What's the difference between DCC fitted, DCC onboard and DCC ready?

There's no shortage of manufacturers producing models and components for DCC layouts these days, and that's a good thing, but it does mean lots of terminology, and that's a bad thing.

One area that causes significant confusion is when trying communicate whether a model is designed to operate on a DCC layout, or whether it can only be run on analogue track. The reason for the confusion is because there is an 'in between' status, whereby a model has the correct wiring installed to be capable of DCC running, but a decoder is not yet installed. Such a model will only run on an analogue track until a decoder is fitted, then it becomes a DCC model.

Model manufacturers have clearly tried to think of the best way to convey the status of their models, but because different manufacturers invent their own jargon, it's not unusual to find two or more terms meaning exactly the same thing. To help with this, here are a few terms you are likely to come across when hunting for a new model:

Models designed to only run on analogue layouts are usually described as either Analogue models or DC models (DC stands for Direct Current). These models have no wiring, socket or decoder installed to support DCC operation, so if you wish to convert it, you will have to fit everything yourself. Analogue models are still produced today as there is a definite market for such models. If a model is advertised with no reference to its DCC status, it usually indicates that it is a DC/analogue only model.

Models that feature wiring and a socket, but no decoder, are usually referred to as being DCC Ready. Straight out of the box, these models will run as analogue models but can be easily upgraded by installing an appropriate decoder to the locomotive's internal socket. Sometimes, models with this status are advertised as having a particular interface or a socket installed that's able to accept certain decoders, however, that doesn't indicate that the model has a decoder fitted, only what type of decoder could be fitted, so should be treated as being purely DCC Ready.

Model locomotives that are fully-equipped to operate out of the box on a DCC layout are usually referred to as being DCC Fitted or having having DCC onboard. Some of these models will feature extra technology allowing the model to make engine noises or other sounds. Such models are often marketed on the strength of that feature alone, and their DCC status can often be overlooked, but with the exception of a very small minority of models, if it has sound fitted, it is likely to be a DCC model.

When it comes to non-locomotive models such as signals or turnouts, look out for the word 'Digital' which is often used to indicate that it's designed for DCC operation. Digital products are best avoided by analogue users as damage can be easily caused by using the wrong power supply.