Well I am working on my first layout (N Scale). I have several locomotives that are DCC and many more that are not DCC. The layout is 36"x60" (Kato Tri-R with some modifications. With all of that said, I have a Dixitrax set up and also several MRC 1300 analog controllers. I am in a pickle trying to decide how to set up the power system. Several of my locomotives are old Con-Cor so I am skeptical if they will accept DCC. Thanks again for helping me out. Seachicken
Decoders for older non-DCC locomotives are slowly gaining with the advent of the TCS CN and CN GP series. It is also possible in many cases to use a hard wired decoder, but you best bet is contacting a few of the installers.
Yes, but that is only one DC engine at a time, and it will only be so-so running using DCC if it runs well at all. When I started my layout in 2007 I realized that I really wanted all the advantages of DCC. I just said by-by to the four DC engines that I could not easily convert, kept the one I could , and never looked back. Besides the newer stuff works so much smoother then most of the ones I had that were made earlier. Better motors, better gears and better details. So I say just go into the future and have fun.
Thanks guy's. I have been looking at the TCS split board decoders. I have two older Atlas GP35's and an older Con-Cor Berkshire. Those should not be a problem and the rest are all Kato units. Should I go sound or no sound.
I wouldn't mess with sound initially, run the DCC you have and get a few conversions under your belt then look into sound.
SeaChicken, hahaha I love your handle. I have both Analog DC and DCC. Here's my take on the subject. Feel free to give it a read. It should be self explanatory. Have any questions feel free to ask. http://www.trainboard.com/grapevine/showthread.php?114242-DPDT-22-Gauge-Wire-Cab-A-Cab-B I'm not changing what I have any time soon. The problem is I have a rather high number of N Scale locomotives that will never see DCC...isn't going to happen. I still want to run and enjoy them so they will continue to run on Analog DC. My new locomotives that are DCC ready will be...eventually...converted. Downside, there is a lot of wiring needed and DPDT toggle switches required. Worth the effort but I have to say.... Should I be starting over as a newbie I'd look awfully hard at putting in DCC only. The easiest and less complicated wiring...out there. You'll make the right decision...for you.
Digitraks zeffer or the chief will run DC loco's by setting 01 in the menu. As for running your layout both DC and DCC you have a good chance of burning up you DCC equipment if you throw the wong switch or get something out of sequence while you are switching from one to the other. This is a Fact!!!!! Take Care alan c.
Thanks again all. My Christmas gift from you wife and dogs was to go and buy decoders and convert all of my locos. I will not worry about sound at this time. Hope you all had a great Christmas Seachicken
To be human is to err and that is a fact. Murphy at work. You will find the above caution...(in other words)...written in to my first post. Now to contradict the above... I do operate DCC and Analog DC at the same time. For example: Two trains one on the main and one switching my city industrial spurs. I will set the main to Analog DC to run a crack passenger train. My small city to DCC for my freight local. The only way I trust myself to make this work... the layout is set-up so there is little chance the two trains will cross each others path. The Local has plenty of room to work and make-up a train before it ever needs to go out on the main. OR, I can flip flop the operations and operate more then one train on the main using DCC and switch the yard with Analog DC. No oop's yet...no...wait....what is all that smoke coming from the train shed. Oh, it's not smoke it's steam from the dryer in the lean-to. Grin!
I run both DC and DCC, BUT its wired so only one type of power can be sent to the layout at one time. I have a DPDT switch between the two systems to select either on or the other......Mike
