Question about DCC

Chris Lonero posted:

I’m new to the DCC world so I am wondering if a DCC locomotive will run with a regular DC transformer at least until I get a DCC system?   Thanks. 

Hi Chris,

Most of the newer decoders will run on pure DC with polarity controlling the direction of travel; however it is best to check the specs on the installed decoder.    In some cases, I believe you may need to set a CV to enable DC operation.

Hi Chris,

the NMRA standard requires decoders be able to run on DC, but DCC decoders running on analog DC can be sensitive to any pulse power that many power packs use for better low speed control. Pulse power will vary between models and makes of power packs, and even those packs without a “pulse” selector switch may still have pulsed output. Also, even if your pack has a “pulse power” selector switch, turning that switch to “off” may not guarantee that the power going to the rails is pure DC. Analog operation is usually a user controlled setting in the decoder’s CV’s and can be turned on or off by programming the decoder. My experience has been that some decoders may be more adversely affected by pulsed DC than others, and there are some DC packs that simply should not be used with a decoder in analog mode, because it will end up scrambling the decoder, requiring a factory reset at the very least. Most DCC operators run with the analog setting in their decoders disabled, because having it enabled can result in runaway locos on dirty track or after a momentary short. Except for Digitrax and Lenz, many systems do not allow running a non decoder equipped loco (usually on address “00”) for similar reasons.

Bill in FtL

Here is the description of the engine I ordered. It is a Bachmann 4-4-0 It says it’s NMRA compliant if I am understanding it right? 

Features include:
• DCC-equipped for speed, direction, and lighting
• dual-mode NMRA-compliant decoder with 8-pin plug for DCC or DC operation
• flywheel drive
• idler gear box
• die-cast frame, boiler, and cab
• machined, blackened wheels
• additional die-cast detail parts
• three stack styles (cap, Rushton, tapered), and three fuel loads (wood, coal, oil) included with each model
• E-Z Mate ® Mark II couplers

Chris,

Yes, the Bachmann locos that come with factory equipped DCC or DCC with sound are set up to be analog enabled right out of the box, so they will run on a DC power pack. If your pack has a pulse switch, make sure it is set to “off”. My own experience with an MRC Tech II #2800 (the one with two control knobs), tells me not to use it with decoder equipped locos, so if that’s the pack you have, beware of potential problems. I also have the MRC Tech II #2400 which seemed to work pretty well. My Bachmann decoders seemed like they were less sensitive to pulse than some other brands, but your mileage may vary. It is a bit of a waste to run a DCC loco on DC for anything other than short term (or testing), it will run much better on DCC.

Is your loco HO or On30?

Bill in FtL

Hi Bill. It’s On30. I’ll just run it for a short time until I get a DCC set up.  Thank you and everyone for your help. 

Hi Chris 

As you may have noticed the engines run better with DCC than DC !   Can I suggest the NCE power cab for starters ,  it is only 2 amps to start.  You can buy a 5 AMP SMART BOOSTER if needed !