DCC
Everything on model trains, model railroads, model railways, locomotives, model train layouts, scenery, wiring, DCC and more. Enjoy the world's best hobby... model railroading!
DCC & Magnetic Couplers
Rob has a question on DCC operation which is all explained in simple terms in my Model Train Help ebook. The extended chapter also covers the advantages and disadvantages of DC verses DCC operation. Rob asks:
"I have been quite a few years since I operated model trains. Starting a new model completely from scratch. My question is, what exactly is Digital Command Control and Decoder? How does it work and what does it control? I also have a question about Magnetic couplers for trains and cars. How does this work, and where exactly on the track would the magnets be placed?"
DCC Verses Regular DC Operation
Thomas has a question that has been covered several times before on this blog (search DCC on this blog). However, someone might like to make some comment to assist Thomas who asks:
“I have a completed HO layout and considering going to DCC controls what problems will I encounter.”
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DCC Sound
Devasis has some confusion over DCC and DC systems. Would a reader like to put him right?
“Is it possible to operate a locomotive equipped with DCC and sound with the operations listed on a normal anlogue dc track? Some manufacturers are offering remote control applications for locos with sound with operations by remote control. Can someone kindly clarify?”
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DC Wiring Or DCC For New Layout?
Patrick wants to hear from someone with experience in the hobby and asks:
“I need some advice please. I designed a layout with some minor modifications based off the Mineral Mountain/Metro central layout combined. I created it with anyrail. What I am facing is which should I go with: DCC or DC? I am fairly good with DC power wiring, but the DCC concept is new and unexplored to me. The last HO layout I had was 18 years ago, all hard wired with minimum turnouts. Where should one block end and one begin? How much power will I need? I plan on adding magnetic uncouplers in addition, and know I need a rerailer or few. Does someone have any advice to help me?”
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Bachmann GP38 with DCC
Bill asks readers:
“What sound decoder do I use for a Bachmann GP38 with DCC. This unit is totally stock and I want to add sound to it, and how do I install it?”
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DCC E-Z Command
Tony asks:
“Earlier this year I converted my train set to DCC. All was well until recently my trains just stop. After 10 or 15 seconds they just start up again. I have worked hard on keeping the tracks clean but am unsure where to look to eliminate the problem. Using E-Z command. Hope someone can help me.”
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Decoder Response Problem
Malcolm has a question for readers on Decoders and asks:
“I am testing a Lenz decoder and cannot access the address (decoder address number). I have a Digitrax Super Chief and am trying to change the address number. My answer on the control keeps on saying no pg. If I take the system out of programing and go to run I can get the decoder to respond to the forward command, but not reverse. If I can get an answer I will be grateful.”
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DCC Confusion
Mark is hoping someone experienced in DCC with guide him through the process and asks:
“I have just tried to build a layout, and up to now it seems fine. All the joins are ok, however, I have a DCC controller, and I just do not know how to connect the wires to the track and where? Also, what about when the track splits of to another loop, does it matter about the wiring? I am thinking I should wire the track about every 18 inches or so all the way around even on the different loop, although I dont know what type of wire to use? Is it better to solder the wire to the track? Please help as I am getting really confused and have come to a stop, as I dont know what to do?”
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Analog To DCC
Thomas wants to move from analog to DCC and wants advice from those with DCC experience and asks:
"I have a great deal of analog equipment, and am gathering some digital. I'm just beginning to build a pretty large layout. Why can't I run analog and digital engines on the same track, at different times, with different transformers? Can't I use the same wiring, just with different power? (Just switch between the two transformers)."
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Locomotive Address Change
Troy wants help from experienced readers and asks:
“I have purchased 2 broadway Engines and have tried to change the address but I lose the sound when I do. Does anyone have any suggestions?”
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DCC Upgrade
John wants to hear from the DCC experts out there and asks:
“I have 3 Athern DD40 2 motor locos from the 70s that I would like to set up to run on DCC. As these are older higher current draw motors is there a decoder up to the task? “
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DCC Setup With Loops
Barry wants to hear from readers with knowledge of DCC setup and asks:
“I am preparing to use DCC in my N scale setup. Does using DCC change the requirements for using turns and loops in the track?”
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DCC Beginner
Phil has a question that has already been covered on this blog (see search box). If you have some further suggestions for Phil you can use the Comments link below:
“I don’t know what DCC is apart from it is some kind of automatic controller which allows trains to run on same track indepently. What would be the jump for me to go from standard DC control to DCC and what would be the main benifits to a low level model train user?”
Phil, DCC stands for digital command control. A constant voltage is applied to the entire track and locomotives are fitted with digital receivers. These ignore the track voltage until the digital command control sends a signal to the locomotives unique address. The locomotive will then respond to the commands. As each loco has it’s own unique address, it means more than one loco can be operated on the same track.
Phil, I would strongly suggest you read my Model Train Help ebook as DCC is fully covered step by step. I explain the advantages and disadvantages of DCC as well as warn what to watch out for. If you are new to DCC then this would be a helpful starting point.
Marklin DCC
Hettie has a question for others and asks:
“Is there a wireless digital command control available that is compatible to marklin? Our setup is about 20m long and we have a problem seeing around the corners and chimney wall that’s dividing the room in the attic. Marklin apparently do not manufacture a cordless control to controle the trains anymore. In this day and age everything is wireless. Is there a new product that can be integrated with ho scale marklin products?”
Converting From DC To DCC
“I am thinking about going with DCC instead of DC and I would like to know which DCC system is favored for someone just getting into DCC. My layout will be 27′ X 17′ HO with upper and lower levels. What DCC system would others who use DCC recommend?”
DCC Chip
Mali has a brief question for anyone with DCC experience and asks:
“How do I fit a DCC chip to a bachmann 2-8-0 wd Austerity?”
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DCC, AC and DC
A reader asks:
“I have a DCC engine and controller. Can someone please tell me if the tracks run on ac or dc from the controller? That is – does polarity of the power connections matter (assumed no if ac) and for a DCC system do I need to worry about track connections on return loops (mixing and connection of right and left tracks) in my track layouts?”
Can Someone Help Alan With DCC?
Alan has a question for anyone who understands DCC operation and asks:
“I would like to know if I can use a capacitor with my dynamiss point decoder as I have problems with the decoder not having enough power to throw the point across? I’m sure someone with some DCC experience will know the answer?”
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