Can I use a non-digital power clip if my layout is DCC?
We are used to expecting more from our DCC models, more electrics, more capability and usually more zeros added to the price tag. But power clips are the exception to the rule!
Hornby power clips (used to connect power to tracks) come in two variants, regular and digital. Surprisingly, digital power clips feature fewer components than regular clips because the latter has a suppressor installed to limit interference to other technology in the room. Unfortunately, that same suppressor also has the potential to distort DCC signal messages being sent from a controller to a locomotive, and therefore, is not a feature of digital clips.
Because of this, it is not recommended you use a regular (or non-digital) power clip with a DCC layout.