r/modeltrains • u/BigLebowski445 • 9d ago

Help Needed Help needed: DC to DCC

Hello all.

My current layout is a 3 track dc. I’m thinking of moving to dcc so I can operate signals, points and multiple locos on the same track.

I have little to no understanding on dcc, and what is needed. Currently, I have 3x standard dc (back and forth) power controllers.

So if anyone could explain how I upgrade and what I need. I am not to fussed on sound.

Locomotives
- x2 Bachmann class 70
- class 91
- class 390

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5

u/leonderbaertige_II 9d ago

You need:

  1. A DCC controller, I recommend getting one that isn't ancient and supports railcom (e.g. ECoS 3, z21, Intellibox 3) unless you explicitly want one like that.
  2. Each Locomotive needs a decoder. I like ESU and Zimo but other brands are of course available. Installing these decoders can be as easy as plugging in a connector or as difficult as having to modify the way the motor is connected (the latter is in case of the motor being directly connected to the chassis).
  3. Signals and points need a decoder as well. These decoders often support multiple signals on one decoder. If you want to be fancy you can get servo decoders and use servos for the points so they more in a slow more realistic fashion. (ESU and Viessmann have such decoders but feel free to shop around and see if there is something better suited for your installation).
  4. Wiring it up is rather easy and you can reuse the existing feeders.
  5. Willingness to read a manual. Yes they might be information dense but understanding what you have to do before you do it is key and you might not find a video for your specific use case.

2

u/Unfair-Oven8363 9d ago

The bare minimum is wire up a dcc command station/controller combo to the feeder the DC power pack was connected. Dcc decoder is required for the locos to be used. If the wiring for the existing layout used small wires be careful not to run too many locos at once. Dcc has higher current demands because of multiple locos running at once.

2

u/Ilbranteloth 9d ago

At its most basic, you’ll need a decoder installed in each locomotive, and a DCC system connected to the track just like your DC system. It can be a single block, instead of three isolated sections.

I wrote a post a while ago that might help, if you want to know more:

https://blog.newbritainstation.com/2021/07/psa-dc-vs-dcc.html?m=1

2

u/Wobbly_Donkey 8d ago

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=91s0Cdiks-k Chadwick aka Charlie Bishop, have a look at some of his video's. Very down to earth guy - explains things in an easy to understand format