QUOTE (John @ 2 Nov 2008, 03:51)
<{POST_SNAPBACK}>On the other hand, ZIMO have recently added some new code into the software in their decoders to improve running on DC. They have also improved the reaction to any built-in chokes (coils) and capacitors. See the
ZIMO September Newsletter for more details. So there must still be a demand for running on DC.
If you want to run your favourite DCC loco on a club layout which is still DC, then this is a requirement, and I don't see it going away soon. I am not convinced that dropping this is a good idea. It's just quite hard to do well and probably needs some components you will not find on the cheaper decoders.
***TCS decoders have always run perfectly on DC, in fact most loco's also run better on DC once a DCC chip is installed. Its been a promotionally positive point of TCS use for many years. This "better on DC than before" also happens with ESU and others, as aspects of the decoders motor control such as back EMF are also partially retained.
Many other decoders at all price points also work happily on DC, and this ability is and will remain important for a while yet.
This has nothing to do with the subject of capacitors and chokes, which affect decoders running under DCC in the main.