What Does DCC Ready Mean?

You'll often see the phrase DCC Ready on model shops' websites, and manufacturers' websites and printed on the documentation supplied with a model locomotive. But what does it mean?

"DCC ready" means that a model railway locomotive has been designed with an electrical socket or interface that allows it to be easily upgraded to run on a digital command control (DCC) system.

This enables the locomotive to be controlled by a digital controller such as a Gaugemaster Prodigy, Hornby Elite etc, which allows for more precise control over its speed and direction, as well as the ability to control other features like lights and sound.

So, if a locomotive is "DCC ready," it means that you can easily upgrade it to work with a DCC system without having to do any complicated wiring or modifications. All you need to do is plug your chosen decoder into the socket, configure the CV values as required and you're ready to run!

A DCC ready locomotive will not be supplied with a DCC decoder and will not run on a DCC-controlled layout, straight out of the box. You will need to purchase a decoder separately. Compatible decoders will usually be listed on the locomotive manufacturer's website or in the documentation supplied with it. Be sure to check if your locomotive requires an 8 pin or 21 pin decoder too!