I’m thinking of making my layout capable of running either dc or dcc. Not simultaneously. I have some locos that I want to keep my tinkering hands off of and really only run them to see them run. Question: At the power coming out of my arduino can I install a diode on each leg of the main feed to protect the DCC ex from power back feeding? If not I’ll put plugs in place to easily swap between the two. TIA
The next version of DCC-EX will provide DC capability. And Engine Driver can be used to switch from DCC to DC, and drive the DC track. Join the discussion on the DCC-EX discord server. Install the development branch and participate in beta testing.
On my test track I use a DPDT toggle switch to switch it back and forth. Same with a siding that I can program on, flip the switch and run out onto the main. I have plugs for the DC throttle and the two DCC inputs (main and program track). Sumner
If you are after a commercial solution you could look at MRC Tech6 which has a slide switch to go between DC and DCC output (default address 3 for DCC, the handheld throttle supports other addresses)
No, that would not work. It would only block the DC in one direction, so you could only run your DC engines in one direction without the possibility of back feeding DC into your DCC-EX. Even worse, since DCC is an alternating current, you'd be blocking the DCC half the time and wouldn't be able to run your DCC engines at all. You just need a DPDT switch to swap between DC and DCC.
That won't work. You'll need to wire your railroad for Cab Control. Then one Cab is DC and another Cab would be DCC. If you don't want to do Cab Control, then your only alternative is to use one or the other. You'll have to come up with some switching scheme to switch between the two.
If you have stuff like auto-reversers, block detectors, ect. they may not be happy with DC power. You'll also need to isolate any track where you are parkng locos ( or remove all locos that are not the power source you are going to run)........ Dual mode DCC locos will take off if they get DC voltage, and DC locos will melt down (eventually) with a DCC signal. You didn't mention much about your layout, so if it's a simple layout with only a couple of locos, then all you need is a toggle switch with a center off.........the center off guarantees each power source is completely disconnected before the other is connected.
