Running coventional engines with command engines

A string of Diodes wired in series will drop the voltage. Each diode can drop about .6 volts, so if you put 10 diodes in series, the voltage will drop 6 volts.

I added die-cast freight cars (Kline) to a consist to have them go at a reasonable speed at 18 volts.  Also you can run you command at a lower voltage - (I have no knowledge of any ill effects to the electronics on the same track; however, I have run my 681 at 15 volts while I controlled the speed of my command engine to avoid collisions.)

Better off running your command  and Non-Command engines in separate run sessions

Gibson Man,

The best way to run Conventional engines via command control is to invest the DCS TIU & HHRC.  Along with a Z4K Transformer and side receiver.  Your Conventional engines will run better than you can ever imagine in this control manner.  Barry has the entire usage explanation written out in his DCS O Gauge Companion book.  I run both Conventional Engines and DCS P2/P3 Engines at the same time, with the DCS HHRC, sometimes even on the same Track.

Have fun.

PCRR/Dave

What is your thinking on how you'd control speed and direction on the conventional engine?  Does the conventional engine have a reversing-unit of some type?

OP didn't specify Lionel or Mth, but assuming Lionel for a minute. What is the powerhouse 360 for? 

stan2004 posted:

What is your thinking on how you'd control speed and direction on the conventional engine?  Does the conventional engine have a reversing-unit of some type?

Assuming you could reduce the voltage with diodes, how are you going to prevent jackrabbit starts.   Personally I wouldn't run that way but if you're up to trying, go for it and please let us know the results.

Now, on the other hand,  if you're thinking about running a conventional electric like a GG1 no problem other than installing a catenary system.  I've been toying with this idea for some time - two separate locomotives, two separate voltage sources and one common track.