DCC, DC, and Maybe BS

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Will DCC locomotives run on a DC power source? I have a Spectrum DCC locomotive that will not run with a DC power source. A train shop salesman told me it will work on a DCC source. What's the truth?


Merry Christmas,

ST
 
Depends on the decoder. All DCC will run on DCC but only some will run on DC. Some will let the smoke out if you put them on DC. (not good) Most of the newer ones are self-selecting though.
 
Many decoders have no problem running on DC or DCC. There is a setting on the decoder to block DC operations though. Sometimes a DCC engine will take off without warning if the DC option is turned on, and the fix is to turn DC mode off. You might want to have that setting checked if applicable to your engine.
 


I am a classic railroading neophyte. The salesman told me that many of his customers have abandoned DCC and have reverted to DC. Now I am not sure if he told me this because he wanted to sell me a high-priced MRC DC transformer or if he was honest.


Merry Christmas,

ST
 
Your salesman is not telling you reality. Those who have switched to DCC usually stay there unless they have a lot of money and time tied up in their current DC system. The Bachmann Spectrums should definitely run in DCC or DC mode. Take the engines to someone who has a DCC system and have
CV 8 set to a value of 8 to reset it to default settings. Do not program it after that and you should be fine in DCC. Also make sure your power pack is a DC one and not AC. There should also be a manual that came with your engines. There should also be additional info in them.
 
ST,

Going out and buying a new DC system is like going out and buying a new Sony Walkman Cassette player instead of an iPod.
 


Here's the notes from the quick start guide that came with one of my bachmann spectrums.
"Operating in Analog Mode Using a DC Power Pack"
While the sound system installed in your Bachmann model is first and foremost a DCC decoder, it may be used on a DC powered layout. When analog mode is enabled, you may control your locomotive using an ordinary power-pack though operation will be a bit different than when running non-decoder equipped locomotives.

With the power pack's throttle set to zero, the decoder will be silent as it has no power. The throttle must be turned up to around 5 volts or so to provide sufficient voltage to power up the internal circuitry of the decoder. At this point you will begin to hear the background sounds such as the blower and airpump start (With sound)
Increasing the throttle further to around 7.5 volts or so will set the locomotive in motion, increasing speed as the throttle is increased. Note that the direction can only be changed when the locomotive is stopped.

When operating in analog mode, be careful not to exceed the decoder's input voltage rating of 27 volts. When your track voltage exceeds 21 volts, the decoder will automatically shut off the sound and motor and flash the front and rear lights: back down on the throttle immediately.

Important: Your sound decoder will work best in analog mode when using a high quality, electronically regulated power pack, preferrably one that supplies smooth, filtered DC power. Older rheostat style poer packs and pulse power packs will result in erratic and unreliable operation and should not be used with this decoder. If your power pack provides a Pulse power switch, leave it in the OFF position.
 
hamltnblue,

I followed your advice. I did not hear sounds coming from my locomotive; however, the light did illuminate.

If you were going to buy a good-quality DC steam locomotive, what would it be?

I do not want to sink any more money in this hobby if I have to take antidepressants!

I have a fifty-plus year old American Flyer set with four steam locomotives that work perfectly. If I were so damned lucky with Spectrum, I'd be good to go!



Merry Christmas,

ST
 
ST, exactly what is the type Bachmann engines you have? Did you by them new or used? Do you have a part number? I have never seen a Bachmann steam engine that will not run out of the box new on DC. Yours may or may not have a sound decoder but it should still run on DC. As Hamltnblue said, it's possible to turn off the DC function so the decoder will no longer auto select. If you bought these used and not sealed in the box, it's possible the previous owner turned off the DCC function. You'll need to to find someone (like that lying hobby shop owner) with a DCC system to reset the CV8 value back to 8 or just do a factory default reset.

I have yet to meet a model railroader who switched to DCC and then went back to DC. It would be like going from a Mustang 5.0 to a Yugo. This guy is feeding you a line of bull. The first thing I'd do is find another hobby shop to deal with.
 
UP2CSX,

BTW, I did kind of sour on the salesman when I felt he tried to intimidate me into purchasing a transformer I did not want. I am going to the train show at Anaheim Convention Center on Jan 3, '09 where I hope to buy what I need.


Merry Christmas,

ST
 
If you don't like the salesman talk to the store owner. If that fails, I think I might write or call MDC. Tell them what the name of the place was that sold you the power pack. Tell them they talked you out of DCC and into DC and then sold you the DCC locmotives that don't work. Ask if they would exchange the power pack for their Prodigy DCC system.

The last think I would do is go out and buy things to support the DC power pack. That would be like going out and buying a bunch of VCR tapes because someone talked you into VCR player. Eventually you are going to figure out what you are missing, and then you will have to convert or upgrade alll your engines.

IF all else fails, get a DCC system and sell the DC unit on eBay.
 
ST, you've got two slightly different models of the 2-10-2. The 83309 is already DCC equipped. The 82501 is DCC ready but does not have a DCC decoder at all. Both should run just fine on DC so, if you see the headlight come on, they both should run. The 82501 should certainly run on DC since it has no DCC decoder. Either something is wrong with your wiring, the engines are defective, or the powerpack is defective. If you bought all this at the same place, I'd take it back and see if they can get it to run. Something is not right here.
 
UP2CSX,

Thanks for the info. I did buy an MRC 220 Tech 4 transformer, and when I get it all hooked up I'll let you know how it works.

I have been mulling over my train needs, and I cannot fathom running more than two simultaneous trains. Therefore, I think it would be much less expensive were I to buy another transformer.

Also, I did call Bachmann this morning. I talked to an extremely cordial technician. I explained the problem to him. He told me the 83309 should work. He couldn't deduce the problem. He told me to return it to him and he'll either get it running correctly or ship me a new locomotive.

Customer service is extremely important to me when I purchase anything. In offshore fishing, Daiwa makes damned good reels, and its customer service is beyond excellent. Now I buy only Daiwa single speed big game reels. If my conversation with the Bachmann tech represents his company's service department, it'll have me as a lifelong customer. I was very impressed!!!

I did get the locomotive off via UPS this morning. I'll let you know what transpires.


Merry Christmas,

ST
 


SpaceMouse,

I completely understand that DCC is superior to DC for many model railroad applications and operators. However, DC is most suitable for our model railroading. I do not have a dedicated railroading room. Right now, our set is in our living room under our tree. I would like to run two trains with bridges and trusses. When we are able to get such a layout configured, I will just buy another transformer. Such a scheme will allow my son and his little sister, who's quite a model railroad aficionado, to operate "their" trains independently. And my six-year-old daughter has transformer operation thoroughly "wired".


Merry Christmas,

ST
 
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