Accessory Decoders

[chops16]

I am quite new to DCC, and just had a quick question.

Can any DCC Accessory Decoder be used with Hornby, for example the Bachmann one, or the DCC Concepts one?

 

Thanks

[96RAF]

Quick answer is yes.

[Chrissaf]

Usually yes....preferably as long as they are 'self learning' decoders.....most are....the DCC Concepts ones for example. Since Bachmann do their own DCC Controllers...a Bachmann decoder if it is not 'self learning' might possibly only be able to be easily programmed by a Bachmann controller. I haven't checked the Bachmann specs to see if their decoders are 'self learning' or 'direct mode' programmed.

.

Accessory Decoders that are not 'self learning' have to be configured on a 'programming track' using 'direct mode' or 'register mode' etc. Not all controllers support all these different programming modes. Thus when selecting a 'non Hornby' branded Accessory Decoder to use with a Hornby controller it is safer and less hassle to go for a 'self learning' type. Although I should add, that theoretically all controllers should follow the NMRA DCC specification for configuring Accessory Decoders when using 'direct mode' and be compatible, but it is a risk you take if not using 'self learning' decoders.

.

Just for information, the Hornby R8247 Accessory Decoder is not 'self learning' and has to be configured on a 'programming track' using 'direct mode' programming.

.

In case you are not familiar with the concept of 'self learning' decoders. They nearly all follow this following basic principle. You connect the Accessory Decoder to the normal track DCC supply. You throw a switch or press a button on the decoder to put the decoder into 'self learning' mode. You send a normal 'operate' command from the controller using the DCC address you want to allocate to the decoder. The decoder is listening for a DCC Accessory Decoder command packet and 'learns' the DCC address from the next suitable packet it detects. In this case the 'operate' packet (command) you have just sent. You throw the switch or press the button or recycle power on the decoder (different brands use different techniques) to put the decoder back into the normal operating mode......job done. This method of configuration makes the 'self learning' accessory decoder near universal for any brand of DCC controller.

.

TIP: As this is your very first post, just be aware that the 'Blue Button with the White Arrow' is not a 'Reply to this post' button. If you want to reply to any of the posts, scroll down and write your reply in the reply text box at the bottom of the page and click the Green 'Reply' button.

.

See also – further TIPs on how to get the best user experience from this forum.

https://www.hornby.com/uk-en/forum/tips-on-using-the-forum/

.