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Using Double Pole Double Throw Switches With DCC
Callum asks readers:
“When using Double Pole Double Throw (DPDT) switches with DCC, is it advisable to stop my loco first, or is it okay to throw the switch while my loco is running? My thinking is that I should stop it first?”
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depends – for turnouts it is ok to switch while in motion but for example reverse loop polarisation i would stop all action before switching…
What are you switching?
I would suggest you stop first. like most prototypes do. However, it’s your railroad. when switching I upling.throttle down then reverse direction without stopping when unco
Callum, why will you use DPTS in your DCC controlled layout? I can’t see any reason or need.
As Anselmo says, on a DCC system, you change direction using the DCC controller, NOT a DPDT switch !
It will not change the direction of the loco anyway, because that is controlled by the decoder !
I would disagree with mty. The automatic switches for reversing loops switch polarity whilst the loco is moving, as the loco and decoder are not affected by the polarity of the supply. Just don’t send commands whilst switching the polarity.