locomotive consumes more bandwidth than all the others combined making them respond sluggishly. And that DC locomotive usually squeels like a pig when stopped.
On the other hand, I’ve never meet a locomotive that I couldn’t convert to command control. Even back when decoders were $49 each, 1/4" thick 1 1/2" wide and 3" long I could figure out how to wedge them into almost anything. Now decoders are $12 and tiny. They are easy to install, so fear not!
NO. THINK of it as trying to run DC engines runnings on an AC system (Over simplification).
DCC engines are addressed, receive instructions, and internally rectify motors, wheras the DC system’s rectifier is in the power pack and goes to all engines simultaneously.
THEY DON’T MIX. Some DCC systems will allow you to address ONE DC engine, but with an identifying ‘buzz’ accompanyment.
BETTER to wire a few engines with DCC decoders and have a Master ‘Transfer’ switch to engage the ‘other’ system. BEST is to wire ALL your locomotives with DCC decoders.
MIXING will present you with problems.
Yes, on Digitrax. 1 at a time as stated. When not running it needs to sit on a dead piece of track.
It is practical for old brass where the motor is not issolated from the frame.
For the new engines add a decoder as stated.
The other method is to wire your layout for DC, and install a DPDT in front of the second power pack to select the DC power pack or the DCC system. BUT:
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when in DCC mode, all blocks are set to the DCC system, or shut off
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when in DCC mode, all DC locos must be in shut off blocks or removed from the layout. There are no concurrent DC and DCC operations. No DCC locomotive can go into a shut off block.
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when in DC mode, all DCC locomotives without dual mode decoders must be removed from the layout.
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the locomotive handling issues and the effort required to shift from one mode to the other without mistakes means that you will usually settle for just operating in DCC mode pretty quickly. This renders a lot of your effort in wiring for DC a waste of time.
my thoughts, your choices
Fred W