DCC Operation

This may sound like a stupid question!

But can DCC Ready locomotives run on the old DC analogue system?

For example, could a Hornby 8F with DCC ready, run on analogue track?

:-k

 

Hi,
The (slightly confusing) term 'DCC Ready' implies that a model is fitted with a DCC Plug and Blanking Plate. To run this model on DCC, you must remove the blanking plate and fit a specified decoder (ie: either 8 pin, or 21 pin). The term 'DCC Fitted' refers to locos that have been converted to DCC. DCC Fitted stock is compatiable to run on DC control, however I have found locos often 'bolt start' rather than start smoothly due to the nature of AC Control.

 

Would a DCC ready locomotive run on an Analogue track system, with a Digital controller as well as normal DC?

 

You can run a non-DCC loco using DCC, but it is not recommended as the motor will burn out within a minute of use!

You cannot mix a DCC and DC controller input to any section of track, one of them must be switched out of the system.

Regards,

Dan

 

So in order to run a DCC locomotive, I have to either switch to digital or connect one of the loops onto digital control?

do i have to change track?

 

Only if it has been fitted with a DCC decoder. If it is 'DCC Ready' that description means the decoder socket is fitted with a blanking plate and you should not attempt to run it using a DCC controller. As for the loops, yes they must be separate, but you can do that using insulating fishplates where you have things like junctions.

No, but if you are thinking about DCC for the long-term then you may want to look into using electrofrog points (rather than insulfrog type). Basically it means att eh rails are metal and therefore the wiring is simplified.

Regards,

Dan

 

So, this locomotive from Hornby wouldn't run on a analogue layout?

http://hornby.com/locomotives-89/r2382/

 

it would because it's just DCC ready, not DCC fitted. to run that engine on a DCC layout would simply removing the cover, or wherever the socket is, and slotting in the chip. DCC ready that means it has the socket engineered into the loco, which on a new and expensive loco saves the owner having to take it to pieces to solder in the chip. a loco from one of hornby's DCC train sets would not work on an analogue control.

 

So....
A DCC ready locomotive can run on analogue track.
But a DCC fitted loco cannot run on analogue track.

Is the DCC ready locomotive's performance on analogue track good?

 

your first statement is correct

and a DCC ready loco should perform perfectly normally on analogue track (although it should perform very well, given that it will be brand new)

dcc READY simply means that should you wish to convert to digital, it will be relatively easy.
dcc FITTED means that the dcc chip is built into the loco, and back converting it is not a good idea.

something i've always wondered, is it possible to programme a chip to recognise when it is on DC or DCC track? if such an option was available it would allow easy transfer between