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The first time you saw the term "DCC" in the context of model railroading, you probably thought someone was referring to Direct Current control and simply made a typo.
However, DCC is something totally different from DC. DCC stands for "Digital Command Control."
However, DCC is something totally different from DC. DCC stands for "Digital Command Control."
DCC: What is it?
DCC is a method of controlling trains, just like DC. However, if you put two trains on the same track on DC control and turn up the throttle, both trains will move. On DCC, you have to input which locomotive you want to move and then turn up the throttle. Only the locomotive that is selected will move. This means DCC allows the independent control of all locomotives. DCC also allows the operator to blow the horn, turn on or off the lights, and mute the sounds with the push of a button. |
Highlights:
DCC allows the independent control of all locomotives.
DCC equpped locomotives have a computer chip, called a decoder, inside of them. If you are getting back into the hobby, DC is a better choice. If you are just starting, go with DCC. It's more costly, but it's the future of the hobby. |
DCC: How's it work?
DCC equpped locomotives have a computer chip, called a decoder, inside of them. There are several types of mobile (locomotive) decoders. Some allow sound to come from the locomotive, some allow the loco to run on dead rail, some can run on DC and DCC, and there are even other types. However, all the decoders work in a similar fashion. The DCC system sends a command to the locomotive to turn on the ditch lights. The decoder then interperets the signal and sends power to the ditch lights. Only the decoder that the instructions were sent to will do as instructed. This is what makes DCC so good.
DCC equpped locomotives have a computer chip, called a decoder, inside of them. There are several types of mobile (locomotive) decoders. Some allow sound to come from the locomotive, some allow the loco to run on dead rail, some can run on DC and DCC, and there are even other types. However, all the decoders work in a similar fashion. The DCC system sends a command to the locomotive to turn on the ditch lights. The decoder then interperets the signal and sends power to the ditch lights. Only the decoder that the instructions were sent to will do as instructed. This is what makes DCC so good.
DCC vs. DC
Digital (DCC)Independent Control
Certain features, i.e. lights, can be controlled at full throttle. To reverse, polarity stays the same More expensive ($$$) |
Analog (DC)All locos on the powered track will move
Lights are brighter as throttle increases. To reverse, polarity flips Cheaper ($) |
So when should you use DC? If you are getting back into the hobby, DC is a better choice. If you are just starting, go with DCC. It's more costly, but it's the future of the hobby.
Other Terms
You may have heard the terms "DCC Equipped," "DCC Ready," "DCC and Sound," and "Standard DC."
"DCC Equipped" means a decoder is installed already and will work on a DCC system out of the box.
"DCC Ready" means that the locomotive was designed around DCC, but you need to purchase and install your own decoder.
"DCC and Sound" means the locomotive has a decoder and a speaker installed already.
"Standard DC" means the locomotive has no decvoder and was not designed to have one installed.
"DCC Equipped" means a decoder is installed already and will work on a DCC system out of the box.
"DCC Ready" means that the locomotive was designed around DCC, but you need to purchase and install your own decoder.
"DCC and Sound" means the locomotive has a decoder and a speaker installed already.
"Standard DC" means the locomotive has no decvoder and was not designed to have one installed.