Noob DCC power question

[Slipperysam1984]

Hi,

 

I'm just getting back into trains from a 10 year gap. i have some older 12 volt trains, like the Flying Scotsman.

 

From what I have looked up, DCC puts down more power then DC.

 

If I put a decoder in my train will this protect the

 

motor from damage.

thanks for your time

 

Sam

[poliss]

Yes, once a decoder is fitted your locos will be just like any othe DCC locos.

Older locos may need a more powerful decoder such as the Hornby Sapphire.

[Fishmanoz]

DCC does not produce more power than DC. As the same locos with the same motors operate on either system, the power "produced" is the same as far as the loco motor is concerned.

The way the power is produced is different though. DC is just a varying

 

DC voltage with motor speed varying as the voltage varies. DCC produces power via a very high frequency pulse width modulated voltage which ends up being seen by the motor as varying DC just as if it were DC. So there is no danger that DCC will burn out older

 

motors.

In fact the reverse may be true - older motors sometimes require more power than modern motors. Consequently, as poliss says, you may need to fit a more powerful decoder to older locos so that they don't burn out the decoder.

[Gregd99]

if you google "dcc stall current" you will find some info on why more powerful decoders can be (are?) needed for older motors.

 

I have an old dockyard shunter that causes the house lights to dim when I run it no dc!!

[Flashbang]

Hi

If a loco of any age is drawing huge amounts of current then the two most likely cases are....

1) The motors magnet has become weak.. Replace with a suitable new one and if possible a Neodymium magnet.

2) The motors windings are on partial

 

short circuit. In which case replace the complete motor. Many motor styles are still available or you can get a rewound motor if necessary.

[poliss]

Don't forget that the Hornby R8249 is only rated at 500mA with a 1Amp peak.