Most modern DCC systems cannot run a no-decoder DC locomotive.
The NMRA standards provided for the optional possibility of running a single DC locomotive on DCC track, using a technique known as asymmetric zero-pulse stretching.
Some manufacturers incorporated this capability into their command stations but almost all later removed the functionality (either in new models or via software update) due to a number of difficulties in practice, some adversely affecting performance of DCC locomotives. I believe one system may still have this feature.
On the other hand, most DCC-fitted locos can be made to run on DC track, albeit with performance penalties. But some DC power packs do not play well with decoder-fitted locos due to having heavily pulsed output. Furthermore, having the option of DC mode enabled in the decoder increases the risk of loco runaway on a DC layout (a bad DCC signal can be misinterpreted as full-power DC) so most DCC users disable this in all loco decoders.
The New England Convention 2018
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On 30 Jul 2018, at 2:40 PM, Michael Piazza via Groups.Io <
mpiazza2007@...> wrote:
I understand that but what Im saying is that since you can run DC locomotives on a DCC system you would no longer need to have your layout in DC mode anymore so you wouldnt have to worry about crossing points from DC to DCC because you would always only be using DCC.? If it works for everyone you then disable the DC to DCC switches with no additional hardware or complexity to deal with.
