The husband of a former coworker contacted me to say he is selling off a ton of his HO trains for health reasons. He has been collecting for years and I’m sure he has many “older” locos with decoders and maybe some with sound. Since I’m just getting back into HO and not up on all the new tech, so if I see something I like will any DCC equiped loco either new or older work with my DC only switching layout? I have an older Tech 2 power pak that I use. Thanks in advance.
Bruce
There is no single answer to your question.
Some decoders can operate a locomotive on analog DC. I believe that most recent decoders do, but someone with more DC ‘smarts’ can give more specific answers.
Some older decoders simply ignore analog DC. Those will not run on your (or my) layout.
It is possible to remove the decoder from a DCC locomotive, replacing it with a simple, standard analog DC circuit which will allow it to run. You will lose all the lights and sound, but the loco will run forward and in reverse just like the ones you own now. (The motor in a DCC loco runs on 12VDC.)
Of course, if you can afford to, you can acquire a ‘batch’ of possibly suitable locos, then use the ones that don’t work for you as trade goods. Or - you can jump feet first into DCC.
Chuck (Modeling Central Japan in September, 1964 - analog DC, MZL system)
Most decoders are of the ‘dual-mode’ type in that they’ll work on both DC and DCC. However, if the decoder has been set to DCC operation only the loco will just sit and do absolutely nothing on DC. If this is the case you’ll have to find someone who has a DCC system to set the decoder operate on DC. This can be done by setting a CV or doing a factory reset.
This is a ‘yes/no/maybe’ answer to your question. Most current decoders will operate on either DC or DCC. However, it is possible to configure the decoder so that it only works on DCC(I do this with my decoders so that they will not see a loss of signal as DC and take off out of control). When I sell an engine, I have to remember to re-program it for ‘analog conversion’.
The older Soundtraxx sound decoders were DCC only - They would be damaged if you attempted to run them on pure DC.
I guess I would find out what kind of DCC system he has and what price is he asking for it. This may be the opportunity to get into DCC at a good price. However, buying used equipment sometimes can be risky, unless you know what you are looking at. I have been offered too many good ‘deals’ on model railroad equipment at prices that really are just too high. I was selling stuff at a table at a local train swap meet and a guy stopped by with a MRC Prodigy express set in a bag - and he wanted $100 for it. One can buy them for $119 via several on-line stores. Besides I already have a Digitrax system and no matter what the ‘good’ price was, I new that the upgrade path was limited and expensive for MRC systems It was just something I did not want. So, be careful looking at DCC stuff from old friends.
Jim
Thanks for the replys guys, I will keep all this in mind when I go to look next week.
Bruce
If there are really nice DCC engines that he has, it may be time to take the DCC plunge.[2c]
LIONS do not do DCC. Him cannot afford DCC. If someone would give him DCC he might have had tried it, but no longer. LION very satisfied with LION’S own DC analog automation, with relays that go click, click, click. Layout has been running as smooth as silk! LION has been installing relays thanks to a generous MR soul who sent LION 30 relays! Trains run, LION solders relays, a good division of labor.
But, back to your issue: This is a good time for you to get into DCC. Buy a few locomotives and they may even throw in the DCC power equipment.
ROAR
If I won the lotto, I would give you the gift of DCC. My 3 cats said so!
As well as the wife.