Running DCC decoders on DC

Manufacturers tend to disable the Dual Mode operation on their decoders to improve reliability while in DCC mode.  Some DCC "anomalies" tend to go away while Dual mode operation is disabled  Also, dirty track or track that just has an unreliable or weak DCC signal (poor DCC wave form) can be construed by the decoder as an analog DC signal and not DCC signal and this can cause erratic operation as the decoder bounces back and forth between DC and DCC mode. 

Also, on flip side, I have seen DCC decoders construe some DC analog signals from transistorized throttles with superimposed pulse wave forms (to improve low speed operation) as a DCC signal and that can cause some real erratic operation too.  In theory, Dual Mode functionality should work seamlessly, but in reality there are gotchas.   Basically, your dual mode operation mileage may vary....  

Scott Kay

Thank you Scott.  That makes a lot of sense.  I'm visiting a friend and customer's layout this weekend on which he is having track power issues - "power interruptions".   I think I'll see if there's any difference between running engines set only for DCC vs. those set for dual mode operation.  I know he also runs part of his layout DC and the rest DCC.  Not sure why, but he apparently likes to.  I've recommended he just go all DCC.  Engines or illuminated rolling stock crossing over between zones can only introduce the risk of trouble.  I noticed that BLI is making more of a point about dual mode operations on their HO engine boxes like their heavy Mikado.  I don't do HO, so I can't vouch for whether they come default dual or DCC only programmed, but that would be interesting to know.