I think we might have some confusion regarding operating both DC and DCC
engines with the Digitrax systems.
If you decide not to operate your DCC engines on an analog system (a
friend's layout) turn off that feature to prevent run-a-ways on a DCC
layout (and they do happen, but rarely). Changing the decoder's settings
has no effect on the Chief or Zephyr's ability to run analog engines.
Your system will always be able to run one or several (lash ups) DC
engines. I think the overheating is only a problem with certain types
of motors, although I certainly don't see much point in not having a
decoder except for testing etc. I recently sold some used units for $7
each!
I've been surprised about what little current draw most of our engines
actually draw, so I wouldn't be too concerned about the 3 amp limit for
a small home layout with 1-5 locomotives active. Our club purchased a
Digitrax 8 amp setup and that was a mistake in my opinion. We don't
have anyone with really big open frame motors or running above 4 DCC
diesels together. On the other hand we did experience some problems
with some analog SHS F units (4) that shut down our system (5 amps at
the time). We though we might have problem with our modular setup (not
unheard of with our system and most club's systems). So we took them
home on my layout. We started out two units and everything was fine, so
we added a third--okay, then a fourth and the booster shut down. It
then wouldn't handle three units. Now I also owned three decoder
equipped similar SHS engines that had been running just fine for a long
time. So we came to the unscientific conclusion that when you put
decoders in them they draw much less current.
With my early experiments with my system, I discovered some overheating
even with DCC equipped engines--early Soundtraxx and Digitrax (I didn't
try Lenz or NCE at the time). The problem was with the exotic coreless
motors. River Raisin used these in FT's, F re drives, SD-7/9's, that I
owned. Others might have had the same problem. When I talk about
heat--image a recently microwaved potato--not comfortable to hold! I
made several phone calls to manufacturers with my concerns, but nobody
at the time had solutions or even acknowledged an "official" problem.
After trying Lenz decoders the problem was solved. I believe at this
time all the 'majors' now have this concern handled.
I still have two engines that are analog at this time--one being a
troublesome Challenger in "long term care" and my N&W A that I might
part with. I've run both several times without any notice of warmth
from the motors.
Bob Werre
PhotoTraxx
>
> Hi Bill & Alex,
>
>
> Digitrax' Zephyr can operate one DC loco while also running DCC units,
> but the nature of doing this causes overheating of the DC unit's
> motor. It has also been found that having the DCC loco decoders
> programed to have their analog capabilities enabled can result in
> runaways on DCC layouts, so the two different systems don't really
> play nicely together.
>
> Hope this helps,
> Bill in FL
>
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
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