I have a question on AC and DC. I was given the Roco set 7487 passenger cars a ways back for my Marklin digital engine. They were purchased in error and are DC unfortunately. The cars in the set are all current conducting connectors and I suppose they plug into a Roco engine to power them. Not totally sure. I was never able to return the set or sell it so I have it packed away. Recently I purchased the Roco 74039 AC set with a control cab which takes the power from the tracks. All of the cars have the same specific current conducting plugs as the DC version but this set as I stated before has a control cab with a pickup shoe for power. My question is probably a very stupid one but I thought I would ask just in case. Could I plug the DC cars into the AC ones? If the power is coming from the AC cars would that work or would that fry the DC set out? The connectors, car size and wheel base seem to be the same for both sets.

Cheers,
Peter

The first set must be 74087; not 7487

I Google'd and found that the 74039 set has a build in decoder; which means that the output to the lights must be DC

I have never had the things in my hands; but I'm 99% sure it will work; but I can't guarantee anything........

https://www.roco.cc/rde/...tlg-set-railjet-obb.html

https://www.roco.cc/rde/...tlg-set-railjet-obb.html

Per.

. . Sorry they are a bit blurry but as you can see they look identical. I didnt detach the AC unit for a pict of the female end. These couplers feel like they will break if I pull too hard. I hope thats not the case....but.

Vinedusk have a good point; try if you can find a Roco dealer and ask

I can't promise you anything; but if it was my set I would try

Which controller type are you using? If it is a transformer, you could start with the lowest possible voltage and the slowly increase.......

Per.

Do the DC cars have any sort of decoder built in to control the lighting? If not then I would expect them to work just fine when plugged into the AC set. However, as others have said, check with a Roco dealer. The problem with modern electronic components is that you seldom get two goes before the smoke escapes.

Send an email to info(at)moba.cc and perhaps somebody from Roco will get back to you

DC vs AC coaches can have several differences:

1) AC models with lighting normally have to be equipped to withstand the higher voltage of the inversion pulse (23VAC)
2) DC models with lighting are normally designed for a voltage of 0-14 DC as direction change is done by inversion of the poles (+/-)
With LEDs, this may mean that AC and DC models have slightly different PC boards with the LEDs mounted.

3) The AC set might work with coach power obtained from the pilot coach
4) The DC set might work with power from both the pilot coach and the locomotive (if the current conducting couplers also exist between the loco and leading coach)

I know, for example, that the Liliput (Stadler) KISS model add-on coaches were the same with non-insulated wheelsets included for AC operation, but the main sets were different.
IDK if that was only the built in sliders and wheelsets or whether there was more to it.
Your best bet other than asking Roco might be to download the instructions for the DC and corresponding AC model to see what differences exist in the descriptions. It may be in the description but also in the spare parts list (if provided). You can find those at www.roco.cc

Regards

Mike C

I wrote to Roco's tech support several weeks ago and I finally got a response. I asked if the Roco DC set would work connected to my Roco AC set on my Markling digital Central station. They responded saying ..."This is possible if the correct AC axels are used - no current draw in the bogies - the AC axels are specified in the operating instructions - 40196."

I guess if I replace all of the axels on the DC set with the 40196 axels, the DC set will work with the AC set. Thats good to know. Ultimately, I would have loved to sell the set, but I've tried for months to sell them and even dropped them down $100 below what I was told they were purchased for. Not a bite. I think at this stage Ill just add them to the AC cars.