Hello guys, I am converting my Z scale layout to DCC. Now I came across a question concerning Miniatronic's Electrak device (look at this). Unfortunately, I don't have the manual anymore. On the internet shops, the advertise the device being safe for DCC. Well, I'm not quite sure, but I think I remember reading somewhere that you should use it with all locos removed from the tracks in DCC. Has anyone of you an expereience with this device and DCC? Cheers, Lutz
I would ABSOLUTELY *NOT* use this with DCC ! DCC's advantage is that there is constant voltage on the track (typically ~12 volts). This essentially gives the locomotive a better chance to run as it s not trying to run a 2, 5 or maybe 7 volts under DC control. The DCC waveform is essentially ~ 9 kilohertz (KHz), constantly changing polarity. If you look at with an oscilloscope, you will see pretty high transient voltage at each polarity change. So essentially, 9,000 times a second. These transients can emulate what these DC track cleaners can do. This is likely functionally the same as the GaugeMaster HF-1: http://www.gaugemaster.com/modules.html It uses typical 'AC' Accessory power to easily generate high frequency, high voltage (400 volts peak-to-peak) AC and very low current (so you won't get shocked). This high frequency goes through a current controller that essentially shuts it off. If there is no motor contact with the rails, the high frequency-high voltage is *instantaneously* applied to the rails, causing it to arc thru crud on the rails (and wheels) to regain electrical continuity. I have seen micro-pitting on the rail heads and I would expect on the nickel plate of the wheels at some point. Many swear by them for DC running (instead of cleaning the track and wheels). NO !
Hello Jeff, thanks a lot for your answer. I actually got some kind of "manual" for the Electrak (just one sheet, but an original by Miniatronics) saying again it would be safe for DCC when having removed all rolling from the layout and running just one loco. Still I think you are right. I guess the alternating high voltage would do harm to decoders and/or DCC controllers. I used the Gaugemaster HF1 devices during the analogue times of my layout. They did a good job, but I never thought about micro-pits on the rail-heads. That's another thing to consider! Thank you for this! Cheers, Lutz
The pitting was scary. You will need a Lupe or Optivisor with the extra magnifications to see it. I saw it on the Peco flex (same as Märklin, just more flexible ties) and on Micro-Trains flex. It is a very low power source but worsen by the very high frequency, giving more arc potentials per inch/mm as a train runs. We see a different issue on DCC layouts where the track develops much more black (carbon) than the DC tracks. We have to wipe the DCC rails by the end of show to get the traction back.
