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Ok, I got a few questions about the DCC stuff, figured I would ask here to be safe.
Can I run DCC set up even if my engines are NOT DCC enabled/ready/ect?? will it hurt the DCC system or the engines? will it burn things out if I did this? I do plan to upgrade to DCC engines (or my current engines to DCC) down the road, but I need to look into a new controller as my current one is on the fritz as its old...if I need to clear things up let me know...I want to figure out if I can have a DCC set up with out the DCC engines so I can kinda "future proof" my layout for the day I go DCC...
Running a DC engine on DCC, is more of a trick, rather than a legitimate loco operation alternative.
The DCC will cause the motors to buzz. This is from the part of the motor that turns. If the motor is left "buzzing" for too long a time, it WILL burn out. It will do this to any motor that isn't wired with a decoder. It also doesn't matter the size of the motor. Big ones burn out slower than the little ones, but they will all fail.
Biggest disappointment in all this is it also cuts the loco's speed to about half of what it should be. So you do go to DCC, buy a couple of decoders as well for your favorite loco(s) to get started.
Prices on decoders depend on what you want the loco to do. Two function decoders which provide for direction/speed and basic lights start below $20. Sound decoders can cost up to a hundred or so, and doesn't generally include the speaker. No matter the price, avoid MRC decoders. They loose their minds more frequently than any other decoder, bar none.
ok, so really your saying if I want DCC with out having it on my locos yet my best bet is to get digitrax or should I just get the DCC when I decide to get the DCC engine?
as for the decoder(s) I have a steamer that I love and would want to do it up but im not the greatest with electronics and wireing so plug and play is what I would need till I get more skills...its a Rivarossi steamer if that helps, the 1229 engine thats a 2-8-4
will any DC controler work just fine for me, even if one came with a O scale train? I have a lead on a DC transformer thing that runs O scale trains but its dirt cheap and its very realistic train style controls...or am I just asking for troubles?
I know like Motley said you can run dc on a digitrax system.The DCC zepher does do that and you can get from a link on here for 170.00.I know that is one of the big selling points to me and you hook up usb link too. I am looking at both the NCE Power Cab and the Digitrax Zepher.I am going to try out both of them at a hobby shop here soon.So far I am looking really hard at the zepher more then the power cab.But I will have to see.
well I just want to be able to use the new DCC stuff in case my friends get me some of those type of trains (they have been known to get me things like model cars and planes so I wouldn't put the trains past them) but still want to use my older non DCC enabled steamer as I really love it and don't want to be forced to side line her at all, especially when she will be one of the focal points of my soon (i hope) to be fictional town/city...
If you have Digitrax, you can run DC engines on DCC. However, the DCC current running through the DC motor will eventually destroy the motor as the DCC current is similar to AC and will slowly demagnetize your motor.
The DCC current provides both positive and negative on both rails, but alternates them so that neither side is strong enough to get the motor moving.
so what about doing the flip and running a DCC equipped loco on a NON-DCC track (DC)?? same thing, motor burn up and train go crash and burn? because im not about to trash a nice expencive steamer for nothing....
so what about doing the flip and running a DCC equipped loco on a NON-DCC track (DC)?? same thing, motor burn up and train go crash and burn? because im not about to trash a nice expencive steamer for nothing....
Most DCC decoders have a DC mode where if it is powered, but does not receive a DCC signal, the decoder will relay the power to the motor, allowing it to run in DC. Headlights and other lights will not work though.
Most DCC decoders have a DC mode where if it is powered, but does not receive a DCC signal, the decoder will relay the power to the motor, allowing it to run in DC. Headlights and other lights will not work though.
Whether or not the lighting functions work depends on the decoder. On some decoders the headlights automatically operate directionally when running on DC. Some decoders have one or more CV's(configuration variables) that set which lighting functions are to be on when operating on DC, and at least some of this type default to having the headlights on. Some decoders remember which functions were on the last time the decoder was operated on DCC and turns those functions on when operating on DC.
thanks man!! I don't want to kill my one and only and favorite steamer 
