DCC locos
Moderators: 52D, Tom F, Rlangham, Atlantic 3279, Blink Bonny, Saint Johnstoun, richard
DCC locos
I am new back to the model scene and am I tad confused , simple question, I am not digital I have a gaugemaster model D control unit, can I use a loco with DCC fitted, or will it not work on what I guess is just an analogue power supply?
- Atlantic 3279
- LNER A4 4-6-2 'Streak'
- Posts: 6527
- Joined: Fri Jun 26, 2009 9:51 am
- Location: 2850, 245
Re: DCC locos
I think the answer is that a lot of DCC fitted locos will run on proper electricity, but you may have to turn up the juice to an annoying level to wake up the little digital nuisance inside the loco. Some may only run in one direction on a normal power supply. The good news is that even if a blanking plug for the DCC socket in the loco is not available, two pieces of bent wire in the correct 4 holes will bridge the contacts and allow the loco to run normally with the chip removed. You may have a more awkward situation if the chip has been DIY fitted, hard wired in, to a "not DCC friendly" loco.
Most subjects, models and techniques covered in this thread are now listed in various categories on page1
Dec. 2018: Almost all images that disappeared from my own thread following loss of free remote hosting are now restored.
Dec. 2018: Almost all images that disappeared from my own thread following loss of free remote hosting are now restored.
-
- GER D14 4-4-0 'Claud Hamilton'
- Posts: 371
- Joined: Wed Jun 24, 2015 7:30 pm
- Location: Scunthorpe, North Lincs
Re: DCC locos
To my understanding, as someone intending to make the step towards DCC whilst I still have a small number of locos. yes they will run on DCC, in fact the NMRA (an american set of standards which have been adopted over here for DCC) states that they must to be compliant. however as atlantic has stated there are sometimes issues with the loco only going one direction or the wrong direction(however I've never had this issue using mine or other members DCC fitted stock at the local club) but this is often down to something in the CVs (settings for the decoder) dictating whether or not the modeler wants it to work on DC.
if you're curious about any specifics on DCC I'd recommend you start here
http://www.dccwiki.com/Introduction_to_DCC
an exerpt from that article even states the following:
Can I use a DCC Decoder Equipped Locomotive on an Analog layout
Yes, with one provision: Analog mode must be enabled in the decoder.
Most modellers will configure the decoder to ‘’’NMRA Digital Only’’’ for a very good reason: If the track signals get distorted, the decoder may think it is on analog power, and switch over to analog mode. Since DCC puts full voltage on the track at all times, the locomotive immediately accelerates to full speed, becoming a runaway. To avoid that, analog mode must be disabled.
in my experience that only happens with DCC sound fitted locos, having used locos fitted with non-sound chips on DC power the amount of additional voltage required to get the loco going is next to none.Atlantic 3279 wrote: ↑Sun May 07, 2017 5:11 pm I think the answer is that a lot of DCC fitted locos will run on proper electricity, but you may have to turn up the juice to an annoying level to wake up the little digital nuisance inside the loco.
Coalby and Marblethorpe, my vision of an un-nationalised Great Britain in the 50s and 60s: viewtopic.php?f=3&t=11905
36C Studeos, kits in 4MM scale: viewtopic.php?f=3&t=11947
36C Studeos, kits in 4MM scale: viewtopic.php?f=3&t=11947
Re: DCC locos
Thanks for the replies, didn't want to purchase something then find I can't use it.