What are the draw backs Bachman ez command dcc controller, as far as limitations compared to more $$$ ones. I have a small ho setup. 4' x 9'
This is a very common question that seems to come up at least once a week.
http://cs.trains.com/trccs/forums/t/148443.aspx
http://cs.trains.com/trccs/forums/p/134121/1505441.aspx#1505441
I searched "Bachmann EZ Command features".
It should be pointed out that Bachmann now has at least two different EZ Command systems out there now. I think the newest one is called "Dynamis". So to really answer the question we would have to know exactly which unit is being questioned.
If you would take time to sign up on the Bachmann forums, there are people there who use the Bachmann systems. You can ask there.
http://www.bachmanntrains.com/home-usa/board/index.php
Rich
If you ever fall over in public, pick yourself up and say “sorry it’s been a while since I inhabited a body.” And just walk away.
Nww,
First off: to the forum! Good to have you aboard!
The main drawbacks to the Bachmann E-Z Command are:
I also had my E-Z Command hooked to my 4 x 8 layout with only two wires and experienced no problems.
Nww, if you do decide to purchase a E-Z Command, they can usually be found at considerable discount. I bought mine 4 years ago for nearly 50% off MSRP ($53) and had it a year before purchasing my NCE Power Cab. I don't consider the time or money spent on it wasted.
Hope that helps...
Tom
https://tstage9.wixsite.com/nyc-modeling
Time...It marches on...without ever turning around to see if anyone is even keeping in step.
The EZ to the Dynamis is like apples to oranges.
EZ- Only 1 amp, can't change CV's, not upgradable, only access functions F1-F10. I have one and like it a lot better than DC. It is VERY simple to use and a good starting point if you can get a deal on it.(IMHO)I think being able to run 1 DC loco is a big plus when your just starting out in DCC.
I'm probably going to get slammed here, but the Bachmann EZ Command is expandable to a certain point, here is how I expanded mine:
1-I have the 5 amp Bachmann booster, I was able to run 3 DCC loco's, including sound, with the EZ Command stand alone without the booster + 1 DC loco on #10. I can now run 9 trains with the booster + 1 DC train. I normally run no more than 6 trains 4 consist, 2-3 trains are normal and easily managed.
2-I have 2 Bachmann Walk Around Companions, they are wired with cable, not wireless!
3-I have the Bachmann Reverse Loop Module, for my reverse loop on my subway and is adjustable! I just received it and have yet to install it.
4- I purchased the Digitrax PR3 programmer computer interface and now I can adjust cv's, I just received it on friday march 6, and I am impressed, I can now adjust the Mars light, speed, ditch lights, and of course sound and whatever else is possible, still much to learn. I can also consist much easier.
5-Bachmann also has available, DCC controlled turnouts.
All the above are compatable with EZ Command!
I have 27 DCC loco's some with sound, Atlas, Athearn, Proto, Broadway Linited, Stewart, Bachmann, all run on EZ Command!
I have had my Bachmann E-Z for two years now, I bought T-Stage (Tom's old E-Z ) so it has some use. Far as quality of the E-Z it self, only problem it has is now button number 2 sticks some times. it control's the horn so it gets used a lot.
For someone new to DCC, what it will not do to me is it strong point. You cannot mess up your CV's! Down side is sometimes stuff happens and a decoder goes goofy and if you cannot reset number 3 default then you are stuck. I have only had that happen to me one time, with my local hobby shop only 2 miles away it was a esay fix.
Most people here will say go with a Digitrax Zepher, new is $160.00 pretty much ever where. It can read and write CV's and run 6 engines. From running one, I can see why so many people like them!
Now lets look at the E-Z. I did a quick serach and found this one new for $85.00, sure there are better deals than this. http://www.fiferhobby.com/html/n_scale_model_railroad_bachman.html
Then spend $85.00 again I am sure there is a better deal, all so add $15.00 for its power supply.
http://www.digitrax.com/prd_compint_pr3.php
So $85.00 plus $85.00 plus $15.00 you have a total of $185.00, only $25.00 dollars more than a Zepher. You will be able to read and change CV's like the best here! OK, it will still only run 3 engines, I still only run 3 engines 95% of the time, but I do have a booster.
Rangerover, you have a PM comming.
Cuda Ken
I hate Rust
loathar The EZ to the Dynamis is like apples to oranges. EZ- Only 1 amp, can't change CV's, not upgradable, only access functions F1-F10. I have one and like it a lot better than DC. It is VERY simple to use and a good starting point if you can get a deal on it.(IMHO)I think being able to run 1 DC loco is a big plus when your just starting out in DCC.
I agree with loathar. I just switched to DCC and have a ton of loco's to switch over that are DC. Its a system that I'm learning on right now. I did want to sink a bunch of money on a system if the I wasn't go to be happy with the switch. So far I'm happy with the EZ Command system to learn on and for what it can do. I like the DC option for my older locos that I haven't switched over to DCC yet and I can run up to 4 loco's on the basic system before having to much power drain to the system. I am going to get a booster for it when I get to hooking up my new layout to my main part thats operational. I'm afraid its not going to have enough power for a additional 8' x 12' section of my layout. Its running great now with 8' x 15' that I have now. I think you will be happy with the system I know I am.
4x8 are fun too!!! RussellRail
Rangerover:
How do you throw a DCC controlled turnout with the EZCommand? It doesn't have switch controls.
Dave
Lackawanna Route of the Phoebe Snow
PV,
I believe Bachmann makes a module that plugs into the I/O connector in the back of the E-Z Command.
Phoebe VetHow do you throw a DCC controlled turnout with the EZCommand? It doesn't have switch controls.
Dr. Frankendiesel aka Scott Running BearSpace Mouse for president!15 year veteran fire fighterCollector of Apple //e'sRunning Bear EnterprisesHistory Channel Club life member.beatus homo qui invenit sapientiam
Interesting.
Exactly as jeffery explained it
Address 9 and then Function and just use it for a 'turnout controller'.
Phoebe Vet Interesting.
Simon 1966 has a Zepher and SEB, does not like to use them to control turnouts. I have yet to use one for that, hope to use the computer for that.
Cude Ken
I have the Super Chief. If it was only capable of throwing the switches, it would probably be more trouble than it's worth, but It's ability to run routes and cascading routes makes it invaluable.