Trying to find out if a Bachmann 46605a controller will safely power a DCC on board engine until we purchase the new DCC controller. Any advice would be appreciated for my newbie hobbyist.
Quote from: Jerrys HO on January 19, 2012, 03:59:42 PM
Most Bachmann DCC trains have dual decoders that will let them run both way's. If you are not certain or have any other type decoder I would hesitate running them on DC power as you could fry the decoder. If you are certain you have a dual mode decoder than yes it would be safe.
Jerry
Just to correct a couple of misconceptions, all Bachmann locomotives sold with factory installed non-sound decoders have dual mode decoders which are programmed to allow dc operation by default. However, they will not operate on dc if someone has reprogrammed the locomotive to run only on DCC or if the dc is badly distorted by certain pulse type dc power packs.
You will NOT harm your locomotive by trying to run it on dc. Even the decoders that are not dual mode will not be damaged by dc as per NMRA requirements. This does not mean you should try to run your locomotive on excessively high dc voltages. Voltages over 30 volts can burn out a decoder whether they are dc, DCC or any other waveform you can think of. Then again, such voltages can burn out a motor even if the locomotive has no decoder at all. Bottom line, no matter what decoder it has, you cannot damage your locomotive by trying to run it with a dc powerpack.
Jim