Hi all,
I am just about to switch to Bachmann DCC, and was just wondering what I need to do to the layout before buying the controller (eg; what type of wiring, ect.).
Thanks, Happy Warrior
It's a DCC system, like any other, so try to use accepted wiring standards. www.wiringfordcc.com is a good web site to follow. How deep you go into this is somewhat dependent on the size and complexity of your layout. If you have reverse loops etc. Is this layout already wired for DC operation? If so, how is it wired? It may be you can just switch the packs over?
Simon Modelling CB&Q and Wabash See my slowly evolving layout on my picturetrail site http://www.picturetrail.com/simontrains and our videos at http://www.youtube.com/user/MrCrispybake?feature=mhum
If you have a solidly-wired DC layout, switching to DCC will be very easy.
But...since you haven't bought the system yet, I think you should consider other options like the Digitrax Zephyr. Bachmann's system is entry-level, and it is not upgradeable. The Zephyr, on the other hand, is a much more capable entry-level system, and it can be upgraded with the purchase of additional throttles and power boosters in the future, if you need them.
It takes an iron man to play with a toy iron horse.
HW,
What kind of track are you attaching your track wires to? E-Z track? Atlas? The E-Z Command does come with paired wire for attaching to track terminals. I just used the Atlas rail joiners with the soldered wires already attached to them, inserted those onto each rail, and soldered the other end to the paired wire. Ran my layout that way for an entire year with no problems.
Have you already bought the E-Z Command? Is there any reason you don't want to buy a more powerful and upgradable DCC starter system? I only paid $53 for my E-Z Command. (That worked out well for my budget at the time.) However, if I had had to pay over $100 for one (which was MSRP), I would have spent the extra $40 for a Digitrax Zephyr. (The NCE Power Cab wasn't out at the time.)
As mentioned, I used my E-Z Command for a year. That gave me time to get my feet wet with DCC and to figure out which DCC system I wanted to upgrade to. After one year, I ended up selling my E-Z Command to Cuda Ken here on the forum and recouped some of my initial cost for it. Basically, my DCC "experiment" only cost me $20 - plus the two decoders that I bought for my two locomotives. I ended up going with the NCE Power Cab after the E-Z Command, which I've been very happy with these 6+ years.
Tom
https://tstage9.wixsite.com/nyc-modeling
Time...It marches on...without ever turning around to see if anyone is even keeping in step.
Unless you have reversing loops, all you need to do is disconnect the DC controller and attach the DCC command station.
I know you didn't ask for command station advise, but...
I bought the Bachmann EZCommand when I only had a single train and a simple track plan. I didn't even know what a CV is, and saw no need for complicated functions. It took me just a few months to realize it had been a mistake. It now lives in the junk box under the layout and I have a real DCC system. The Bachmann system couldn't do things I wanted to do, and could not even be upgraded to do those things.
I chose Digitrax, but there are several other good systems from which to choose. Even my 4 year old grandson moves around the room with his wireless hand held UT-4D throttle. I don't let him use the more sophisticated DT-400-D throttles.
Dave
Lackawanna Route of the Phoebe Snow
Phoebe Vet I don't let him use the more sophisticated DT-400-D throttles.
I don't let him use the more sophisticated DT-400-D throttles.
Just wait a year or two and he will know the DT400/2 better than you do! Kids pick this stuff up so quickly. He'll be making and breaking consists before you know it. I just need to get my two to do their own speed matching
I know that. I don't let him use them because he insists on trying every button just to see what they do. Insatiable curiosity.
Far as the E Z command, I used it for another 4 years after I got it from Tom. I never really out grew it, I was having wiring problems after I explained the layout. So I had the funds and bought the Digitrax SEB with a DT 400.
Yea, I like some of the things the new system can do. Hand held has two speed controls for two different trains. Makes running 2 trains real simple. But as far as reliability, the E Z wins hands down! Never a hick up in the 4 years I have owned it. I have had to send my DT 400 back two times to Digitrax for repairs, and they never got it working right. Simon knows, he has used the unit when he has visited.
Not a thing wrong with the E Z. Far as changing CV's, I have decoder pro for that.
Cuda Ken
I hate Rust
Hi,
To answer a few questions, to start off, this layout is a new small switching layout that is not wired at all as it is at the later end of the track lying process. I am using peco code 100/hornby ho/oo track and switches. I also have not bought the bachmann ez dcc system however, I will buy it as I am on a strict budget earning $20/week and am a beginner to the hobby.
I can understand being on a tight budget - been there; done that. As I mentioned before, if you can get the E-Z Command for $50 or under, it's a reasonable option for you starting out. However, if you're going to be paying $100 or more for one: Wait a few more weeks, save up your earnings, and spend it on a Digitrax Xtra or NCE Power Cab. For $60 extra dollars, it will be money better well spent. FWIW...