Running DC loco on a DCC system

Model Railroader Electronics and DCC
1

I’ve read all my manuals and still have a basic question. I have an Power Cab and want to know if I can:

  1. Run a DC loco with the DCC controller.

  2. If I install a DPDT switch changing my bus to DC from the DCC feed will I damage my DCC engines. (I do NOT have any of my DCC locos programmed to use DC. An option NOT recommended by my control’s operators manual.)

Thanks John

2

John.

The Power Cab will NOT run a DC loco. It will burn it up. Instead of a double pole switch it would be safer to put a quick plug on the track buss for the DCC and DC systems. That way only one system could power the layout while the other is totally separate.

Disabling DC in CV29 and then powering the track will not hurt the decoders. They just won’t move.

Pete

3

John,

NCE does not support ‘zero stretching’, or DC engine support on their DCC systems. I know that Digitrax does support it and it works - but, you can overheat a motor using it and their will be a buzzing/whine when the engine is sitting idle. Most folks do not recommend using it. Many clubs do not allow it as it will cause problems with the signal to DCC engines a it takes up a lot of bandwidth.

Most DCC engines will run on a DC layout, if the DC bit in CV29 is enabled. Some older decoders like early Soundtraxx(before Tsunami) will be damaged if used on a DC layout.

Jim

4

Hi!

Seems like this type question comes up every other week or so…

It is certainly “possible” to wire a layout such that either it will be run by DCC, or at the “flip of a switch” will be run by DC. That being said, the propensity to ruin a loco/decoder/sound facility is ever present. As an old timer DC guy that went full bore into DCC over a year ago, may I offer this advice.

If you are not absolutely sure you can wire the layout for both types operations - and know the safeguards necessary to prevent ruining something - don’t do it!

I fall into that category, and have no interest in installing a dual operating system. About 10 of my 50 locos are DCC equipped, and I’ll just be patient until I convert the others before I run them.

Again, this isn’t a question of “can it be done”, but is it worth the risk?

FWIW,

Mobilman44

5

Thanks everyone…patience, what a concept!!!

6

I have a DPDT switch and I have no problems. The middle is the off position so they never will meet. I remove the non-DCC engines from when using DCC.

7

I have a Lenz DCC system. It allows me to run a DC engine as “Engine Zero” along with the DCC engines.

I’ve learned 2 things:

Auto-reversers don’t deal with DC engines. When you sit down and look at it, this is not surprising.

DCC is meant for engines with decoders. If you like a DC engine and want to run it with DCC, get a decoder and install it. Really, this is the only way to go.

As a wise man has said more than once, it will put a smile on your face. Isn’t that what the hobby is all about?

8

Not with an NCE system. All you’ll do is burn up the motor in short order.

9

Jeffrey-Wimberly, maybe THIS is the effect he wants to model.

10

With good quality $12 decoders available from NCE and others, there’s no reason to be running DC locos on a DCC layout.

11

I ran some test using a old MDC open frame motor and can motor and found the can motor ran hotter. The metal enclosure tends to keep the heat inside. Your mileage may vary.

Some have no problems, some have a damaged motor.

Rich