Hi i'm looking at a second hand loco that is used on a DCC layout can i just put it on and run it on my DC layout?

Dave

Can't say without knowing the make and type of decoder. While most will work on DC there is at least one 6 pin decoder that is DCC only.

Some decoders won't work with DC controllers that supply pulsed power, and it is certainly not a good idea to run a decoder-fitted loco on a layout that has a high voltage track cleaner (Relco etc).  There is also a setting in the decoder that inhibits running on DC and if this is switched off you need to find somebody with a DCC system to turn it back on. 

The 36-558 Bachmann 6 pin decoder NEM 651 has no DC function. It can't be turned on.
http://www.digitrains.co.uk/ecommerce/locomotive-decoders/small/36-558-bachmann-6-pin-decoder.aspx

So could i just un plug the decoder?

Dave

Quote from: bbdave on February 15, 2012, 04:25:27 PM
So could i just un plug the decoder?

Dave

If the decoder is a NEM 651 6 Pin you will need to fit a blanking plug to run the loco on DC

Starting to sound complicated so i'll just make sure i but DC locos

Dave

Nothing complicated. If you put it on your DC layout and it goes you don't have to do anything. If it doesn't go, you pull out the decoder and push a blanking plug in place. Then you sell the decoder on Ebay and make some money.
It's easier, in my opinion, than wiring a DC layout.

what loco are you going to buy?

maybe the seller can send you the blanking plug, if so you can just unplug the decoder and plug in the blanking plug... should be easy to do.

so what decoders can work also on dc?


tim

AFAIK the only decoder that doesn't work on DC is the Bachmann one.

The other thing to think about is the CV relating to DC been switched off or not?

I've got two Bachmann chips, I wouldn't recommend them. I just use them for new loco's/DMU's until I've got hold of some TCS ones.

Jack

Quote from: bluedepot on February 15, 2012, 05:41:15 PM

so what decoders can work also on dc?

tim

Hi Tim - I run a Peco Collett 22xx steamer on DC and as far as I know the Lenz decoder recognises which source is being used - DC or DCC. No faffing required.

Quote from: bbdave on February 15, 2012, 05:22:45 PM
Starting to sound complicated so i'll just make sure i but DC locos

Dave

Dave there is no problem buying new DCC ready  locos as they will have a blanking plug inserted and run on DC straight out of the box.Some DCC Ready locos have a PCB board to solder on a decoder but these will also run on DC straight out of the box.

It's second hand DCC locos i was thinking of

Dave

Dave if you need the blanking plug because the loco doesn't come with one, chances are there will be someone here with a spare one. Im fairly sure all the Farish onesare the same whatever loco, and the same too for Dapol. I;m not sure they even need to be plugged in the right way round like decoders do, they just act as a jumper as far as I know.
If it is a farish or dapol loco chances are I have a blanking plug you can have. PM me.

Cheers
Kirky