I have two HO steam engines that are DCC. A 0-6-0 switcher, Spectrum by Bachman K101206. And a 4-6-0 , I can't find any name but a sticker that states it is DCC equipped. I have an NCE Power Cab that identifies them as 03 and 06. They make idling sounds but nothing else on a 4' straight track so far. I'll continue trying to figure out why. But, I am wondering if either of these could be used on DC current or shouldn't try. Don't want to fry them if it's not possible. I still have N scale diesel that is DC that still works. Rich
Most DCC decoders can allow locomotive operation on DC layouts. However, that option can be disabled by programming. Decoder-equipped locomotives will generally start at a higher DC voltage, and will run slower, than the same locomotive without a decoder. Also, some DC power packs with a lot of residual (if not intentional) AC on the output can cause the decoder to become confused as to whether it is running on DC or DCC. You might try an NCE USB adapter and JMRI software (free) on your computer to read the decoders and tell you what they are, and their settings in English (or another language of your choice). Beware, JMRI can be addictive, but can do FAR more than just read and program decoders!
You can I.D. The decoder with your PowerCab==set up a test track-with your P.C. Go to program track select #1 standard and read the decoder- it will give you a number that will tell you who made it.
I found the owners manuals that got stored away some 6 years ago and they say that they can be run with DC but don't expect very good results. I also found a lap top computer I didn't remember having. Only issue there is a power supply and which operating system it has. I have seen that program, JMRI, mentioned but haven't any good idea as how it works. Were could I get it and what else would I need. Otherwise all I have is this old desk top adapted to Windows 10. Six feet of straight HO track and the DC power packs from my N gauge days. As soon as I recover from the Covid-19 vaccinations I'll get back to it. So far it's worse than the two times I've really had it.
See jmri.org JMRI has two main applications, Decoder Pro and Panel Pro. Decoder Pro is the decoder programming application, and can run trains a little. Panel Pro is the main application for running trains, and if you have them, reading track sensors, throwing DCC controlled turnouts, etc. It includes the Wi-Throttle server for WiFi throttles or throttle apps for smart phones (apple or android). I use the free Engine Driver app on my android phone. JMRI will run on Windows 10, Linux and Mac, and probably others. I run JMRI on a Raspberry Pi 4b with Linux.
Thanks for the info. I hadn't really planned on hooking the desk top computer to the trains and the Smart Phone I just got was ordered by the leadership and must remain open to them. But finding that notebook should solve those issues. I see from the link I will also need JAVA which I don't believe I've ever used. On to more fun. Richard
You won't need to know java. It's a really intuitive and well written program and does make it really nice. If you run into issues post questions as folks here are more then helpful to get you up and going.
I happened to purchase my first and only DCC system (Pi-SPROG 3), that requires JMRI (or one of a few other, lesser-used software applications) to do anything. A local SPROG dealer was willing, during the height of COVID, to come to my house and demonstrate a SPROG II and JMRI for me, on a loop of Unitrack I set up on my dining room table. He also brought a few DCC locomotives, since I had only DC locos. Had anyone demonstrated an NCE, Digitrax or other DCC system, I might have chosen differently (not having seen SPROG in action), but I also likely would not have seen JMRI in action, nor enjoyed its capabilities nearly as early in my adventure with DCC. IMHO, DCC is only half-baked without JMRI. And with JMRI, all DCC systems are much better.
I had a friend, RIP , that had a SPROG-II and showed me about SPROGs and JMRI. He was very knowledgeable about both. I then got a SPROG-III, built a program and test track station, connected it to my Mac, and installed JMRI. It sure makes programming decoders much easier. It’s also very helpful in doing a reset when you have a decoder lose it’s mind. Decoder PRO stores all of your configuration files for each decoder so that you don’t have to write it all down or start from scratch when you have to do a restore on a decoder. I’ve also been working with Operations PRO in JMRI in figuring out what’s really workable in my layout planning for my “big layout.” Once you figure out how to use it, Operations PRO is really cool if you are into operations. It’s helped me in figuring out whether my plans will work operationally the way that I have envisioned. My previously mentioned friend was into Ship-It and had it working well on his layout when we used to do operating sessions there. That showed me that I liked operating with switch lists much more than CC&WB’s. I tried figuring out both Ship-It and ProTrak and found that Operations Pro worked better for me. YMMV.
I have a piSprog (which is basically a Sprog3 on a Pihat) and honestly i will never be without it. It's super tiny and in my pocket I carry around a fully enabled command station, web server, and programmer/tester in a tiny package. I use DCC+EX for my main track but I do love the PiSprog and have had it for probably 3 years now.
The current Pi-SPROG product (Pi-SPROG 3) has completely different firmware, with a new interface to JMRI, and more capacity for running a layout, than the former Pi-SPROG or USB-based SPROG 3. They (UK and their US distributer) also offer a firmware upgrade service for your Pi-SPROG to a Pi-SPROG 3. It improves performance with several locomotives running on a layout. The Pi-SPROG 3 firmware implements the MERG host interface and loco stack, making it actually it's own command station, offloading much of that work from the host Pi. Prior SPROG products required host communications for virtually every DCC message on the track. And now, there is a new version of the Pi-SPROG 3 (called Pi-SPROG 3 v2) available for pre-order on SPROG's UK website. It is actually a partially-populated version of their upcoming Pi-SPROG 3 Plus product, which should make manufacturing and supporting both products easier. The Pi-SPROG 3 v2 is available for pre-order on the UK site, and the US distributor said they have a few on hand, but nothing shows up for it on their website. The upcoming Pi-SPROG 3 Plus (and eventually a USB-based SPROG 3 Plus) adds a secondary track output, configurable as either a programming track output, or a duplicate of the primary layout output (w/additional 3 amps capacity), or an auto-reversing version of the primary output (also w/additional 3 amps capacity). And there is also a separate, isolated CBUS interface (for layout control and status), to be supported later. JMRI already supports the Plus products (sans the CBUS interface for now).
Sorry, I miss-reported the current capacity of the SPROG 3 PLUS line of products' track outputs. The outputs are rated at 2.5 amps max each, not 3 amps. The power supply should be rated at 6 amps or better, to provide headroom to ensure the SPROG shuts down its outputs before the power supply trips. More information on these new products is available at: https://www.jmri.org/help/en/html/hardware/sproggen5/hardware.shtml#setup
