A 4' x 9' layout sounds like it might be a table-top setup. If so, will you want to operate by being able to walk around the table, or can you do everything from a fixed location?
A Power Cab or Zephyr will work great from a fixed location, and the Power Cab will also allow some movement in either direction with it's 7' (?) cord. And, if you want full walk around capability you can add a second cab for the Power Cab or Zephyr with plug in panels around the layout.
Infrared operation is a posibility but can offer spotty, inconslistent operation depending on the location of the components. The Dynamis offers infrared as does Digitrax.
With all due respect to Bachmann users, I feel that if your in this hobby for the long haul you will be much, much happier with a high quality, well respected and expandable system such as the Power Cab or Zephry.
Jerry
Rio Grande vs. Santa Fe.....the battle is over but the glory remains!
I've been very happy with my NCE Power Cab. It's not a chore at all to either operate or tote. I like the larger buttons anyhow.
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 changed over from an MRC Prodigy Express DCC system to an NCE Pro Cab, and really like the NCEmuch better than the MRC.
You need a good supply of batteries for the Dynamis, and as stated the wireless function is very directional, anything in 'line of sight' of the reciever and no control.
ukrailroader
Texas Zephyr
The enormously large, relatively heavy hammer head main throttle/control units are the only reason I do not own an NCE system.
I don't seem to have a problem carrying mine around. How can you you carry your zephyr around. I didn't meen to hit a nerve with the post.
Pete
I pray every day I break even, Cause I can really use the money!
I started with nothing and still have most of it left!
I would also go with the NCE ProCab very reliable, upgradeable and supported by MFG. I had one for 5 years no problem upgrade it to radio.
I came so close to getting the Dynamis, I really wanted the wire less control. But, I finally bought a Digitrax SEB for $300.00 with power supply. Getting use to it, if I could have ran a Dynamis I might have went the other way.
On the other hand, I want my computer to control the trains down the road, so Digitrax was a better choices for me.
Still a big fan of the E-Z Command and I will be hanging on to it!
Cuda Ken
I hate Rust
locoi1sa I would go with the NCE Power Cab. Walkaround right out of the box.
I may be in the minority here, but I've been running the Bachmann Dynamis for a few months and really like it. My brother has been using the EZ Command for quite a while, and he likes his system also. If I had to purchase another DCC controller all over again, I'd go with the Dynamis over the EZ Command. You can do more with it. I've been running up to 4 locos at once, and am sure I could run more. Wireless is a big plus....although not perfect, it does a decent job. The key is mounting the base unit where it can be "seen" by the wireless controller. Trains only stop after losing contact with the base unit after 30 seconds or so. I also like how the Dynamis uses consists. Consisting locos and running them together is easy. Another cool feature is naming/numbering your locos.
All of that being said, I haven't seen/tried out the other systems. I got a great deal on the Dynamis through ModelTrainStuff.com for $150, including an undecorated SD45 loco. The loco is ok, but does not run as smoothly as my GTW Atlas GP40-2's.
On the Dynamis being new, we really don't know what they are going to add to its system. With it being wire less that is a big plus and should run 6 engines like the Zepher. Zepher will run DC engines, Dynamis will not. Zepher has some plus over Dynamis, if you want to read CV's it can do it, Dynamis can only write CV's.
I would go with the NCE Power Cab. Walkaround right out of the box.
Zephyr would be the next choice.
4' x 9' ho scale, what are good dcc controllers that wont break the bank on a small set. How much better is the Bachman dynamis then then the ez command and is it a stand alone product or add on?