While it would in theory be possible to mount a decoder between the DCC system and a track to test locomotives before converting them, I would think most of us still have, or can buy for a modest amount at a train show, an older DC power pack to server this function.
The single decoder could not run "all" someones locomotives on the whole layout, any more than a single DC pack and controller can, as it only has one address and one speed setting at a time. Why bother? You are now back to controlling the layout rather than the locomotives. You lose control of lighting and other accessory features on the models. You need separate "blocks" to isolate locomotives too. If that were my option, I'd definitely stick to DC! Or string. What Bob needs is for someone to visit with two or three fully equipped locomotives and a portable DCC system. As long as Bob removes or isolates on "dead" tracks all his DC engines, a suitable demonstration of DCC capabilities could then follow. Even systems that DO support running a DC model only allow ONE such model on the layout at a time. Pieter E. Roos --- On Fri, 1/28/11, Bob Werre <[email protected]> wrote: > I once heard a question proposed > about only using one decoder to run all > his engines. I don't recall an answer but it seems > possible for those > wanting to try or test engines before installing > decoders. What you do > is hook up the decoder between the power booster and the > track. I > really don't know if it works but it would seem feasible on > a small layout. > > Bob Werre ------------------------------------ Yahoo! Groups Links <*> To visit your group on the web, go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/S-Scale/ <*> Your email settings: Individual Email | Traditional <*> To change settings online go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/S-Scale/join (Yahoo! ID required) <*> To change settings via email: [email protected] [email protected] <*> To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to: [email protected] <*> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to: http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
