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Hornby Locos Test
Garth asks:
“I am cleaning Hornby HO locos (DCC) for a friend and want to test them. I have a Digitrax system. On the Hornby box it indicates the power to the loco is DC (direct current). The track power from the Digitrax is AC and I’m concerned this may damage the decoders in the Hornby locos. We live in different towns, so I can’t easily test on his track.”
If you are able to advise Garth, please add your thoughts below.
3 Responses to Hornby Locos Test
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If the locos were DC when they were new the DC power from the track was directed to the motor. Assuming that the DCC decoder is properly installed, there shouldn’t be a problem since the track power is now fed to the decoder, not the motor, and the decoder takes care of powering the motor properly. That being said, before applying power I’d check with the friend and see what type of system he (she?) is using. If he (she?) is using DC, then do the cleaning but let them test it.
DCC is still Direct Current just in modulated square waves. If the locos are DCC as you initially suggested there will be no problem Hornby decoders, if that’s what is fitted, are compatible with the NMRA standard and thus will work with your Digitrax system. You may just have to reassign them to address 3. Your “friend” will just have to re-address them when you give them back
Hornby has two digital control systems, their own HM700 as well as NMRA DCC:
https://uk.hornby.com/catalogue/track-and-power
You need to know which is fitted and discover if there is compatibility.
All regular DCC locos (i.e. NMRA standard) from any manufacturer will run on any DCC system.
Many DCC decoders can be configured to run on DC.
Digitrax DCC command stations can be configured to run DC locos, check the user manual for how to do this.