The Y-3 control system hardware is compatible with both DC and DCC, but the software to run DCC was not done in time to make it into production. Also, the standard software requires very "clean" DC to operate in DC mode. Many modern DC power supplies provide enough "pulsing" in the voltage to confuse the electronics.
Jon Zahornacky of Lionel has provided Fred Rouse and myself with upgraded software which adds DCC compatibility to the Y-3. He also has modified the DC operation so that it will run on "less pure" DC. I've tested it using an old AF 30B transformer with a bridge rectifier on it, and it runs perfectly.
Fred is prepared to install the upgraded software into locos on which he is doing the scale upgrade. I can do the upgrade for folks who only want the software upgrade. The cost of the software upgrade from either of us is $75.
I've posted a video of the Y-3 that I upgraded for Tom Stoltz on YouTube. It shows the upgraded Y-3 running with 3 different power sources, DC, TMCC, and DCC. It's worth watching all 3, takes about 13 minutes. Not a great video (I need a second person to run the loco while I video), but I think it will show you how it runs. I never touched the loco, but just changed the power source from DC to TMCC to DCC. In each case the loco senses the power and reacts accordingly. I think Jon did a great job with the software, and we owe him a major Thank You!
