DC Loco running slow on DCC

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oplholik

oplholik

Member
I just got my track all wired up and checked voltage all around and it is good, 15.69-15.70v everywhere. I have the Digitrax Zephyr and put on a recently bought Atals #48805 Dash 8-40BW, DC equipped. At full throttle it runs slow, I'm wondering, is this normal for a DC loco on a DCC control? I have no way of describing how fast it's moving, but it's a loooong way from high ballin. Thanks.

Paul O.
 
I'd say its not usually considered normal to run a DC loco on DCC...at all...

Best advice here would be to just get a decoder for it. I believe that that particular feature is sort of just a stopgap for that transition period from DC to DCC. I would not necessarily recommend running DC on DCC, that squealing noise it makes cannot be good for it...
 
I know that some DCC systems will support running DC trains with a DC throttle, but I was not aware that any would run a DC loco by themselves.
I doubt what you're doing is helping the DCC system function properly with DCC locos, so I'd agree that getting a DCC decoder would be a good idea.
Or, alternatively, I think you can run DC trains alongside DCC trains with the Zephyr, if you have a DC throttle and the Zephyr isn't controlling the same areas the DC throttle is.
 
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DaWolf85 said:
I know that some DCC systems will support running DC trains with a DC throttle, but I was not aware that any would run a DC loco by themselves.
I doubt what you're doing is helping the DCC system function properly with DCC locos, so I'd agree that getting a DCC decoder would be a good idea.
Or, alternatively, I think you can run DC trains alongside DCC trains with the Zephyr, if you have a DC throttle and the Zephyr isn't controlling the same areas the DC throttle is.
Click to expand...

Well, it's just that I have not gotten one yet as the manual for the Digitrax Zephyr has a section on setting up a DC loco to run with the controller. Now, I'm just a novice with this, so I won't attempt to argue with anyone on this. After looking at the manual again, maybe I should have stated that the Loco is an analog loco with a analog decoder, a decoder that runs the lights? Maybe that makes a difference. Thanks.

Paul O.
 
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I'm in the same boat you are. Just got mine hooked up and same thing....DC locos run VERY slow. The manual from my Digitrax Zephry says no problem running a DC loco, BUT...a rep from Digitrax emailed me and said it wasn't good on them. I've decided not to run any on mine.
HTH
 
AllenB said:
I'm in the same boat you are. Just got mine hooked up and same thing....DC locos run VERY slow. The manual from my Digitrax Zephry says no problem running a DC loco, BUT...a rep from Digitrax emailed me and said it wasn't good on them. I've decided not to run any on mine.
HTH
Click to expand...

Ok, thanks. Will be hunting down a DCC decoder this week end then.

Paul O.
 
Be careful. Dixitrax Zephyrs that run DC locomotive slowly, like less than 30 scale MPH, are not normal. This is usually a sign of early crowbar failure in the DC circuit. Eventually, you will start to get dead shorts after about five minutes of running a DC locomotive. This does not affect decoder equipped engines. If the Zephyr is still under warranty, I would send it back and have it repaired if you have any DC engines you want to run.
 
Running an analog loco on Digitrax is possible on the "00" address, but it will run slower than anything decoder equipped. You won't be able to, say, mu it with a decoder equipped loco. This is a left over feature from the days when decoders were in the $50.00 each range for even the simple ones without many features. Best to just install a decoder. They can be had for less than $20.00 these days for the basics, so is using the analog feature really worth it? Not really IMHO.
 
I just called my LHS today to see about decoders, I was quoted about $20 for an NCE D13SR. I recommend this decoder, I have a couple already, and they run really well.

Decoders are a worthy investment.
 


The NCE D13SR are pretty good and relatively inexpensive. You can get a 10 pack for about $13 a piece. I use Youngwood Model Supply. It's about 30% off the list price
 
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