Thanks Mike. Always helps when you make it so easy to understand. Nice job.

@N-Scale

9 жыл бұрын

Thanks Craig , I hope folks get some use out of this. Mike

Really great info Mike! And you explained it very well. Was very easy to follow and understand. Thanks!

@nscalemodeltrainshowtochan4479

9 жыл бұрын

Thanks so much Deryk. That is what I am going to try for here on the N Scale How To Channel. Thanks , Mike

Thanks a bunch Mr. Mike you thoroughly go thru what you help Describe in your Videos like teacher & student) you remind me of teacher I had in Grade school that didn't yell out the Lesson your Videos are enjoyable to watch and for an ole pup like me I learned allot I may have to go over it again sometimes it takes me a few trips around the Barn to learn & pick-up the concept but it makes watching your Video all over again that much greater.. I can only hope to meet ya'll sometime and shake your Hand for helping me.. Please Keep putting out those Great Videos.. AKA

Wow another awesome how to video Mike. I learned another wiring of a switch to change a layout from DC to DCC.

@N-Scale

6 жыл бұрын

Thanks so much for the kind word Donald. Mike

Thanks for this vid Mike! I've been trying to find one with this information for about a year. As you know I have over 60 dc loco compared to 5 dcc so this is very helpful! Thanks Steve,

@nscalemodeltrainshowtochan4479

9 жыл бұрын

Thanks Steve , I am glad it came in handy. Mike

Very clear explanation, just what I needed!

@N-Scale

7 жыл бұрын

Thanks so much Jimmy. Mike

Thanks for your video. I am currently entering the world of model trains ( haven't played with trains in over 20 years ). I am currently changing my layout from DC to DCC. Your explanation of the switches and the Auto Switch is of great help. Now I am that much more confident that I can take my layout to greater heights. I will be using a NCE Power Cab, so that information regarding how to divert from main line track to program track using the NCE system, priceless!

@N-Scale

7 жыл бұрын

Thanks so much , Glad to help. Mike

As always thank you Mike.

@N-Scale

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks Pat !!

Love this video. I am getting back into the hobby after decades and I have a lot of old DC engines that belonged to my father and grandfather. I want to run those engines but also be able to run newer DCC engines as well. This gives me a good idea how to tackle that. Thank you!

@N-Scale

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks so much. Mike

If you have a mixed fleet of DC and DCC locos, you need this versatile and brilliant setup! I did this following Mike’s schematic and it’s brilliant! Thank you Mike!

@N-Scale

6 жыл бұрын

Thanks so much John, Mike

My layout I had set up I had used this method. I had some old DC locos and did not want to abandon them yet. This video is old but it was just recommended.

@N-Scale

4 жыл бұрын

Thanks , Mike

Awesome Video, This is my plan for my layout as I don't have enough money to have someone to convert all of my locos to DCC and still have to have a way to run them safely until I'm able to get them converted. Thanks for the awesome video & demos.

@nscalemodeltrainshowtochan4479

7 жыл бұрын

Thanks , Mike

Great video mike very informative helps alot on older locos without dcc that way you don’t have to go unhooking systems all the time just keep it all hooked up and switch between dc and dcc with the flip of a switch that’s great

@N-Scale

4 жыл бұрын

Thanks so much Ron. Mike

Thank you for making this video. I am planning to get into the hobby, and though I plan to eventually run DCC, to get started on a budget I'll likely start my layout as DC. This video is exactly what I needed to see. I'll simply wire a 3-position DPDT switch in the layout for expansion to DCC in the future. Thanks again!

@N-Scale

Жыл бұрын

Thanks Tim , Mike

Thank you Mike for a very nice video. That realy helps when you have some old locos still waiting to get converted to dcc.

@N-Scale

9 жыл бұрын

Thanks Lars , That is the real reason for having it. Mike

@joelcaughell4777

3 жыл бұрын

Pretty much the whole reason why I’m watching haha I only have one DCC locomotive so far and just built a DCC++ base station too everything else is dc.

Nice video. This is much simpler than I thought it would be.

@N-Scale

Жыл бұрын

Thanks .

Thank-you Mike, this was a great explanation. I see that you bring your negative and positive leads to the switch. In my case, i have two DC power packs and selector switches, and my negative leads are pluged together. I think i will have too remove remove a DC power pack and re wire everything. Thank you so much ....... Michel

@N-Scale

9 жыл бұрын

Or you would just use two of this setup and multiple the DCC to both switches. Thanks , Mike

TKS MR. FIFER FOR THE AUTO CHANGE U MAKE EVERYTHING SIMPLE.

@N-Scale

5 жыл бұрын

Thanks Skip. Mike

DC and DCC in my layout. Cool. Fun hours with my DCC locomotives. Digital control.

Thanks for the info Mike, I intend on getting Nce power cab. I will look into the auto switch as I am considering running DC and dcc on my small layout at first.

@N-Scale

9 жыл бұрын

Thanks Peter , It will serve you well. Mike

Just what I was looking for, thanks.

@N-Scale

9 жыл бұрын

Thanks so much and glad to help. Mike

I have 3 seperate DC controllers running 3 tracks and I have been able to change over to Dcc whenever I wish by using relays and a switch which operates the relays changing the tracks from DC to DCC. I used 14 pin relays and used the normally open contacts fo DC and normally closed contacts for Dcc. There are 3 relays and they all operate from one switch for DC and Dcc. Works very well as you can never have DC and DCC on at the same time.

Very well explained video. Many thanks

@N-Scale

8 жыл бұрын

+CALSASH Glad to help . Mike

Excellent! Thank you! My next step is using a dual controller so that one train goes "West" and the inner train goes "East".

@N-Scale

Жыл бұрын

Thanks Murray

Great video. This is what we are looking to do on our own home layout is run both DC and DCC on the same tracks without having to unconnect one power source and then rehook the system back up

@N-Scale

3 жыл бұрын

Glad to help. Mike

simple but affective love it thanks

@N-Scale

6 жыл бұрын

Thanks for taking a look and hope it helps. Mike

Very informative. Thank you!

@N-Scale

4 жыл бұрын

Thanks Jeff. Mike

Very good…Thanks

@N-Scale

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks Luis !!

Great information Mike. Never thought about doing the dcc/cd thing but makes a lot of sense. Doubles my options on what to run. The good part of the about it is that the wiring is simple.....

@nscalemodeltrainshowtochan4479

9 жыл бұрын

Thanks , Yep pretty easy and may also serve to let DC friends run on a DCC layout or vice versa. Mike

I'm glad this got bought up because I m starting to have problems getting decoders so I might run some DC loco

@N-Scale

3 жыл бұрын

Good Idea ! Mike

GREAT info Mike!! Thanks for sharing. I run a Power Cab and am going to add this to my list of things to do. I don't need DC right now but I do like the idea of having a on/off switch for the layout and a program track.. Thanks again…

@nscalemodeltrainshowtochan4479

9 жыл бұрын

Thanks , I hear that the Auto Switch is pretty fool proof. Mike

Thanks, Mike! I run all DC at this point, acquired a pair of Broadway Limited Locos, and while they run on DC - they don't run well. I have too many locos to convert to DCC, so this may be an option! Thanks again - informative as always!!

@nscalemodeltrainshowtochan4479

9 жыл бұрын

It is good for just that purpose !! Mike

thank you so much for this video. i have Many DC locomotives, & a handful of DCC, & last night in bed i was thinking of doin' this very thing, just wasn't sure how.

@nscalemodeltrainshowtochan4479

7 жыл бұрын

Thanks Dave , Glad I could help. Mike

Thanks for that Mike, it worked a treat! only problem was half of my locos all started moving! Must remember to remove them or change cv29! ha ha!

@N-Scale

11 ай бұрын

LOL , for sure.

This will be of great help to me as I get ready to wire my layout for running both DC and DCC systems. Thanks.

@N-Scale

9 жыл бұрын

Thanks Fix-It, Mike

I am sticking with DCC but I just posted the question for other people to get the info regarding the complexity when you get further in re other decoders. Thanks Mike

@N-Scale

9 жыл бұрын

Thanks Colin , Mike

hi Mike.. lots of great info.. thanks for sharing... vinny

@nscalemodeltrainshowtochan4479

9 жыл бұрын

Thanks Vinny , Mike

Your channel is very helpful. I recently got into model railroading. I run HO, but the principles are the same as for N.

@nscalemodeltrainshowtochan4479

7 жыл бұрын

Thanks , glad to help. Mike

I figure this out a few years ago after using DC and Atlas Selectors, Connectors, and all sorts of toggle switches. I did this method and rewired it to accept the Atlas Selectors, Connectors, and toggle switches for both/either power sources. I really expands the flexibility of running your trains, but anybody else that wants to run on your layout. I'm running HO Scale.

@N-Scale

3 жыл бұрын

Good . Mike

Mike - Many thanks for de-mystifying the issue of DC/DCC combined layouts. I am currently developing a DC (Tri-ang) & DCC (Hornby Zero One) OO Gauge layout. Your suggestion of a DPDT switch will (I think) allow safe integration of both systems, allowing for the fact that both systems are "very old technology" - namely 1960's/1970's. Michael (from Oz)

@nscalemodeltrainshowtochan4479

7 жыл бұрын

It all revolves around 2 wires and should work fine. Mike

awesome as always

@N-Scale

8 жыл бұрын

+william russ Thanks so much William. Mike

Very informative and very helpful and very interesting to

@N-Scale

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks so much Jimm

Outstanding help and assistance with a prevailing question. I really enjoy the logical presentation, with language a starter can follow! I've just received my first DCC locomotive. and didn't want to picture a mess of wire(s) without capability to run and operate _\+

@N-Scale

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks GA !!!

Great info!

@N-Scale

6 жыл бұрын

Thanks , Mike

Thanks! just want I needed for my show layout

@N-Scale

7 жыл бұрын

Glad to help. Happy New Year Mike & Robin

Great video, thaks.

@N-Scale

6 жыл бұрын

Thanks for taking a look , Mike

Thank you for your information. I have a system running on DC and am thinking of purchasing a DCC layout, as my rolling stock is all DC I need to know if my old stock can be used on the DCC and it appears that I can. So let's watch this space. Thanks again.

AWSOME, as good today as the day it was published! I have a well established DC layout. This will let me ease into DCC instead of a giant leap.

@N-Scale

5 ай бұрын

Thanks , Mike

@bertjesklotepino

3 ай бұрын

I have a stupid question. If i only have a DC layout, will a DCC loc still run on it? I have bought 2 locs that were converted to DCC by the people i bought them from. I tested them both. One of em is a very tiny little steam engine, Der Glaskasten. The other is a steamloc and tender. The tender being the motor vehicle with 2 axles powered. Both were converted. The tiny one runs, but not like i expected it to run. I thought it would zoom along the track like mad, but it goes slow. Not too slow, but not that fast. The big one, the fleischmann 4170, i thought the loc was powered as well, but seems it only has free spinning wheels. The tender is powered. But this one is also converted. And it runs even slower. Even when applying max power, it runs too slow in my opinion. Does this have to do with the fact that they were converted? Would they run normally on dc track if i were to cut out the conversion bit? @@N-Scale PS: Would you cut out the conversion bit? I got dc track layout, and all the rest of the stuff i got is dc stuff. These 2 are the only ones i got that have been converted (it said so in the text. They originally were not dcc) I think it costs me a lot more trouble to convert everything to dcc than to convert these 2 back to dc.

@N-Scale

3 ай бұрын

@@bertjesklotepino Tiny locos , as you have mentioned NEVER run well , IMHO but Yes DCC locos will run on DC track but either way, Not Well

@bertjesklotepino

3 ай бұрын

Well, i have seen Der Glaskasten tiny loc running at a friend of mine and it ran like crazy. Like Speedy Gonzales. But he had a dc version on a dc track. Hence why i expected to see something similar. But mine is converted. So, if i understand you correctly, a dcc loc on a dc track runs but not well. So, if i were to re convert them back to dc, as they originally were, it would run better you think? @@N-Scale

@N-Scale

3 ай бұрын

Yes , as a decoder rob's power from the DC version.@@bertjesklotepino

This is helpful, as running a DC loco on a DCC system as #0000 seems A) not to give you very good control over the DC locomotive, and B) seems to introduce some unpredictable performance issues on the DCC system.

Well done.

@N-Scale

4 жыл бұрын

Thanks Brother. Mike

thank you so very much .as always you are a great help,once again thank you

@N-Scale

7 ай бұрын

Thank You William

@williamruss8830

7 ай бұрын

just goes to prove at 76 never too old to learn

@N-Scale

7 ай бұрын

Or at 72 !!! @@williamruss8830

Mike, Great video as always. I would like to suggest a couple of topics for future videos. These may not have quite the general market that you are aiming for, but wanted to throw them out anyway. First, I would like to see something on wiring multiple boosters into a layout. I assume it just involves isolating the sections of track and running the control network between the boosters. But no one ever gets quite that far in their explanation of wiring layouts and a video covering that would be helpful. The second video is even more niche oriented. We do large modular layouts and for the DCC operations, we use wireless throttles. But for DC operations, we are relegated to the stationary control unit. I have heard of folks putting a decoder in front of the track bus and supplying DC to the track via the output of the decoder. This would allow the operation of the DC track through the use of wireless throttles from the DCC system. I know that is not an issue for the normal layout, but for larger layouts, it would really help to be able to have the engineer be mobile. And, of course, it would eliminate the need for the DC controller. Thanks, Terry

@N-Scale

9 жыл бұрын

Thanks Terry , The use of boosters is exactly as you stated and I have never actually done it. The use of the decoder ahead of the track power makes sense but wouldn't one only be able to control a single DC loco? This is something else I have never done and is beyond my scope of trying out. Thanks , Mike

Mike, I have NCE power cab. I used a dpdt center off toggle, however from the NCE side I connected one of the Atias power routing switches that allow me to direct input to the mainline or to an isolated siding I used for my "programming track." This is a simple manual approach and worked very well for me. I DID NOT ATTEMPT TO RUN DC When doing any DCC function.

@RogerPerkins1939

7 жыл бұрын

Looking at this two years later, I want to add thank you for the sharing this information. I elected to use a siding for the programming track; it was isolated with insulated joiners from the mainline. Thus a locomotive can be programmed. One that done, mainline power can be connected to the siding and the locomotive moved to the mainline.

@N-Scale

7 жыл бұрын

That is the way I had my last layout and it works really well. Mike

@larrycallahan4114

6 жыл бұрын

Since. I have a DC layout, would I need to add DCC boosters to make it work?

@N-Scale

6 жыл бұрын

Not sure what you are asking? You say you have a DC layout. You would need an entire DCC system for DCC. Thanks , Mike

@RogerPerkins1939

6 жыл бұрын

I do not know about the use of dcc boosters.

Awesome!

@N-Scale

8 жыл бұрын

Thanks so much Rick. Mike

I knew it this thank you

Great informative Video Mike. I have a DC layout wired with multi blocks for 2 train operation with 2 power packs and selctor switches to select between power packs in each block. Can I use my existing DC wiring for DCC with this DPDT switch or do I have to add any additiomal wiring for feeding the dcc side.

Great video Mike, my layout is currently a block DC system with two cabs wired through a single pole switch much like this. Only difference is I have the common wiring not passing through the switch and wired directly to the track in blocks. Would I be able to run DC and DCC separately but on the same layout by just replacing one of my two cabs with a DCC system? Trying not to replace all my existing wiring if possible. Thanks Steve

Nice

@N-Scale

2 ай бұрын

Thanks Jay !!

Great video for TOTAL switch over. However, I am back into HO after 35 years and have set up a nice DC pike for my grandson as I have lots of motive power for DC and have set up HIS part of the pike in DC. For me, I am putting together a DCC pike (we have 5' X 17' area to use) that overlaps and intertwines with his (DC) system. My question: What 'switch' do I need to add to keep us apart so he can do DC while I do DCC instead of being just one or the other (DC vs DCC)? Wow, just noticed that these other comments are years old. Hope you are still well and healthy for both you and your family. thanks, Dean

@N-Scale

6 жыл бұрын

If the two tracks are separate , no switch needed and you could set both up like this video. Thanks , Mike

Cool

@N-Scale

6 жыл бұрын

Thanks Andrew, Mike

Does the dc controller take the power from the dcc power pack or does the dc controller have to have its power pack?

Originally I built a control panel for two cabs as designed by Lynn Westcott. I believe i can connect the NCE power cab to the second cab and then throw the mini spdtco toggles when I want to use DCC. The DC throttle would be turned off in this situation and turnouts powered by a separate different power supply. I hope this is okay and I don’t have to run a whole new separate bus wire.

Very useful & something I've been concerned about handling efficiently. Haven't built yet, and the longer I wait, the more I learn, and the more mistakes I avoid making. When running in DC mode, do the DCC locos need to be physically removed from the tracks (and vice versa)? Planning on having an engine yard and not all locos are converted. Maybe that's why reference to isolating track sections was mentioned. Using the Kato pak with their swtches - will these be deactivated when throwing the switch to operate in DCC mode? Another addition to my collection of how-to's. Thanks, Mike. Jeff

@N-Scale

9 жыл бұрын

Jeff , If you put one on the yard and one on the track you could leave the DCC's in the yard on DCC and run the layout with the other switch on DC. Otherwise yes they need to come off. Thanks , Mike

Thank you for the video! I get the concept of double pole/double throw switches, but have questions about two lines. I am going to be using Peco code 100 track. I will have two parallel tracks, both with double pole / double throw switches with center off, both with a dc and a dcc controller. I also know that there needs to be a siding where a dc loco can go and I can throw a switch to deaden the track, though I am not sure how to insulate the siding from the rest of the line and if there needs to be leads going also to the insulated siding through the switch, though I think that is how it works. But how do I connect the two branchlines so I can shut off one controller and control both tracks with the other? Do I need additional leads the the other track from one of the dc controllers controlled with an on/off switch? Can I use the Peco electrofrog turnouts? how would I connect them so that the power from one controller doesn't go through to the other track? Thanks for the video, and Thanks in advance for the advice!

@WolferzWard

8 жыл бұрын

Thanks. I was thinking insulated rail joiners but wasn't sure what to do with ends of rails to prevent connection.

Great video! I am converting to scale. I will be building a hollow door layout. I do like switching as well. What do you prefer I use to start? DC or dcc or dcc ready incase I want both?

@N-Scale

2 жыл бұрын

I would just go DCC from the get go. Mike

This is what I thought of doing

@N-Scale

6 жыл бұрын

Good , It works. Thanks , Mike

Clearly stated and greatly appreciated. On NCS's website describing the Autoswitch, it seems we cannot use the Autoswitch with their Smart Booster SB5 rather than with the Power Cab panel to set this up. Any news, an update, or some sage advice about this would be appreciated?

@N-Scale

2 жыл бұрын

I asume you are refering to NCE but I have not used these products. Mike

Mike, I understand that and think it is great. But...how do you connect two or more power packs from DC into the selector swtch??

This works very well! I had this setup on my old layout. Let me ask this though. What do you do with insulated sidings? Do you just hook the terminal that the feeder wires are connected to, to the center terminal of the DPDT switch?

@N-Scale

3 жыл бұрын

This switch would go just beyond the Power Pack or DCC system so EVERYTHING would change when the switch was thrown

@UFO4X

3 жыл бұрын

@@N-Scale The reason I said that was because on my old layout I ran an additional wire from the transformer to the terminal for the sidings. So I would have to hook both of those wires coming off the transformer to one of the terminals on the DPDT.

@N-Scale

3 жыл бұрын

@@UFO4X Any feeder would need to go through the switch. Mike

Great video and advice. What is the switch called? I'd like to use this idea on my layout. Thank you

@N-Scale

8 жыл бұрын

Thanks , It is a double pole, double throw , center off. Mike

Thank you Mike. however I'm not sure how that works with track block system? But off to a good start. Thanks.

@FredWilbury

4 жыл бұрын

Harlan TILLMAN I too have a dc double controller system with 10 block sections I think this take a bit of head scratching for me 🤔... Fred

@joelcaughell4777

3 жыл бұрын

I’d say just try to connect it up to the bus line? Then the feeders would still go to each separate block

Thanks for the info Mike. I have a two track DC dual controller. How would I wire that up please? Do I need 2 switches ?

@nscalemodeltrainshowtochan4479

5 жыл бұрын

Yes you would and BOTH would either have to be set to DC or DCC

@paulthurston2883

5 жыл бұрын

Thanks Mike, I am a complete dummy when it comes to electricity & wiring. I understand how to rig your switch, but I had absolutely no idea how to wire this up for a dual controller.

Mike thanks for the video, I had dc back in the 70’s I started dc n gauge back up. My question is I have a reversing loop with toggle switches, I want to make it a auto reversing loop with the digitrac ar1, can I leave my toggle switches in place, and still use the ar1 for the Dcc engines? I want to switch between dc and Dcc the way you did in this video, but I’m not sure about the toggles switches how that will effect dcc, thanks

@N-Scale

6 ай бұрын

I would think it would be OK

Hi, i was just wondering what is the simplest way to run multiple DC trains on a layout is! I was thinking like a layout where there would be a mainline with a train running on it, and then i could have a shunter i could use to shunt with in a yard connected to that mainline.

@N-Scale

7 жыл бұрын

It is called Block Control. Each area you intend on running a separate train in needs to have a DPDT switch that allows you to use either throttle or an off position. Thanks , Mike

I use NCE Power Cab. I have a oval with a single switch with a spur for the programming track. I put the decoder in the engine then set the engine on the program track with the switch set to the siding. My main track an sidings are powered except I have the program track with insulators during program mode. After the programming is done on the engine NCE returns the power back to the mainline for running. I would like to some time upgrade to the next level up on the NCE system. I do like how you have your layout done on DC an DCC. I would like to do that on my board too.

@N-Scale

7 жыл бұрын

It is an easy conversion. I have since gone to all DCC and no longer use the DPDT switch. Mike

can you use dcc and dc at the same time on the same track?

great video you use a 5 amp mini switch,is there any chance to use a full size switch with a different rating like 10 or 15 amp

@N-Scale

2 жыл бұрын

There is no need to, but yes Mike

Hello Mike, I want to use the method that you have explained in your video to use DCC with a DPDT for my DC layout. My question is: I have a reversing loop on my DC layout. Does the wiring that I have done in DC "mode" is compatible with the DCC "mode" or do I have some additionnal wiring to do ? Thks Dany

@N-Scale

2 жыл бұрын

I would not think so as they are totally different in the wiring of each. DCC requires no special wiring and DC does. Mike

Looking into doing this on my layout, wondering about use of DCC Circuit Breakers. I use NCE EB1 and DCC Specialties as well. Is there any issues passing DC current through these DCC Circuit breakers?

@N-Scale

3 жыл бұрын

I do not know that but I would tie in the DC beyond the Circuit breakers

Do you use 12 V DC or Varible DC when hooking wire from track to power pack?

@N-Scale

5 жыл бұрын

You need variable 12 VDC for DC operation.

Can you use a DPDT switch to change DCC from a main line and a programming track. Great video. thanks you.

@N-Scale

Жыл бұрын

Yes

I have D/C and want to do what you have shown, both D/C and DCC. Now, I have many blocks on my layout wired for two cabs, do I just leave the blocks sections on, and still use the block wiring for the two cabs?

@N-Scale

6 жыл бұрын

That is exactly what you do. Thanks , Mike

Mike I have a question, If you have your bus connected to dcc and then use a switch to convert to DC and your turnouts are controlled by accessory decoders DS64 for example that are getting their power from the track bus what would happen to the accessory decoders safety wise? Good video Colin

@N-Scale

9 жыл бұрын

When you went to DC your decoders would not work. If that was the plan I would think that you were deeper into DCC and not need DC. You could run two bus wires and run the DS64's from one that is connected before the switch and the track feeds could be tied in to the second bus beyond the switch. That way you could run on DC and throw the turnouts with the DCC as well with both systems on. Thanks Colin, Mike

And this should work if you want to run o gauge conventional locomotives or something like lionel legacy?

I'm just starting out with N scale just purchased a ready made layout but want to make it bigger, but the power pack is old and needs to be replaced, any ideas on a DC power pack? I have the Digital Zephyr Xtra 3.0 Starter Set

@N-Scale

5 жыл бұрын

The Zephyr is a DCC unit , are you DC or DCC????

Wouldn't disconnecting the output side of the power packs cause a problem? Do I need some type of load for the pack not connected to the track?

@N-Scale

6 жыл бұрын

No the pack does not care if it has a load. The only time this would be disconnected from the track would be if the switch was in the center off position or DCC. Thanks Mike

I understand the concept BUT when you switch to DC do you have to remove all the locomotives that are DCC only from the payout? The reverse s d you have to remove the DC locomotives when in DCC mode?

@N-Scale

5 жыл бұрын

Not necessarily but in my mind that would be the logical thing to do and the purpose for not going all one way or the other

Mike, Can you leave the DCC Engines on the track when you switch to DC with damage to them?

@N-Scale

4 жыл бұрын

You are supposed to be able to but I would not. Mike

@anthonynischo1336

4 жыл бұрын

Mike Fifer ok thanks

@thetrainmaster.100

Жыл бұрын

No it would damage them unless they have a decoder

So if I use the Bachmanns DCC transformer with n scale track, I can use multiple trains at once or what? And if I have that setup with the Bachmanns DCC transformer, do I have to use ONLY DCC or can I also use DC with that setup?

@N-Scale

4 жыл бұрын

Yes it will work but you would also need a DC transformer on the DC side. Thanks , Mike

love the videos here my question i want to change over to dcc do i have to change over my remote switchtrack or can i leave them power by dc?

@N-Scale

6 жыл бұрын

I do not know what you mean by remote switch track???? Mike

@geoffreyzacher5901

6 жыл бұрын

there older but same as atlas 2700- 2701

@geoffreyzacher5901

6 жыл бұрын

i guess they would be called switchmachines

@N-Scale

6 жыл бұрын

Are you referring to the turnout the switch machine or the switch to operate the turnout? If you are talking about the solenoid to operate the turnout , Yes it can remain the same as now. Thanks , Mike

@geoffreyzacher5901

6 жыл бұрын

thanks for answers will save some work and cost

This may be a dumb question but would you need power for both the dcc (digitrax) and dc transformer (mrc tranformer)? I am assuming yes as both have power cords. I s this correct.

@N-Scale

2 жыл бұрын

Yes . Mike

Nice idea...but what if I have accessory decoders that use track power? Will they get damaged if I switch the system to DC?

@N-Scale

6 жыл бұрын

I have no clue , but if you are at that level of DCC you are likely beyond the DC. Thanks , Mike

@metroredline

6 жыл бұрын

Mike Fifer Okay thanks. In that case, I'd recommend a separate setup of Unitrack just to run DC trains then!

I have a mrc prodigy express 2 dcc system it’s has a hookup for a programming track or it has a hookup for programming on the main does it matter which of those I wire the toggle switch to?

@N-Scale

4 жыл бұрын

Yes , Do not hook up to any program connection. Mike

@ronstrainsandmore

4 жыл бұрын

Mike Fifer thanks very much for your help and I have to say you have an absolutely outstanding youtube channel it’s great I’ve seen every video always entertaining I really enjoyed the tour you did of fifer hobby could you do another video tour soon?

@N-Scale

4 жыл бұрын

@@ronstrainsandmore Thanks , I will try. Mike

@N-Scale

4 жыл бұрын

@@ronstrainsandmore I was there and saw the locos and plans.

How would you apply this across multiple tracks? I have a separate DC controller for each track on my layout, so would I need to wire three of these switches, one to each track?

@r-witty6562

7 жыл бұрын

Just to clarify, I have 3 tracks on my layout

@N-Scale

7 жыл бұрын

Yes you would but the DCC would go to all three. Mike

@r-witty6562

7 жыл бұрын

Mike Fifer thanks for your quick reply! Appreciate the tips!

Very straight forward, but, on a garden railway you need to use 'boosters' on DCC to enhance the signal and power due to the distances involved. One DPDT switch doesn't seem enough? More switches would lead to errors, How do we deal with that issue? AJonTrack, UK.

@N-Scale

6 жыл бұрын

I do not know as we do N Scale. Thanks , Mike

Hi Mike, Question for you: When running a "DCC Only" system, you would run ONE buss wire pair which would typically power your track and locomotives as well as all your turnouts (in the case of using Kato Unitrack). However, when you add the DC component to your layout, which runs VARIABLE DC power to your track, when your power pack is at "0" (no movement to your locomotives) won't that kill your turnout control? Is it recommended to isolate your turnouts to their own separate "Constant DC" power buss? Thanks in advance for your recommendations!

@N-Scale

3 жыл бұрын

The turnout control is a separate entity with both. Thanks , Mike

@davidsayer354

3 жыл бұрын

@@N-Scale So what I am hearing you say is even when running DCC, I should run separate power to my turnouts?

@N-Scale

3 жыл бұрын

@@davidsayer354 Yes , you have to

@davidsayer354

3 жыл бұрын

@@N-Scale Thank you so much! I appreciate your guidance.

I have NCE powercab. How would I add the NCE Smart Booster to the switch?

@N-Scale

3 жыл бұрын

I have never needed a booster so I am unfamiliar with where it would go or how to tie it in. Mike

I am wondering if you can have both a switch to have program track siding and a switch to have DC or DCC?? Can you please help me figure this out?

@N-Scale

5 жыл бұрын

Yes , Just add the program track and switch and fee that witch with the DCC side of the DC DCC switch. Thanks , Mike

Can I can connect the2 lines together with this ? With a track change

@N-Scale

7 жыл бұрын

I am sure you could though I have no idea of your track plan. Mike

Mike - I don't have the need for a switch like this. I run my 30 x 12 dogbone layout with two MRC Command 2000's hooked to my two main lines and run both my DC and DCC locos concurrently without any problems.

@N-Scale

10 ай бұрын

Good for you. What ever works makes it fun

@douglasdunn1836

10 ай бұрын

Agreed. My only concern is that the Cmd 2000 is old and I won't be able to replace them if one dies. I have looked for more modern systems that support DC/DCC at the same time and haven't found one. Do you have any knowledge of such a system?

@N-Scale

10 ай бұрын

@@douglasdunn1836 I do not as most people make the jump to dcc