Can we run DCS and DCC together on the same track?

quote:

Originally posted by Dave Allen:
Dave, if you put a DCC equipped loco on a conventional track, will it run in conventional?

Most DCC decodes now days are "dual mode" decoders. That means they will operate on either DCC or conventional DC. A lot of early DCC decoders would not operate on DC at all. A common complaint about DCC decoders equipped with sound is that the voltage range for speed control is compressed. Most sound decoders (including PS3's) won't start moving until track voltage reaches 5 to 7 volts (depending on manufacturer) when the sound system gets enough voltage to start operating. For HO operators with wimpy power supplies that can only reach 12 volts under load that means you don't have a lot of room to adjust between barely moving and full speed. MTH took a slightly different approach by using track voltage as a speed command. Unfortunately for conventional DC operators in HO a PS3 engine only moves at 20 smph at 12 volts. However, at the NMRA HO standard maximum voltage of 15.5 VDC a PS3 engine runs at 75+ smph. For most O scale conventional DC operators the PS3 conventional speed curve should be a good fit.

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Mike, PS2 locos in DCS mode will all run on AC or DC.

That's true for all 3 volt PS2's. Earlier 5 volt engines were built for AC operation only.

Thanks Dave, DCC is a whole new minefield to me, but I'm going to use it in some applications, like Darstaed locos, which only draw 0.5 amp, and only have headlights. So, a very cheap decoder should be fine. I'm going to give the Bachmann ones a go.

dave hikel. Does the same rule apply if you operate a DCS PS-2 loco in two rail DC configuration, and a DCC loco on the same track?

Yes. DCC just doesn't play nice with any other form of command of conventional control. If the DCC power signal is on the rails all engines need to have a DCC decoder. PS3 engines have a DCC decoder built in but PS2 do not.

quote:

Originally posted by Dave Allen:
Thanks Dave, DCC is a whole new minefield to me, but I'm going to use it in some applications, like Darstaed locos, which only draw 0.5 amp, and only have headlights. So, a very cheap decoder should be fine. I'm going to give the Bachmann ones a go.

Dave ,
What ever engines you decide to go with for DCC make sure they''re DCC ready that way the decoder install will be plug and play.

The DCC Ready engines already have the NMRA female plug installed. I like the Tsunami sound/Engine decoders but they cost a bit . If your doing the install yourself for the first time ,Take your time and continually test with a volt meter thru out the install to make sure everything stays isolated.

If you can get thru your first install/programming session without cussing, saint hood for you is just around the corner but if your like the rest of us just make sure the wife didn't invite the priest over for coffee while your programming in your first engine.

You'll save on haircuts though you'll pull it all out so you won't need to go
Good Luck
David

Your point about low-cost DCC decoders also applies to generating DCC command signals themselves.

A TIU allows you to operate DCS on some channels and conventional on others. It would be curious if MTH could, with only software changes or perhaps minor TIU modification, provide some DCC capability on one TIU output. Since the newer PS3 engines have DCC and DCS capability, it might be a way to transition DCC users to DCS. Whether this makes any business sense whatsoever is above my pay grade...