I won a Bachmann DCC, good choice?

[Robby P.]

I won it the other day on eBay, for $35.00.  I thought it was a good deal.  Brand new shape and just used for a small layout they said for about a week.  They wanted a bigger setup and sold this one.  I am looking to run 2 engines, and some sound.  I have been told by a few on here that it will do 2 engines.  I don't see why it won't do sound.  I hope it was a good choice.  I don't have the money for the top DCC systems (owed taxes this year, and work is slowing down), but I am sure this is a good first step. 

[jeffrey-wimberly]

The EZ command will run two locos easily, even with sound. It supports eight sound functions, function buttons 1 through 8. Button 1 also dims the headlight on bachmann decoders, I have yet to see it dim one on a Digitrax decoder. Button 10 will turn the light on and off. Supposedly, button 9 turns the sound on and off. Idon't know if there's any truth to that. With a booster you can run even more locos. I run up to eight on my EZ-Command and booster.

[Robby P.]

Thanks for the info Jeff.  Now, I looked into it online and saw a few people on here like them.   I was worried about spending more money for one, and just not like it at all.  Be my luck, I would spend that much, hate it, sell it, hardly get any money back, and switch back to DC.  If I like it, I will use it a few months and see what happens with work.  Heck, I probably could save some money up from my weathered cars and get a better one. 

[tstage]

Robby, 

I think you did well.  The Bachmann E-Z Command is a nice little DCC system for what it does.  Yea, it's limited with 1-amp capacity and it can't adjust CVs.  BUT...it still has access to 8 sound functions and can independently run 2-3 locomotives.

I think of it this way: A bare-bone MRC DC power supply will probably run you ~$35 anyhow.  For me - even if it's a "limited" system - DCC is still more fun to operate than DC.  Now, while you enjoy operating DCC with your E-Z Command, you can research and save your pennies for a better DCC system down the line.

I actually sold my E-Z Command to Ken (Cuda Ken) for about 1/2 what I originally paid for it.  Even so, I thought it was $$$ well spent.

Tom

[Driline]

For 35 bucks you can't go wrong on a deal like that. You'd pay more for an ancient DC powerpack

Someday when you get the DCC system you want, you can always use this one for the Christmas tree. So you  still win.

[richg1998]

For starting, you did quite well. Some years ago I paid about $50 for a MRC 2000 with hand held two loco controller and I had to use my own power supply to run it. I could run five locos. Try keeping track of five locos. Very little in the way of options but it wet my appetite for a better system.

I found out a sound loco worked with the MRC. 

It has been retired. 

Somewhere about 1999 I brought it to my local club and demonstrated DCC and eventually we ordered the NCE Power Pro 5 amp system. At home I now have a Power Cab. 

Rich 

[medic_149]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mpxXCvVkzYM

here is a link to a dcc steam loco with sound being run by the bachman easy dcc system. this loco is on30, but should give you a general idea of the operation of sound on the easy dcc system.  hope this helps you...medic

[ChrisNH]

Hard to beat the price! Now you can get your feet wet with DCC and really know what you want down the line.. or perhaps be perfectly happy with what you have, then so much better!

The DCC system you have running right now is 1000x better then the one you wish you had but can't afford.

Chris 

[Geared Steam]

$35.00!!!!!!!

Great deal, regardless what anyone says.

That darn Ebay just Sucks!!!! 

[Robby P.]

I think it will be a good steping stone.  See what DCC is about.  If I really like it, later down the road I will get a better.  I am sure this is a good little system.