Comments on: Can I Run a DCC Engine on DC?

By: Robert

Robert — Sat, 26 Feb 2022 17:08:27 +0000

In reply to gary lester. Searched their site and coud not find this jumper you described....

By: gary lester

gary lester — Thu, 19 Sep 2019 14:49:15 +0000

Bachmann has jumpers to replace the decoder. All you do is take the decoder out and plug in the two jumpers in where the decoder was

By: Karen

Karen — Thu, 20 Dec 2018 23:46:59 +0000

What engine Burlington Northern will run in Belgium?

By: henry Robbins

henry Robbins — Wed, 14 Feb 2018 12:19:12 +0000

Thanks guys. The info you all gave me is helpful.

By: Frank B

Frank B — Wed, 14 Feb 2018 01:33:08 +0000

I have a few DCC locos but only DC control, and as Jay says, they only start running at around 8 to 10 volts because the control circuit needs that much voltage to turn itself on.

Therefore there is only a small voltage range in which you have useful control of the speed.

To achieve better fine control, use a controller with a large dial, so that the effective voltage range is spread over a larger mechanical rotation of the dial.

Some of my DCC locos have a feature which requires a voltage polarity flip switch, so that flipping the switch over, or over and back quickly, will activate the bell and whistle, while the loco continues forwards.

Attached image shows how to wire this.

By: Greg Wible

Greg Wible — Wed, 14 Feb 2018 00:38:37 +0000

It takes about 7 volts DC to get your DCC/DC engine working. First sound, bell, horn. It usually starts slowly then picks up speed. Just let it go untill it reaches the speed you want. Then drive it with your throttle.

By: Jay

Jay — Fri, 09 Feb 2018 15:34:31 +0000

Almost all DCC decoder equipped locomotives have the option to run on DC. The option can be programmed to be disabled, or enabled. Sounds like yours is enabled. Dcc equipped loco’s will not turn on until the power is at least around 8VDC, and that is because it takes at least that amount of power to activate the decoder’s circuits. If your loco has sound, it will be easier to tell what level of voltage the decoder comes on. Once the threshold level is set, you can control the loco’s direction by throwing you control’s reverse switch. If it’s going too fast, you will have to “fine tune” the voltage level to get the desired speed. You will have to play with it to get the feel for when it is in “Idle” or “Off”.