Bachmann 36505 Wireless E-Z Command Dynamis DCC Controller

[shahomy]

Anybody got one of these?

$119 at MB Klein   http://www.modeltrainstuff.com/Bachmann-36505-Dynamis-DCC-Controller-p/bac-36505.htm

It says "allows the operator total freedom by integrating advanced infra red wireless technology into an affordable and powerful Digital Command Control System"

What does this mean? You have to point something like the older tv remotes?

[richg1998]

Read the details in the advertising. Very simple.

Google Bachmann dynamis. Not very complicated at all.

Join the Bachmann forums. Dynamis users there as well as a couple company reps.

Rich

[cacole]

I've never seen a Dynamis system used by anyone, so take my comments with a grain of salt.  Everyone I know around here uses NCE, Digitrax, or EasyDCC radio control systems.  We use NCE radio throttles at our club, and I use the same system for my home layout.

By all means, follow Rich's advice and read up about the system before purchase, especially sites with information provided by actual users, and not the ones who have posted on Bachmann's or M. B. Klein's web sites -- they may be Bachmann employees.  The 'technical specifications' provided about the system on the Model Train Stuff site is the advertising copy provided by Bachmann.

Infrared simply means "line of sight."  You have to point the controller's infrared beam at an infrared receiver in order for the command to be recognized by the system.  If there is any obstruction between the transmitter and receiver the beam will be blocked.

Their advertising says "Wide angle receivers" but makes no mention of potential range (distance from receiver).  Infrared light tends to rapidly disperse and weaken.  Some fluorescent lighting also emits quite a bit of infrared light, which could potentially cause interference.  Infrared also implies that the receiver has to be mounted in a readily visible, elevated location in order to receive the IR signals, so it can't be placed out of sight under your layout.

My opinion is that it would be a little cumbersome to handle, requiring two hands.  What if you need to have one hand free to manipulate rerailing or couplers?

Seems to be a little pricey, even from M. B. Klein, for what you're getting, but it is made in Germany by Elektronic Solutions Ulm, the makers of LokSound decoders.

In Europe, it sells under the brand name "ECoS" so you may be able to find some good information by searching for that name.  Keep in mind, though, that Dynamis is a very anemic, watered-down version of the ECoS made special for Bachmann with low cost being a primary concern.

And if you ever plan on having visitors over to see and operate your layout, can more controllers be added to the system or are you stuck being a lone wolf operator, able to run only one train at a time, with a system that no one else owns and knows how to use?  The NCE ProCabR throttles can each control up to 6 trains simultaneously, if it were physically possible for one operator to keep track of that many.

Another question I would want answered is, does any model railroad club use Dynamis, and what has been their experience with range, interference, expandability, etc.

[rrinker]

 Dynamis is a cut-down ESU ECoS - it looks the same but they left out some of the expansion connections. What expansion options they do have for Dynamis get VERY expensive VERY quickly.

 IR is line of sight, yes like the TV remote. The other thing is the handheld part of the Dynamis is larger than the throttles available for the more mainstream DCC systems.

 Do consider one of the mainstream systems, you will have a more capable AND expandable system for not a whole lot more money. Bachmann seems to have no DCC strategy - the EZ Command is made by Lenz and is a very dumbed down DCC command station, along the lines of the orignal DCC from MRC, and then they have Dynamis. There is no expansion path, the two systems are made by different OEMs and are not compatible (other than they both put NMRA DCC packets on the rails). They are like MRC a few years back - MRC's first 3 or 4 systems each were not compatible witht he previous one, so you had to basically toss the old one and start over. They finally learned with their current lineup. Digitrax and NCE have always had solid upgrade paths.

 Penny wise, pound foolish are these dead-end systems.

              --Randy

[shahomy]

Thanks for your reply`s everyone.

For some reason, seeing "wireless" i was thinking RF, from handheld(throttle) to base? Pretty much brainfart on my part.

I`ve only got a small room(9x15) for my layout, (which i`m not to happy with...there`s just not enough space for what i want to do...) but i know i want wireless DCC. I will probably go with the NCE system, here`s one in stock-$588 

http://www.hobbylinc.com/htm/nce/nce2.htm

and one not in stock-$520

http://www.modeltrainstuff.com/NCE-PH-PRO-R-Power-Pro-5Amp-Starter-Set-with-Radio-p/nce-524002.htm

and i know power supply is not included.

Thanks again,

 

[jalajoie]

The Power House Pro may be overkill for your needs. I suggest you take a close look at the NCE Power Cab or the Digitrax Zephyr Extra.

[rrinker]

 Agreed. Tell us more about your layoput. Scale? Size? Number of trains you expect to run at the same time, number of operators.

 If the Dynamis was going to be enough, surely the Zephyr or PowerCab will also be enough. Both are fully expandable, no part left behind, if you later grow your layout and needs. I started with a Zephyr almost 13 years ago, and have since expanded with more throttles and an extra booster.

                     --Randy

[jjdamnit]

Hello,

I’m running the Dynamis system on my pike.

I began with the E-Z Command system with a D/C controller MU’d. This was a great transition from analog (D/C) to digital (DCC). Because of a feature built into the E-Z Command system it fooled the analog locomotives into thinking they were running on an analog system. There are limitation on runtime and you don’t want to let an analog loco sit idle- -it will fry the motor.

I added a 5-A power booster to this system because I tend to run consists and needed a little more oomph.

Then came the day I needed to access higher CV functions. I did some research and decided that the Dynamis system would work for me.

Because I had the Bachmann components already it was plug ‘n play.

I lost the ability to fool analog locos into thinking they were on a D/C pike.

Yes the handset is a line-of-sight device. I mounted the receiver on the wall above my layout in a location where the devices can communicate. There are no obstructions; support pillars, etc.

The one drawback to this system is that you cannot read CVs. You can write them but not read them. For that you need The Pro decoder. For now I don’t need that function.

I bought all of this on eBay. Everything that I bought was new in factory sealed packaging complete with warranty cards. I paid about half, or less, of what Bachmann lists on their website. 

It all gets expensive no matter what route you choose. 

The Dynamis is a good fit for me.

One word of caution- -you’ll need to buy some good quality AAA rechargeable batteries. I have two sets that I leapfrog. The cost of replacing batteries for the handset can get expensive. 

I hope this helps.