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 READY Locomotives
Ed asks for comments:
“If a Locomotive is being sold as ‘DCC ready’ will it still perform normally in DC mode if the DCC circuitry is not installed?”
Reverse Loop Shorting Out
HO enthusiast David G asks readers this:
“I’m DCC – an NCE 5 amp. Am attempting to wire MRC auto reverse module. Loop returns back to main track thru set of points but shorts when points are set to left. Have isolated insulfrog point ends still same prob. One engine has enough weight to run thru without derailing when points straight ahead without derailing. Hookup cars won’t do same.”
You can submit your question to the Blog Moderator for publishing by clicking one of the several ASK A QUESTION links on this blog.
What’s the Loco Number Limit in DCC Zones?
Geoff has this question:
“I’m new to DCC. I’m planning a small UK OO narrow gauge layout. The system I bought has an output of 2 amps. The circuit protector can have up to six zones, but 1 amp each. The docs say that the 2 amps will power up to 4 HO locomotives at one time, but am I right in thinking that the circuit protector will limit that to 2 in each zone? The docs for the circuit protector say you can connect it in such a way to have 3 zones 2 amps each, which perhaps is what I need to do?”
Auto Reverse Module – Digitrax and MRC Cab Controller Compatibility
William posted this question to readers:
“I have On30 and M.E. track and turnouts and DCC Cab Controller. I would like to install an automated reverse loop (does not to be that big as I will be running Porters with a few mining cars.)
I am electronically “challenged” and could use advice on what all I would need to set it up. I am in the planning stage now but I would like to know how to wire the turnout and loop section up front to see how feasible my idea is to have trains running on a continual basis in and out of the loop without needing to be manually operated. Is a module AR1 or the like all that is needed or do I need some type of ‘block’ detection? And are Digitrax and MRC cab controllers compatible as far as these loop modules concerned?”
Connecting a DCC System to the Track
Don has this question for readers:
“Until now I have been totally DC, but thought I might test the waters with DCC. I recently purchased a Bachmann GP9 DCC locomotive and am running it in DC mode.
I’m just now sure how DCC systems get connected to the track. Are they connected the with two wires like on DC? And, if at any time I want to disconnect the DCC system and reconnect my DC transformer so I can operate my older my DC locomotives, can I do that? Depending on how I get on I might look at converting a couple of my older DC engines as I understand that’s possible?”
How To Convert To DCC
Jamie asks readers:
“I have just converted to n gauge from oo and purchased a couple of hobbytrains plasseur and theurer tamping machines and now wish to convert them to dcc. Has anybody got any idea how to do this?”
Which Decoders Work on Older Engines?
HO guy Steve asks:
“Is there anywhere I can get a list of what decoders will work on some of my older engines?”
Updating Older Engines To DCC
HO enthusiast Steve asks:
“How hard is it to upgrade older engines to DCC, and are all upgrades compatible?”
Add your comment below.
If you would like to have your question published on this blog then please use one of the ASK A QUESTION links on this blog.
How to Wire A Turntable
Not a lot of detail provided, but just a simple question from Paul who models HO. Hopefully someone can assist.
“How do I wire up a dc turntable to use on dcc layout?”
Which DCC Decoders are the Best?
“What do people think is the best all round DCC decoder to cover different British model engines mostly Hornby made?”
DCC and Turnouts – What Will Work?
Ed sent in this question for readers to tackle:
“I’m in the process of building my first N Scale layout. I’m using Kato Unitrack and an NCE PowerCab. I have yet to figure out the best way to operate my #6 Kato turnouts. Can a Digitrax DS64 be used with the NCE PowerCab for this purpose? If not, is there any other “turnkey” product that a non-electrical savvy person use?”
Add your answer, or view the answers, in the COMMENTS below.
Submit your question to the Blog Moderator using the ASK A QUESTION LINK.
Converting a Triang R159A/R250A Victorian Railways (Australia) B Class Loco to DCC
Ian who model in HO sent in this question:
“I have a Victorian Railways (Australia) B Class double ended Bulldog Cabins – GM/EMD F3A – that I want to convert to DCC. The bogies are all metal bogies, so consequently when the loco is placed on the tracks it automatically shorts. I’m led to believe that it is possible to DCC this locomotive. Can any of your readers confirm this for me please? Also what is the best way to achieve the end result? Thanks in advance.
Add your comments below.
Is Block Wiring a Good Idea when Running DCC?
Ben has OO and asks readers:
“I heard block wiring is not necessary for DCC, whereas with DC it was essential. Although that makes sense, surely on DCC it would still be sensible to isolate electrical problems by isolating one block at a time?
I know people use multiple drops with DCC as a way of evenly distributing power and increasing reliability. So maybe I’m barking up the wrong tree? Feedback appreciated.”
If you have a question you would like published – simply click the ASK A QUESTION link to submit your question for review by the Blog Moderator.
To assist Ben with his question – use the COMMENTS link.
What’s the effect of power routing on decoders?
Online train club member Colin models N scale and asks:
“I am using NCE DCC Power Pro and my question relates to the problems I am having with installing Switch-Cats on my layout. I am wondering if the power routing affects the accessory decoders? I am unable to get the turnouts to work.”
Tamper Track Machine Question
Sam posted this question for readers:
“I recently purchased an n gauge tamping machine Hobbytrain. Does anybody know how to fit a DCC chip into it?”
If you have a question you would like considered for publication, please use the ASK A QUESTION link below any posting.
Problems Setting DCC Address For Locomotive
Roy has this question for readers:
“I have an HO steam loco with sound and am having a problem setting a long address. I use NCE Power Cab. I reset the address from 3 to a long address of 5063 and it runs well on that address. I turn the layout off but next time I run the loco in question the address has reverted to 3. I have tried to change it several times on the main but after turning the system off it still reverts to 3. Any suggestions to solve this annoying problem? Thanks in advance.”
DCC Decoders
Steve has this question about his HO layout:
“I am getting back in to model railroading after a lengthy time and know nothing about DCC. Can I install any decoder into my DCC ready locomotives or are they Brand/style specific? I will have a small (under 100 sq ft layout), but want it to be/sound realistic.”
If you have a question to post on this blog, simply click on one of the ‘ASK A QUESTION’ links below.
Installation of a DCC ZEN Series Stay Alive High Power Capacitor
David’s question:
“Has anyone installed one of these DCC capacitors to a stock standard ‘out of the box’ Athearn Genesis locomotive? Is it an easy installation or do I have to dismantle the loco and (I dread this) solder wires to a pcb?”
SUBMIT YOUR QUESTION
