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!
Is It Okay To Use Pecos Code 075?
Nigel writes I am into DCC and my question is:
“Can anyone help me out? I do have all ‘Peco code 100 tracks {curves, straight & point} and I also have code 075-Double/Single Slip Crossings; And I want to know, with some of my old polling stock, will this be all right with Pecos code 075? Or will the deep wheel flange on the old stock cause derailments? They also do Electrofrog long crossings And Insulfrog crossing in code 075. I have one Insulfrog Crossing in code 100”
Just a reminder to all readers that you can have your question published by using one of the ASK A QUESTION links under each post.
Adding DCC Sound to a GP30 Diesel
Allan writes:
“I have a GP30 Diesel that is a few years old but has DCC onboard. I thought about converting it to DCC sound. Looking at the engine I’m not convinced adding a speaker is feasible without a complete disassemble and removal of parts from the frame halves? Has anyone attempted this before?”
Add your answer or comment below. Click COMMENTS to see what others have to say.
Joining Power Districts and Power Boosters
Keith has this electrical question:
“I am planning an HO DCC layout. It will have three (3) power districts with a control center and two (2) power boosters. I am planning a reverse loop joining to two (2) different power districts and thus different power boosters. Will this be a problem?”
DCC Crossovers and Return Loops
Christopher asks:
“I have modified my Peco Electrofrog turnouts by cutting the factory connection and soldering one side of the main to one side of turnout and added an AR1 for the return loop, for the crossover I have a dual frog juicer. Both of these still short out. What did I do wrong? How can I solve these problems?”
Choosing The Right Decoder
Abdullah asks:
“I have a LIFE-LIKE Train GP-38, Santa Fe 3500, Power Locomotive model # 8294. I would like to know the right decoder to fit this engine. Thank you.”
Cover for DCC Drop in Boards
David has this question:
“Does anyone know where to buy the plastic slip-on cover for DCC drop in boards?”
Program Track
Steve asks:
“I’m new to DCC (running NEC). What’s the difference between programing on the main and programing track? I run a 8X4 HO layout.”
Add your answer below.
3 Way Turnout Problem
Christopher writes:
“I have an HO DCC layout and a 3 way turnout using it as a reverse loop but it shorts out coming out of the return route. Will a hex frog juicer solve this problem? If so how would I hook it up?”
Add your comment.
Connecting Power Pack Leads To DCC Wired Layout… How? Where?
Rowan asks:
“Hi all, I know my layout I got from my late Poppa is wired for DCC, but he gave away his DCC locomotives a year or so ago to a good friend he had. That’s why I don’t have a DCC equipped locomotive. If I want to test things, how would I hook up an old DC power pack, I have one, on the layout to test the operation of a non DCC equipped loco? I had a go at connecting the two DCC leads to the DC hookups on the old power pack but that didn’t work. How and where should I connect the two power leads from my 12v power pack to my DCC wired layout so I can operate a DC locomotive, as I have a couple? I don’t have a DCC control of any kind connected. I know my question might sound stupid to you guys who know all this stuff, but I am a bit challenged on this to say the least. Do I need a volt meter thingy too?”
If you can assist Rowan, or want to watch the answers as they come in, just click on the COMMENTS link below.
Turning Insulfrog Turnouts to Live for DCC
Duncan asks:
“Can anyone give me info about turning N gauge insulfrog turnouts to live for DCC? Also, were to buy the staple type converters from?”
Will Any Decoder Do?
Ben sent in this question for readers:
“This might sound stupid but can I use any decoder model in a locos? I ask this because I will be soldering the connections regardless and know the frames can vary between manufacturers, so can I still choose any decoder, or will I need specific decoders for certain locos?
Add or view the COMMENTS below.
3-Way Turnout Wiring
Ron asks:
“Does anyone have any experience with Walthers DCC friendly 3-way turnouts wiring?”
Perhaps Ron could elaborate on his question explaining the nature of his problem.
DCC Decoder Selection
N scale enthusiast Michael has this question:
“I picked up an Alco 479 PA DCC ready loco – a pair of them with the road name Southern Pacific. I’m having a heck of a time finding the right sound decoder for this loco. I believe Alco is Atlas? The current non DCC board says CDN4 DCC Ready PCB. Guidance please?”
Which Sound Decoders Are Best?
Richard S who models HO wants to hear opinions on decoder types:
“I notice that sound decoders seem at least triple the cost of non sound. Are they worth it, and which are the best to buy?”
Use the comments link to submit your comment, suggestion, or opinion to assist Richard.
Converting Dad’s Layout to DCC
Trevor H sent in this question:
“I inherited my late fathers train set and only have a limited knowledge of running trains. Watching my Dad operate the trains has fond memories for me, and if I could half as much pleasure from the layout as he did, I know I would be stoked!
I am keen to learn but would but the main problem I want to rectify is that my Dads layout was never set up for DCC. I don’t want to rush out and buy lots of things without first understanding what I can and can’t achieve in the way of converting the layout to DCC. I suppose the first question is can I run a train loco that has DCC on the layout? And, how difficult will it be to upgrade to DCC? The track is already in position as is most of the scenery and structures. Will I need to revamp everything and start afresh?
If all I need is DCC control and power pack then that would make things easy? If I can get the trains running on DCC then I can concentrate on converting lights and other accessories later. I am just thinking out load and trying to get my head around how difficult the conversion will be, not that I’m not up for the challenge, I just want to work through things logically and at my own pace. Advice from your experienced followers would be greatly appreciated thank you.”
If you have a question you would like published, send it in using the link below.
Using LED as Indicator if DC Control is On
Koot models in HO and queries:
“Do I install the LED in series or across the two power leads going to the track to indicate power on?”
Sudden DCC Section Power Failure
Steven asks the following:
“I have an HO layout that is on 3 levels. Yesterday I had a derailment on a track joint in the start of a track segment where the middle level has a climbing segment to get to the upper level. Everything was fine up to that point but after the derailment the entire upper level is dead as a doornail. Prior to the joint where the derailment occurred, everything is normal.
There is no “clicking”, no flashing lights or other obvious signs on the track decoder board. I’ve pulled the plug and allowed time for an attempted system reset without success. I’ve swapped locomotives without success.
I am a complete idiot when it comes to electricity (the wiring was done for me). So forgive me for that.”
DCC Wiring – Separate Bus Lines for Turnouts
HO railroader Dan posted this question:
“I’m new to DCC and I’m building a new layout 12’ x 12’ with 3 levels. I understand Bus Wiring and Track Feeders and how to run the feeder wires to the bus line. I will only be running 4 to 5 engines at most. I plan on using a MRC system (not sure which one yet, however wireless seems the way to go) want to put the track on the MRC system and power the turnouts on a separate system. With my DCC wiring do I need to run a separate bus line for the turn outs?”
If you would like to supply an answer to Dan’s DDC wiring question, or just view the answers, then click on the ‘comments’ link below.
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