I purchased a CN #3425 USRA Light 2-8-2 w/DCC and Sound, Broadway Limited, BLI2166 and I am wondering if the Bachamnn E-Z Command will be able to operate the locomotive?
Thank you.
Jim
It should.As I understand it.
You will have lights, direction and speed control. As far as sound, you just won't have access to all the possible sounds as I understand it.
{I have the EZ C but I don't "do" sound.}
All I can say is try 'er out!
-G .
Just my thoughts, ideas, opinions and experiences. Others may vary.
HO and N Scale.
After long and careful thought, they have convinced me. I have come to the conclusion that they are right. The aliens did it.
Thank you for your response. I'll let you know how it works.
You will have to program the address to number between 1 and 9.
The EZCommand doesn't do addresses above 10. It is a very primitive system.
Dave
Lackawanna Route of the Phoebe Snow
Jim,
Yes, it will turn on and off the horn and lights, as well as access sound functions F1-F8. What it won't do is access configuration variables (CVs). As Dave already noted, you'll only be able to give your Mike an address of 1 thru 9.
If you haven't already purchased the E-Z Command, Jim, I wouldn't spend more than $50 for one. If it's $100 or more, it's better to plunk your $$$ down on a NCE Power Cab or Digitrax Zephyr Xtra. They'll both do a lot more for not much more money.
My ...
Tom
https://tstage9.wixsite.com/nyc-modeling
Time...It marches on...without ever turning around to see if anyone is even keeping in step.
I already have the E-Z Command. I want to upgrade, but I am not sure which one to get.
Enjoy your E-Z Command for now and take your time in determining which upgrade DCC system will best fit your [present and future] needs. I had my E-Z Command for an entire year before moving onto the NCE Power Cab. Digitrax, Lenz, and CVP also make a very fine DCC systems and products that have some real pluses and advantages.
ahrjmr I already have the E-Z Command. I want to upgrade, but I am not sure which one to get.
When I bought my EZCommand I didn't even know what a CV was and since I only had two engines, one of which was DC Thomas the Tank Engine, it seemed adequate and it was inexpensive. It took me about a year to realize it was inadequate.
I threw it in the junk box and bought a Digitrax Super Chief and have never looked back. I did research that time, determined not to make the same mistake again. I looked at what I need now, and everything I might ever need in the future. So I was looking for both capability and expandability. The two that appealed to me most after the research were the Lens and Digitrax systems. I selected Digitrax. I didn't consider the Zephyr because it didn't have the DT400 series throttles. They could be added, because it DOES have the Digitrax expandability, but adding the throttle brought the price up near the other systems. I chose the Super Chief over the Empire Builder because it has a programing track output.
There are several good DCC systems out there. Only YOU know which one is best for you. They all have websites where you can download their manuals if you want to compare them.
Thomas has now been converted to DCC and I am up to 14 engines.
Your empire WILL grow, and you WILL eventually want to adjust CVs.
I still have and use an EZCommand and I like it. I am now looking to upgrade in the near future. Sound and lighting functions are the big reason why but the system was excellent when it came to introducing me to DCC. I paid $80 for it and it came with a GP40 that is decent. I have an HO switching layout that is roughly 2x10 ft and run around 4 to 6 locos on it. I do have a Proto 2000 E8 with sound that I use on it too. For the money it is a bargain but most people will out grow it fairly fast. I am looking at MRC for my next DCC unit simply based on the size of my layout.
The Bachmann unit has performed very well and the quality has been great. I highly recommend it if you want to get your feet wet without spending a ton of cash.
RMax
T Stage sold me his Old Bachmann E Z and I used it for 3 years. I did add a booster so I could run more engines. Very durable little unit!
If you are happy with the functions and want to change CV's I would look at a Digitrax PR 3.
http://www.digitrax.com/menu_computercontrol.php
Makes changing CV's very easy and should run around $80.00 with power supply. Real handy if you have sound engines!
Cuda Ken
I hate Rust
Oh, i owuld recommned also that you go ahead and use your EZ C while you study up on which system will suit your needs best.
Don't get me wrong, I love my EZ C. I just don't do sound. WHatever the sound funtions 1 throuhg 9 are you are supposed to have control over on the EZ C. As others have said, you won't get to set the CV {Configuration Variables} for the various sounds your loco can make.
The EZC is a great little unit, and serves me well with my 13 Bachmann DCC OnBoard Locos{No sound}. I have one EZ Cfor the regular layout and one for the Xmas layout.
I have been toying with the idea of getting the 5 Amp booster for future expansion of my layout as I don;t seee myself running more than 4 or 5 locos or sets of locos.
If I were to build a bigger layout {when I have the space and money} I would perhaps get a Digitrax Xtra with 3 amps to work with. Might be nice.
Hi Jim,
Yes it will. I've had my EZ for two years now. I use it on my 5x9. Divided length wise I have a yard on one side, a town with switching on the other side. I keep 5 Atlas diesels w/ sound in the yard. My EZ command has never had a issue even with all the engines on in the yard. For my needs, It suits me just fine. Horn, bell, lights, direction, speed control.
Enjoy!
My engine was delivered over the weekend and my E-Z Command is working just fine.
Thanks.
Hey, good news, Jim. Keep us posted.
And as much as folks may bash it for its "limitations", operating a locomotive with a lowly E-Z Command in DCC - for me - is still waaay more fun than operating it in DC.
I agree with you Tom.