DCC and DC operation on the same layout.

Is this possible? The reason for my asking is I plan on using the Digitrax Zephyr set. My only concern is that my layout will also have a Marklin turntable on it and I know that operates on DC. Does anybody know if the turntable is DCC compatible? Thanks for any insight on this.

Hello Ed,
eit27 wrote:

Does anybody know if the turntable is DCC compatible? Thanks for any insight on this.

I'm not sure about the progress of this, but Achim Grob is at least working at this. Maybe you can ask him by mail.

I know that the HO Marklin turntable is DCC adaptable. Can't see why the N and Z shouldn't be either. As for running both DC and DCC across the turntable I don't know. I would think that flicking a toggle switch would be all that is needed but I'm the bottom guy on the electrical totem pole. The way I read the Marklin turntable info was that the normal turntable was DCC adaptable. Which leads me to 'either, or'. Cheers, Jim CCRR:unsure:

I'm in the same position on the totem pole as Jim, but I'd be surprised if Marklin has made the turntable DCC capable, on the basis that none of their other Z accessories are (eg turnouts and signals). Having said that, what I mean is the control of the turntable itself.

The turntable aside, I understand that some people have made DCC and DC peacefully co-exist on the same layout. It's certainly possible with HO AC.

Cliff{ Allcamera) runs dcc and the Marklin turntable, so it can be done.

Don't know the specifics of the Märklin turntable and I'd have to see a schematic of the overall installation. However, if we treat it in parts, it is very possible.

First, lets separate the track (just the two rails on the bridge part). Second, if the motor is it's own control, powered obviously from continuous power, likely the 12-16 volts AC accessory power.

If the track on the bridge is truly isolated and only makes contact the aligned track, I would think you should be able to mix the DCC and DC. But I warn you DC power packs, especially the advanced solid state control ones more so than the basic Märklin one, do NOT survive well if DCC is applied to them. You MUST make sure that there is no way that DCC powered tracks can possibly be connected to the DC tracks ! One possible place is the sliding contacts as the table turns or, if a loco runs onto the bridge as it is turning. (this could be a loco that either the pilots on a steamer are out to far because you didn't have enough space and got it REAL close to the turntable or, a DCC loco that really wasn't at Speed Step 0 and had been creeping while you were not looking)

I really would not do it. I know it is difficult for some to go all DCC but just be careful.

Jeff
SF Bay Area Z

Does anyone know how to get in touch with Achim Grob? I have check his website but it does not list and email adress that I can find. Thanks.

How about that : This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Jurg,

Thanks for the info.