Activating DC Operation on DCC Solutions Installations
DCC Decoders have the option to allow users to run their locomotives on both a DCC Digital and DC Analog layouts.
This option is selectable to be either DCC only or auto-detect dual mode DCC/DC. There is no DC only option.
With our DCC Custom Sound Projects and even our non sound installs, we prefer and recommend turning off Analog DC for improved operational reliability when running your locomotives on a DCC layout, especially club layouts.
By turning off DC during our decoder programming, it reduces problems with the decoder when a short circuit may occur while running on a DCC layout.
If you predominately run your locomotives on a DCC layout, then it is advised to leave the Analog DC option switched off.
When the DC option is switched on and a short circuit occurs anywhere on a DCC layout, the DCC system can shut down, automatically reset and power up again. When this happens, the DCC decoder has milliseconds to determine whether to operated in DC or DCC. As this process happens so quick, it may get it wrong and select DC even though you are running on a DCC layout or vice versa on a DC layout.
Instantly, you will have discovered you now have one or several runaway trains that you can not control in DCC because the decoder has accidentally been set to DC operation or the dual mode CV settings may have been scrambled after the short. If this occurs, you need to quickly turn off the power to the layout and prevent any damaged caused by a runaway loco and a DCC decoder reset would generally fix the CV setting problem unless serious damage has occurred to the decoder.
With the DC option switched off, you are forcing the decoder to only look for a DCC signal present on the track, and it won't switch the decoder to DC automatically.
More than likely, if DCC Solutions has installed a decoder into one of your locomotives, or you have purchased a decoder for your own install, the Analog DC setting will be switched off to improve operational reliability when running your locomotive on a DCC layout.
If you wish to use your locomotive on a DC layout, then the DC option can be switched on at any time by the operator and can also be switched off.
However, by activating DC and running your locomotive on a DC layout not all the DCC programmed functions, sounds and especially any lighting modifications will operate correctly during DC operation as they are ultimately designed to work in DCC.
So you want to run your locomotive on a DC layout using an ESU decoder from DCC Solutions.
Well, here are some ways you can turn the DC option on/off.
DC Activation using CV29 and CV50 (ESU Decoders)
1. Simply read the valve of CV29 and write down the value. Add 4 to this value, then write this new total to CV29.
An Example: Read CV 29 and the value is 42. Add 4 to 42 = 46. Write the new value of 46 to CV29.
2. You also need to write the value of 2 to CV50
Your loco now is DC/DCC active and can be run on either a DC or DCC system, where the decoder will now determine which system is operating.
To turn off DC, simply reverse the above procedure by subtracting the value of 4 from CV29 and change the CV50 value to 0.
DC Activation using CV29 (Other Decoders)
1. Simply read the valve of CV29 and write down the value. Add 4 to this value, then write this new total to CV29.
An Example: Read CV 29 and the value is 34. Add 4 to 34 = 38. Write the new value of 38 to CV29.
Your loco now is DC/DCC active and can be run on either a DC or DCC system, where the decoder will now determine which system is operating. To turn off DC, simply reverse the above procedure by subtracting the value of 4 from CV29
Refer to your own DCC system manual on how to change CVs.
NCE Power Cab System
1. Place the locomotive on your layout.
2. Press the PROG/ESC button on your throttle once until the screen reads “PROGRAM ON MAIN”
3. Press ENTER
4. Enter the locomotive number you wish to activate DC
5. Press ENTER
6. The screen reads “1=ADR 2=CV 3=CFG"
7. Press 3 for CFG
8. The screen reads, “DIR BIT? ENTER=NORM 1=REV"
9. Press ENTER for NORM
10. The screen reads “SPD STEP ENTER=28 1=14"
11. Press ENTER for 28
12. The screen reads, “DC MODE? ENTER=NO 1=YES"
13. Enter 1 for YES to activate DC
14. Screen reads, “ADV ACK? ENTER=NO 1=YES".
15. Now press the PROG/ESC BUTTON on your throttle 2 TIMES to exit from the programming mode.
Your locomotive is now ready to use on either DC or DCC layouts.
Alternatively, in step 7 above, you can enter 2 for CV and change the values of CV29 and CV50 as described in the DC Activation section above.
Decoder Pro (JMRI)
1. Open Decoder Pro and select from your roster the locomotive you wish to turn DC on.
2. Open the BASIC tab
3. Scroll down to Analog Conversion Mode and switch if from NO to YES
4. Press WRITE CHANGES ON SHEET to write the changes to the locomotive.
Your locomotive is now ready to use on either DC or DCC layouts.