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25 Years Using DC… Is DCC Conversion Difficult?
Eric asks readers for advice:
“I have an old DC layout I built about 25 years ago and I want to drag it into this century technology wise. How much new wiring will I need to do to convert to DCC considering that I currently have various blocks I use to control trains in the different sections of my layout. Will I need to remove all the blocks, and make it one block instead? Also, will I need to buy new DCC equipped locos, or can my old locos be converted?”
3 Responses to 25 Years Using DC… Is DCC Conversion Difficult?
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The whole DCC system, with multiple trains, can basically work from a single power pack and controller with a single two wire bus under the tracks, so DCC wiring is actually simpler than DC wiring.
However, the basic principles need to be clearly understood.
(But you can have separate blocks for some reasons.)
Considering the amount of information you need, it will be worthwhile buying a book on the subject, although there are many online sites with useful articles. (Some links are in other articles on this site.)
Converting DCC is basically simple. Basically your new power source is needed but track wise if your layout is already wired in a block system just turn it all on and you are ready to go. But as Frank says running Buss Wires under your tracks and connecting routinely to the rails is something to do for best performance is a must especially if you are a larger layout or plan to expand. Drop in power around the layout does not help with DCC. If you are wiring from scratch then main buss wires under your rails does it all and you won’t need all those shutoff switches as before for your tracks. Frank says it right above. Go for it you will be glad you did. from Newman
converting to dcc is pretty easy i recently changed .i bought a mrc dcc control and hand pieces .i found very easy to change over