DC to DCC to DC to DCC to DC to DCC...

[conradin]

Anyone has successfully figured out a quick way to turn an engine from DC to DCC and back by installing some form of a switch?  I am interested to know, in particular N scale.

[chewie8han]

I'm not sure what's out there in N scale, but I know in HO scale, there's what's called Dual decoders that work on both DC and DCC.  That way you wouldn't have to change anything on your engine at all.  The Dual Decoders allow you to move from one system to the other without making any changes at all. 

Kevin

[trolley1]

The NMRA DCC standard specified that a decoder should allow the option to run on DC or not.  I have not seen a decoder that did not provide for this.

You set a bit in CV29 to allow DC operation.  If you do not select it, the decoder will not run on DC.

[Jake]

^Though some decoders come with this feature enabled. Digitrax and Bachmann for one. Well two actually. 

[Hunt]

The NMRA DCC standard specified that a decoder should allow the option to run on DC or not.  ...

Actually, the capability of a decoder to use DC is a NMRA RECOMMENDED PRACTICE not a STANDARD.

What is the difference… click http://www.nmra.org/standards/

[JWBDolphins]

So far, I've only used Digitrax decoders, and they allow dual mode.  Basically, if the decoder doesn't detect the DCC signal, it reverts to DC operation automatically.

If you are using DCC exclusively, one reason to set DV29 to not allow DC operation is because if the DCC signal were to somehow get interrupted/stopped but full voltage remained on the track - all the locos on the layout would suddenly take off at full speed ahead.  I have never witnessed this, but I have to believe it would get everyone's attention right now!   

[conradin]

Even the DZ123 will revert back to DC?

[Jake]

All Digitrax decoders will.