I’m just getting into a larger layout and want a toggle switch (because switching and more trains at once) but only have dc, also so if a relative gets me dcc or something I can run it! Thanks for the help Scott
Good demo. With great power comes great responsibil... eh, why not? Awhile ago, out of curiousity, I applied DC power to a tiny decorative AC bulb. The bulb got brighter and brighter as I turned the power up, until it blew, just as it should. Sometimes it's worth sacrificing a cheap item so you don't make the same mistake with a prize loco that cost a king's ransom.
Did you read my mind ? :) I will be doing the exact same thing for my N-Rail compatible modules. However, this is so that I can change between two different DCC systems. N-Rail requires Digitrax compliance for shows; but I will be using MRC Prodigy at home. So I need to be able to select between which system sends power/signals to which of the 3 bus wires. In theory, I could use Digitrax on 1 track and MRC on another. Personally, I don't like the look of a toggle switch like the one you used. I find there is an increased chance of accidentally catching it on clothes. So I am planning to use DPDT on-off-on rocker switches instead -- if only Amazon would ship the correct ones. I've ordered 3 times from Amazon and 3 times they sent me DPDT on-off rocker switches ! That's 3 strikes ! So, while it probably will cost me more, I am heading to a local electrical/electronics supply store near my work to see if I can get the switches I want.
I am confused. Firstly I see you install a changeover switch linking a DC controller and a DCC controller to the same track. The switch ensures that both DC and DCC cannot power the track at the same time. I get that. Next you run an engine using the DCC controller and show switching the engine’s lights etc. I get that. Then you select a second engine from a siding using DC to run it on the same track. How can that be??? Perhaps I have missed something or I just do not get what is happening - but I am very impressed. Please can you explain and put me back on the track - so to speak? Excellent presentation of your skills and what you are achieving I must say. Well done and thank you. Kind Regards. Mike - London, England.
I see how that got confusing, sorry about that. The Bachman DCC controller allows you to run DC trains at the same time as DCC trains. But to make like simple I will only run ONE DC train at a time. That means I can treat the DC train as normal with forward and reverse, while controlling up to 8 DCC locos at the same time. That would be ridiculous on a single loop layout though. Even with two I manage to crash.
I'm trying to find that switch, actually I'm looking for a switch that would switch between 3 sources to my track. (DC controller, kato smart controller and z21 dcc controller) can you tell us the name of the switch or share the link?
This is the switch I got, but it won't work for what you are planning: amzn.to/49fFfXG I think you need to look for a rotary selection switch. Maybe something like this: amzn.to/3PFu7MV
I have 13 blocks on my 4X9 DC layout. I also have 2 DC cabs (A and B.) I’m using all Atlas block selectors. Any suggestions on how to set it up for DC and DCC operation? Thanks!
So you are soldering those center wires to the track and not using the terminal track? I assume I could still use the terminal / re railler track? Just put the proper connectors on the wire coming from the switch to the terminal track? That is my assumption is would rather not solder to the track. Correct?
You are correct. I have two wires (+/-) going round the underside of my entire track system. Every section of track has power feeders going to those two wires. Connecting those two switch centre wires to a track connector will do the same job, but with a bit less reliability.
It is really a bad idea to run your DC powered locos on DCC power. The buzzing sound is your motor switching polarity at a really fast rate and will eventually burn out the coil winds of the motor. Running DCC locos is very possible on DC power but not the other way round.
Having fun is what model railroading is all about! Nice setup.
I’m just getting into a larger layout and want a toggle switch (because switching and more trains at once) but only have dc, also so if a relative gets me dcc or something I can run it! Thanks for the help Scott
I have the same old Trans Amp one. Thanks for this tip I think I will do this.
Thank you for that info...its just what i need for my layout.😅
Cool wee experiment Dave, its something I did not know about, pretty neat. I've pondered DCC but never made the move, yet. All the best. Brian
This is exactly what I needed! Thank you so much for directing me to this link! 😎
Thanks for sharing. Stay safe.
Looking awesome, love seeing it all working.
Good demo. With great power comes great responsibil... eh, why not? Awhile ago, out of curiousity, I applied DC power to a tiny decorative AC bulb. The bulb got brighter and brighter as I turned the power up, until it blew, just as it should. Sometimes it's worth sacrificing a cheap item so you don't make the same mistake with a prize loco that cost a king's ransom.
Exactly my philosophy, plus I'm a child and it's fun to blow things up.
Did you read my mind ? :)
I will be doing the exact same thing for my N-Rail compatible modules. However, this is so that I can change between two different DCC systems. N-Rail requires Digitrax compliance for shows; but I will be using MRC Prodigy at home. So I need to be able to select between which system sends power/signals to which of the 3 bus wires. In theory, I could use Digitrax on 1 track and MRC on another.
Personally, I don't like the look of a toggle switch like the one you used. I find there is an increased chance of accidentally catching it on clothes. So I am planning to use DPDT on-off-on rocker switches instead -- if only Amazon would ship the correct ones. I've ordered 3 times from Amazon and 3 times they sent me DPDT on-off rocker switches ! That's 3 strikes ! So, while it probably will cost me more, I am heading to a local electrical/electronics supply store near my work to see if I can get the switches I want.
I'm just using what works for now. One day I might make it pretty.
I am confused. Firstly I see you install a changeover switch linking a DC controller and a DCC controller to the same track. The switch ensures that both DC and DCC cannot power the track at the same time. I get that. Next you run an engine using the DCC controller and show switching the engine’s lights etc. I get that. Then you select a second engine from a siding using DC to run it on the same track. How can that be??? Perhaps I have missed something or I just do not get what is happening - but I am very impressed. Please can you explain and put me back on the track - so to speak? Excellent presentation of your skills and what you are achieving I must say. Well done and thank you. Kind Regards. Mike - London, England.
I see how that got confusing, sorry about that.
The Bachman DCC controller allows you to run DC trains at the same time as DCC trains. But to make like simple I will only run ONE DC train at a time.
That means I can treat the DC train as normal with forward and reverse, while controlling up to 8 DCC locos at the same time.
That would be ridiculous on a single loop layout though. Even with two I manage to crash.
Great video
Great work keep up with the good work I with my videos get likes and comments my railway videos are really good
Nice!
I'm trying to find that switch, actually I'm looking for a switch that would switch between 3 sources to my track. (DC controller, kato smart controller and z21 dcc controller) can you tell us the name of the switch or share the link?
This is the switch I got, but it won't work for what you are planning:
amzn.to/49fFfXG
I think you need to look for a rotary selection switch. Maybe something like this: amzn.to/3PFu7MV
@@ScottRails wow, thanks for the quick response
I have 13 blocks on my 4X9 DC layout. I also have 2 DC cabs (A and B.) I’m using all Atlas block selectors. Any suggestions on how to set it up for DC and DCC operation?
Thanks!
So you are soldering those center wires to the track and not using the terminal track? I assume I could still use the terminal / re railler track? Just put the proper connectors on the wire coming from the switch to the terminal track? That is my assumption is would rather not solder to the track. Correct?
You are correct. I have two wires (+/-) going round the underside of my entire track system. Every section of track has power feeders going to those two wires.
Connecting those two switch centre wires to a track connector will do the same job, but with a bit less reliability.
It is really a bad idea to run your DC powered locos on DCC power. The buzzing sound is your motor switching polarity at a really fast rate and will eventually burn out the coil winds of the motor. Running DCC locos is very possible on DC power but not the other way round.
I totally agree, and if my locos were worth more than 30 dollars I wouldn't do it, hehehe. I don't mind upgrading the motors when the time comes.
They are locos not trains 🇬🇧🇦🇺👍
Oh no!, did the world end?
@@ScottRails 👍
How important is that?
I do this. Great breakdown. 💯🫵✌️
It's pretty simple when you get into it right.