I have not adopted DCC on my N scale layout and I still run run straight DC. My layout uses selector switches to enable different blocks for 2 cab operation. Can my friend run his DCC equipped locomotives mu'ed together without damaging my DC throttles or his Digitrax decoders?
Bob The short answer is yes a correctly programmed DCC Locomotive will run on a DC track. Now the long part. Operation of decoder installed locomotives on a DC track is not very good. The reason is the voltage for the track has to be increased to a level that will allow the Decoder to operate so in my expirence there is virtualy no slow speed performance and a lot more noise than usual. The MUing that took place on your friends locomotives will no longer work on DC the reason for this is MUed consists respond to the same address from the DCC system once you put the consist on a DC track they no longer respond to a DCC control signal but the actual DC voltage on the track so consisting no longer matters they may or may not run toegther on DC. Hope this helps Steve
I'm sure it depends on the locomotive and the DC throttle, but I've had EXCELLENT performance with the Atlas Lenz-equipped units I have running on the Tech 4 throttles. The MU capability is similar to MU'ing DC units together...highly dependant on having similar motor performance. Again, I've only run Atlas, slow motor, Lenz equipped units. But the performance was fine.
DCC loco's can run on a DC system. At the factory the default value for a decoder is to have the loco run on both DCC and DC. The user can change this value so the loco can only run on DCC if he wishes to do so. Stay cool and run steam...........
I also have a Kato E8 that I bought used with a Digitrax (I was told) decoder installed. I've never run it and planned on converting it back to DC someday. How do I determine the model of the decoder and what the previous owner had set it up for? I'd like to run it DC with the decoder installed, but if it's not set up correctly, I'd hate to burn the thing up.
Colorado_Bob, A DCC locomotive on a DC track will either run or not run. If it doesn't the setting will need to be changed. Your friend could read the settings in the decoder. I would just try it. As far as I know the only burn up condition is a DC loco parked for a while on a DCC track. You can hear the motor BUZZING.
Hmmm, finally got the courage to plop the DCC-equipped loco on my DC track. It did run, but it took nearly 80% of the throttle to get it moving and then I didn't seem to have very good control of it to slow it back down. This was on the bench and not on the layout, but I tried both locos with the same results. I have actually purchased the set of these DCC locos from my friend now and I am thinking that I will swap the shells with a non-digital E8 set for home use, but put the shells back on the DCC mechanism for club use. That seems like a workable solution for me until I go DCC at home. I guess for now it's fortunate I can afford the redundancy. I'm open to alternatives and suggestions here though.
If your DC throttle is using pulse, the decoder will not respond properly. This appears to be the problem you have encountered. The pulses look like a DCC signal to the decoder (but not quite) and it is waiting for the DCC packet that will get it going. As the throttle is increased, the frequency of the pulses increases until the decoder finally sees it as DC and responds. Trouble is, the throttle is almost at full speed. If the pulse can be turned off, the decoder will respond at lower throttle settings. BTW, if it burns up on DC, it will most definitely burn up on DCC. As far as another solution. Did you happen to get the original circuit boards with the engine? These can be swapped back in for a DC layout. The two contact strips on top of the board will have been taped where the motor tabs made contact. I have flipped mine over end for end and reinstalled the DC circuit board a couple of times. Just be careful not to lose the little grey plastic retainer. Martin Myers
Hi Martin, No, the guy who sold me these got them from somebody else originally and some time ago. He didn't know anything about the decoders and he didn't have the originaly PCBs either. I'm actually an electrical engineer believe it or not, but I design computer chips and DCC has just never caught my interest. I've never converted over due to the small size, cost, and I'd feel obligated to convert a fleet of over 100 locos. Ugh. My bench power pack is an MRC Railpower 1300 and I don't believe it has pulse capability, at least not selectable. I don't own an oscilloscope and I don't feel like breadboarding a detector or meter. I guess I could drag it to work sometime and check the DC output there, but I always figured it was DC with maybe some ripple. I could try my throttles from my layout. I custom built those and they are solid state, high-current, heavily regulated and filtered DC, and I've used them as a bench supply for audio and digital projects. With the shells off, I honestly can't tell where Digitrax ends and Kato begins, so I hate to go prying on the decoders and bust something. I wasn't able to figure out which decoders they are from the Digitrax website so I could download a manual, preferably with a picture of the things. Would you happen to know what drop in decoder was for the Kato E8? One of these days, I'm going to have to invest the time, buy a book, and figure out this technology once and for all. <sigh> It's almost embarassing having to ask for help on this, and it mocks my battle cry of "mustn't let the toy win."
Digitrax has/had two decoders to fit the E8's. The first one was the DN145K. This decoder has been replaced by the DN163K0A. Follow this link to find info on both decoders. http://www.digitrax.com/decodeindex.php Comparing the photos of both decoders should let you ID which one you have. The DN145K had 4 functions and the DN163K0A has 6 functions. The pads to connect these functions are located in different spots so that should help with the ID. Martin
