This is an excellent forum and there is lots of great advice. I was just checking Yahoo groups, and there is a group for Bachmann_DCC as there are groups for NCE, Digitrax, Lenz and MRC.
Go to Yahoo.com and go to there groups page and type in DCC, you will come up with many DCC groups. When I was learning about DCC I bought a Carstens book about DCC and joined a bunch of Yahoo groups, you do not have to post on any of them, you can just read or research questions. National model railroad assoc. NMRA also has good information too.
Then he decides to run a 2 or 3 engine consist and finds that the only way to do that with EZ Command is to give all the engines the same address. But that means that his F3 AA set must both face the same direction. There is a CV that can reverse the normal direction on one of them, but EZ Command can't program CVs. They could be connected in any combination in a consist, but EZ Command can't assemble a consist.
Phobe..this statement just isn't so. I have consists of 2 loco's one headed forward and one backward, and in fact have 2 headed forward and one backward in one consist of 3. Those of us who run Bachmann and followed the directions on the CD that comes with it know how to build a consist.
First of all I have a program track 4' long on my layout, completely isolated from any main line with a simple toggle switch I can turn off the mains and leave just the program track. I merely put the head loco on the track, program it to the ID #4 for example to go forward, remove it from the track, place the trailing loco backwards (cab to cab), program it to #4 reverse, place the head forward loco in front of the reversed trailing loco, connect and go. It's rather simple to consist with Bachmann. I do have one train with 3 loco's programed to run in consist with 2 headed forward and one backward.
It's still best to match up a pair of engines that run about the same speed with Bachmann EZ before attempting to consist.
But now I have the PR3 and JMRI program it doesn't really require speed matching, access to the speed table cv's with the JMRI program I can tweak the loco's to more closely matching speeds, great benefit for consists and I am therefore in much agreement with you on this point, but you can consist with EZ Command stand alone.
By the way thanks for the Happy Birthday! Jim
Yes, Tom, a thousand times, yes. We can explain and compare in a courteous way without lowering our zippers and peeing on the hydrant at the same time. My way or your stupid way...that kind of thing.
Crandell,
I would agree with you wholeheartedly. It's important with any newcomer - perhaps overwhelmed by the amount of info and choices with DCC - to tell them what the various options are - i.e. advantages and disadvantages - so that the buyer can make the best informed choice for them. The challenge is presenting the info in an accurate and constructive way, without appearing to slam or put down someone else's choice of a DCC system.
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 agree entirely, PV. A person who doesn't know is very likely not even aware that there is more to know than what they think they need to know. A good steward of any system or organization should patiently expand the newcomer's awareness that he or she needs to accept that they must continue to generate yet more questions based on an intelligent appreciation of what they receive from others.
This has always been my position with the EZ-Command, even though I am sensitive to the pleasure and fond recollections of those who currently enjoy them, or who have moved on; the newcomer should be afforded an opportunity to appreciate/undrstand that DCC offers certain capabilities over the bulk of DC operations that the EZ-Command does not afford the user. CV adjusting is the big elephant in the room for me...that system is so restricted that it will never offer the user the full potential of his engine. So, the thing to do, for me, would be to ask the person if they understand what CV's are for, and that DCC systems are meant to allow their programming. Would they want a system that does that in a restricted fashion or would they want full control of their decoder?
Framing it that way places the onus squarely on the person receiving the "instruction", but it is a fair and comprehensive way to situate their problem of selecting a "good" match for them.
-Crandell
Phoebe Vet[For the person about to experience DCC for the first time, he/she doesn't know what he doesn't know.
Boy, that hits the nail on the head!
This is why we need to be so careful in advising those about to make their entry into DCC. We don't know what they don't know either. We don't know, and aren't entitled to know, their true financial situation. We don't know their technical abitlity. We don't know whether or not they want realistic, prototypical running of trains, or do they just want to rail fan a bit while they devote their attention to scenery. The "we don't know" list goes on and on. So until we get a little dialog going, we need to be careful about being too dogmatic in our recommendations.
I know I've been a bit strong in discouraging EZ Command from time to time. Maybe that's because about 7 years ago I started with an Atlas Commander DCC system. The Commander has about 10 times the capability of the EZ Command but I still soon found that it wasn't what I really needed. But, you know, I think finances do play a big part in our initial decision, especially when we don't know what we don't know. So, we often cautiously start with an inexpensive, limited system just to play it safe. and maybe that's just the smart thing to do.
Again, we can't really know a persons real needs or capabilities until a good dialog develops. And even then, we must be careful as it is none of our business as to some of the real reasons that drive a persons decision. All we can do is to try to give as much info about the subject as we can and not come on too strong. The last thing I want to do is talk someone into something that really may not be the best thing for that person.
Jerry
Rio Grande vs. Santa Fe.....the battle is over but the glory remains!
Phoebe,
In my case, the NCE Power Cab wasn't available yet. Having bought my EZ Command for $53 and sold it a year later for $30, for a $23 investment; the experience was very good for me and I have no regrets. And the guy who bought the EZ Command from me used his for another 2+ years.
As I stated before, had I purchased full MSRP for my EZ Command ($100), I probably would have either waited for the Power Cab to come out, or gone ahead and bought a Digitrax Zephyr. However, I didn't have the money at the time. The purchase of the EZ Command and two decoders for my two locomotives was what I could afford.
But, I didn't buy the EZ Command primarily to SAVE money; I bought it to try out DCC. The year that I used my EZ Command allowed me to both experience DCC and figure out what I really wanted in my next DCC system. Limitations and all, the EZ Command showed me the advantages of DCC over DC and convinced me that I had made the right decision for going that route.
Again, the EZ Command isn't for everyone...but neither is every DCC system. The EZ Command met my needs at the time for the price range that worked in my budget. I could still enjoy operating my Toyota Tercel knowing that someday I would probably look at getting a Camry.
So, the maximum that I lost out on my year-long "experiment" was $23. Knowing that someone else was enjoying and benefiting from the continued use of my "discarded" system was an added bonus.
PS:
Happy Birthday!
Dave
Lackawanna Route of the Phoebe Snow
Rangerover ...after all I couldn't and didn't appreciate, nor even understand the ability to "tweak" DCC equipped loco's that ran better than anything I purchased and used back in the 50-70's right out of the box.
...after all I couldn't and didn't appreciate, nor even understand the ability to "tweak" DCC equipped loco's that ran better than anything I purchased and used back in the 50-70's right out of the box.
That is my point. For the person about to experience DCC for the first time, he/she doesn't know what he doesn't know.
He lurks here and perhaps on some other forums and is overwhelmed by the descriptions of everything that people are doing, and intimidated by the occasional person who is having a problem. Often he reaches the conclusion that he will never want to do any of that, so he doesn't need all that sophistication.
EZ Command looks a lot like an improved version of the DC with which he is familiar. And for a while he is happy and believes he has saved money. Then he decides to run a 2 or 3 engine consist and finds that the only way to do that with EZ Command is to give all the engines the same address. But that means that his F3 AA set must both face the same direction. There is a CV that can reverse the normal direction on one of them, but EZ Command can't program CVs. They could be connected in any combination in a consist, but EZ Command can't assemble a consist. EZ Command can only run 9 addresses, so when his friend brings his new engine over to show it off, unless its address is between 1 and 9, (out of 9000 possible) it must be reprogrammed if you want to run it on the EZ Command layout. When he buys his 10th engine, he discovers that he must duplicate the address of one of the first 9 and then they can't both be on the layout at the same time. Etc.
It then requires him to go back to step one and buy the system he should have bought the first time.
With almost any other system, when you discover a need that your current system cannot handle, you need only purchase an add on to upgrade it. You never have to throw it out and start over.
RangeroverI normally don't remember this day, April 29, but I woke up this morning with a smile on my face, it's a special day for me, it's my birthday, never thought I'd reach age 65, but today I thanked God for the many gifts in my life, especially to be here and celebrating another Birthday ! Jim
, Jim! I just turned 50 earlier in the month and I don't feel much different than I did last year. (Actually, in some respects, I feel better. )
Its the old proverbal coke/pepsi or Mcdonalds/Burger King argument. Which ever system you feel the most comfortable with--is the best for you. You might want to go onto Yahoo groups (their are users groups for NCE, MRC, Lenz and Digitrax and many others- tons of information there and easy and free to join).
Bachmann is fine for a beginner and you can easily find very affordable units out there even with the wireless unit Bachmann has improved. MRC Express can be expanded and if you like MRC, I would go with the MRC Prodigy Advaced 2, it can handle the layout you describe ( has enough amps) is very affordable $210 or so depending upon where you look. NCE is a fine system so is Digitrax all comparable in base price to others (basic units), I found Digitrax to have the most following of users but to me its alittle to techy and I dont care for their box like control units too. Most home layout owners I would bet dont run more than a few trains at a time maybe latch up 2-3 and maybe 1 other. I dont know to many home layout users running 7-10 trains by themselves. Some people never need to go beyond a basic unit ( maybe a booster for extra power).
tstage (Tom) and selector both hit the nail on the head for me as well as other posters. I do apologize for my long previous post of how my interest evolved in this venture into DCC, but I wanted to be clear.
Like Tom said the EZ Command is what I chose to start, and for me it was the right decision. I understood long before my purchase of what I could do with it and adjusting cv's was not even part of my decision, after all I couldn't and didn't appreciate, nor even understand the ability to "tweak" DCC equipped loco's that ran better than anything I purchased and used back in the 50-70's right out of the box. and for those who are lurking, there is much comparison between Analog DC and DCC. First and foremost is wiring, you don't need all that block wiring and switch's, no matter if your using the least expensive system, EZ Command or an all out most expensive DCC infrared wireless system on the market.
EX Command is no comparison to DC, you can run 2 or 3 DCC loco's on the same line, each at different speeds, and going different directions, in other words if you want to stop one and back one into a siding, the other 2 can still continue on in their directions, can't do that with DC analog using one transformer or controller.
Selector is absolutely right on with the comment of this being the most civilized thread I've seen too on the comparison's. The slamming and downright arguments of who had the "best" DCC sytem when I started lurking here, almost 5 years ago, is why I wasn't even sure if I wanted to venture in DCC and it was confusing to sort it all out back then.
I normally don't remember this day, April 29, but I woke up this morning with a smile on my face, it's a special day for me, it's my birthday, never thought I'd reach age 65, but today I thanked God for the many gifts in my life, especially to be here and celebrating another Birthday ! Jim
Fellas, we have bandied all this about many, many times over the short four years I have been on the forum. Interestingly, almost oddly, I think this series of posts in this thread have been the best yet. The approach is almost conversational, cordial, and the peeing-on-the-hydrant territorial side of the debate hasn't surfaced as it usually does. I wonder if a whole bunch of us have finally come to respect that each of the systems does a darned good job for a group of modellers, and that the deal is to figure out the best match. Not which system is the best, because we have finally agreed that they all are good systems. Instead, it is just in the variances in features that much of the match-making needs to be addressed.
I really liked Tom's post where he explained that the EZ-Command is a relatively inexpensive introduction that allows the dabbler, the still-not-sure, to experience an engine with a decoder in it. Others, notably TA462, have explained why that one system was not going to fulfill their expectations.
Phoebe Vet's post is, arguably, a fairly concrete indicator of the differences when it comes to price. I happen to think that it is a reasonable choice to use MSRP, even if all the systems get heavily discounted. It is a reasonable benchmark. If something gets hugely reduced it is probably because it hasn't done well (doesn't appeal to the market).
I wanted to say that I have actually enjoyed reading this thread, having expected that it might enter the reduction that it usually does. So, thank-you, everyone, for helping the OP out, and not trying to be next in line to pee on the one hydrant.
TA462Maybe junk was the wrong word, limited does sound better. For me most of the appeal of DCC was being able to program your loco to do anything you wanted, you just can't do that with the EZ system. Sure you can run a train with it but then again you can do the samething with a DC power pack. Having the ability to change CV's should be at the top of the list of features on any DCC system for somebody just starting out in DCC. That's the only reason I feel the EZ system is a poor choice.
Dave,
I do understand where you're coming from. I, too, enjoy playing with the CVs to tweak my locomotives performance. However, not everyone getting into DCC has that as their top priority; nor do they need to.
For those with limited funds and just wanting to find out if DCC is a right fit for them, the EZ Command is a very economical and viable alternative. I may not have all the bells and whistles that the other DCC systems have...but can still do quite a bit.
Agreed, you can NOT adjust CVs in order to make your locomotive run smooth or operate your ditch lights. However, I still think it has a niche market for those just wanting to run trains and happy operating functions F1 - F8.
I also wouldn't necessarily compare using the EZ Command with a DC power pack. Even with the EZ Command you can operate 2 - 3 locomotives simultaneously and have them all doing completely different things on the same track. Not so with a DC power pack. With that in mind, I would gladly take a limited EZ Command over DC any day of the week.
Rangerover Thanks Paul, I've been going there a lot in the past month reading and re reading and on to the manufacturer sites. I never given much thought about wireless, the Bachmann Dyamis is wireless, but I'm not going Bachmann anymore, besides no interface. I haven't really researched NCE, I'm pretty much headed toward Digitrax, I'll certainly take a look on the web for NCE. I even talk to Tony's help on the phone up there in Vermont. LOL, after all this time I do have a better understanding of what you guys are talking about, especially this last month or so. Oh well, I'm only 20 years behind! I got the serenity and calm like a swan on a lake, but I'm paddling like the devil underneath trying to catch up. Time for me to hit the sack, thanks again, Jim
Thanks Paul, I've been going there a lot in the past month reading and re reading and on to the manufacturer sites. I never given much thought about wireless, the Bachmann Dyamis is wireless, but I'm not going Bachmann anymore, besides no interface. I haven't really researched NCE, I'm pretty much headed toward Digitrax, I'll certainly take a look on the web for NCE. I even talk to Tony's help on the phone up there in Vermont. LOL, after all this time I do have a better understanding of what you guys are talking about, especially this last month or so. Oh well, I'm only 20 years behind! I got the serenity and calm like a swan on a lake, but I'm paddling like the devil underneath trying to catch up. Time for me to hit the sack, thanks again, Jim
Once you use wireless it's hard to go back to tethered. However, a lot depends on your layout and how you run your trains. NCE and Digitrax radio both work flawlessly. You can do everything from the NCE radio throttle, e.g., select locos, make/break consists, etc. Presently with Digitrax you must plug in to select/dispatch locos and make/break consists. But Digitrax will be coming out with "duplex" radio which will eliminate the need to plug in.
You can always upgrade to radio later should you find the need.
RangeroverI have one more very important and not so good for Bachmann EZ Command that disappoints me. These days most of the premiere sound decoders have 12 functions. You can spend a lot of money on a good Locomotive with sound and you won't be able to hear all the sounds on some decoders. Bachmann EZ Command you are only going to get 10 with the function key and sometimes only 6-8. This is another reason I'm anxious to move to Digitrax, I'm getting a bald spot on my "top knot" from scratching it trying to figure out how come my loco don't do what the directions say it's supposed to do on certain functions, it's the Bachmann system and that's the way it is. The functions are there, but EZ Command doesn't recognize them.
You are probably already aware of it but the Digitrax Zephyr only allows use of functions F0-F8. But if you add either a UT4 or DT400 throttle you can access F0-F12. It sounds like their proposed new throttle will offer F0-F28 but I don't think that's been confirmed. NCE allows F0-F28.
I never use anything above F8. It's mainly MRC decoders that use anything above F12 but after the novelty wears off I doubt if very many use those extra functions. Maybe others can say whether or not they find these useful.
By the way, I think that the Zephyr/DT400 combination is an ideal setup. Since I operate alone I use the DT400 for almost everything. Adding a UT4 is great if you have extra operators.
I suggest you spend some time with this site http://www.tonystrains.com/
I went with the NCE Power Pro-R system 2 years ago. I felt they had the best wireless system on the market. I have been very happy with it.
Enjoy
Paul
I have one more very important and not so good for Bachmann EZ Command that disappoints me. These days most of the premiere sound decoders have 12 functions. You can spend a lot of money on a good Locomotive with sound and you won't be able to hear all the sounds on some decoders. Bachmann EZ Command you are only going to get 10 with the function key and sometimes only 6-8. This is another reason I'm anxious to move to Digitrax, I'm getting a bald spot on my "top knot" from scratching it trying to figure out how come my loco don't do what the directions say it's supposed to do on certain functions, it's the Bachmann system and that's the way it is. The functions are there, but EZ Command doesn't recognize them.
Phoebe VetI quoted MSRP because that was easier than checking several sites for their prices. The places that have the EZ Command cheaper will also have the Zephyr cheaper.
Rangerover,
Thanks for your reply. Very informative and helpful considerations for some just looking into DCC. Your "other hobby" sounds interesting too. You've accomplished a lot.
jwils1 Rangerover, You've given about the best reasoning that I've heard for going with the EZ Command. But then again, to make it really workable you've had to add quite a bit to it. It sounds like you've invested somewhere between $350 to $400. Certainly without the PR3 one could only run trains in a toy-like manner (not being able to adjust CVs). I know that many of us would feel that for that kind of investment you could have easily gone with a full-featured system that would not cause you the loss that you will now encounter if you upgrade to another system. And, you would now have had 4 years of experience and pleasure running a top-notch system. But I appreciate your thinking and reasoning for your approach and am glad that it has worked well for you. So now maybe you could give us your reasoning for feeling the need to upgrade to Digitrax. That might be helpful for others that might be considering EZ Command. And also tell us which items that you now have that would be compatible with, and could be used with, something like Digitrax, e.g., the booster and reverse module.
You've given about the best reasoning that I've heard for going with the EZ Command. But then again, to make it really workable you've had to add quite a bit to it. It sounds like you've invested somewhere between $350 to $400. Certainly without the PR3 one could only run trains in a toy-like manner (not being able to adjust CVs).
I know that many of us would feel that for that kind of investment you could have easily gone with a full-featured system that would not cause you the loss that you will now encounter if you upgrade to another system. And, you would now have had 4 years of experience and pleasure running a top-notch system. But I appreciate your thinking and reasoning for your approach and am glad that it has worked well for you.
So now maybe you could give us your reasoning for feeling the need to upgrade to Digitrax. That might be helpful for others that might be considering EZ Command. And also tell us which items that you now have that would be compatible with, and could be used with, something like Digitrax, e.g., the booster and reverse module.
OK jwils.... I'm going to try to explain this. When I first saw DCC in a HO Hobby train store in North Jersey, I couldn't believe it. The price for the systems he had were expensive for model trains, or so I thought, I haven't kept up with model railroading for 35-40 years, so it was all new to me. But I was very much enthused by what I saw. It was 5 years ago, 1 year before I retired and moved to West Virginia. I came here in fact to this site and Atlas site and just lurked for almost 2 years. I read about problems with cv's and all the comments posters said of what was the best system, very pricey and I was very confused. I though before I invest a lot of money I didn't want to lose if things didn't go right, well I went with Bachmann. I planned on upgrading one day any how and only wanted to learn by doing. I went on line and saw the Bachmann EZ Command, I am a seller on eBay. I really didn't' want to invest a whole lot of money in my new found hobby, I understood model railroading of the 50's-70's went by way of the dinosaur, so to speak. I wanted to MRR as a hobby when I retired, so I started buying stuff. The Bachmann EZ Command was frowned on by the hobby store in Jersey, but I went ahead and bought my EZ Command on eBay for around $70.00 with a diesel loco included. I thought I would try it and started with an oval on a piece of plywood while I was still working in NJ. I moved to West Virginia and have enough room for a small layout, it's 16'X10' U shape, but with a subway under it, I rode the subway trains in NYC quite often when I went there. The more I lurked here and other sites including yahoo and still kept getting confused about cv's, different decoders, adding sound, frying decoders, and even read a time or two of guys melting locomotive shells, no I thought I'll keep buying the stuff I need and use my Bachmann system, I have to tell you, I have not had a problem with it in the 4 + years I've used it. I only had a problem with one Bachmann Loco, and for $10.. Bachmann repaired it. I admit I have 6 Bachmann diesel loco's, the rest are top brand both steam and diesel, I have about 30 now. But I bought the 5 amp booster, actually made a bid on eBay and got it for $150.00. I have 6 main lines, looks like a spaghetti bowl, but I like running trains, and that's counting 2 main line subways. I needed reverse loop for a turn around for the subway, therefore, since I really can't see the loop, I bought the reverse loop module from Bachmann. Then I went ahead and bought the 2 Walk around companions for when my grandchildren visit. They love it too! Now one of the members here talked me into the PR3 and JMRI a little over a month ago, cudaken, I went ahead and bought it and couldn't believe what I have been missing, not with Bachmann (you can't do a thing with Bachmann decoders), but the others digitrax, soundtraxx tsunami,nce, qsi decoders, well all I can say is, I'm glad I found out about how easy it is to tweak your loco's and I can turn the volume down, mars lights now work right as well as ditch lights. Tony's Trains and there help along the way for the past 3 or 4 weeks with helping with decoder choices and what certain cv's mean. With the Bacmann system you can't do much except run your trains and if you have more than 9 dcc loco's or well 2 loco consist's, that only gives you 18 total loco's you can program in the command station. I like the idea of the roster that decoder pro has in it's interface, and the digitrax system where I can program all my loco's with their 4 digit road numbers. Na, you can't beat a system where you can change cv's, sound levels, lights come on and off when you want them, the simplicity of consisting is so much easier with the PR 3 and JRMI. Nice to be able to start them up with momentum instead of jack rabbit starts and you can turn the throttle down and make them coast to a stop instead of slamming the brake on and sudden stops.
All the problems I've read on forums like this are, for the most part, few, as compared to those who don't have any problems at all, nice though to read threads and posts that show what you can accomplish in this great hobby. This is where people come who have problems and ask questions and give advice first hand. I do the same on ebay seller forum, I've sold on eBay for 10+ years so I do have some experiience I can share there and help folks out, like here out of the millions who have no problems, the few who need help post there and here too.
I do have another expensive hobby, for the past 30 years I'm a competitive highpower rifle shooter and believe me it's not cheap. I travel to Camp Perry and shoot in the Nationals, well just an idea, a barrel replacement, every year to 18 months is about $1,000-$1500 dollars in our competitive rifles, they sure aren't hunting guns, but I do load my own ammo about 5,000 rounds per year for just one rifle and save a bundle there by today's prices. I love model railroading and am going to upgrade to Digitrax. found a whole bunch of good people right here to keep giving me ideas, I wouldn't change a thing from when I started with my layout 4 years ago, well except for my spaghetti bowl layout, would have done that different I think. Oh I'm sure I will get some money back on my EZ Command investment, but like you said the booster will still work with any system and same for the reverse module. All I really wanted to do was to keep things simple with model railroading, now I just want to learn and do more.
402drvr The more I read the more questions I have. I think I need to go to the store and buy a book. I am leaning toward the NCE or Digitrax systems right now. Silly as it may sound the NCE has a little more asthetic appeal.
The more I read the more questions I have. I think I need to go to the store and buy a book. I am leaning toward the NCE or Digitrax systems right now. Silly as it may sound the NCE has a little more asthetic appeal.
How you like the handheld throttles will probably be the biggest factor in your decision. At first glance, and feel in your hand, you might like NCE the best. I felt that way. But, after use of each, I changed my mind completely. Some say that they don't like the small knobs and buttons on the Digitrax DT400, and don't like the small display. Actually the knobs and closely spaced buttons make the DT400 so much easier to use for me. And, the DT400 is shorter and seems lighter than the NCE.
With NCE I just couldn't get comfortable in deciding which fingers to use to operate buttons and speed on the NCE. They are farther apart and require more "reaching" with the fingers to operate. I have some arthritis in my fingers and they started hurting after awhile with the NCE. But, with the DT400 it is amazing as to how much easier, and painless it is to use. I simply love this throttle, and being able to control two locos at the same time with the two speed knobs is also a terrific advantage. I'm sure that others will feel just a good about NCE, and that's understandable. It's a very individual thing.
Another important factor for me is in throwing turnouts from the DCC throttle. Digitrax works so much better for me with fewer button presses, and, again, without a lot of "reaching".
402drvr Am I right in that if I need more amps I can just buy another booster? How many trains can be controlled from one throttle. It seems like yu can cycle through many.
Yes you can add boosters for more amps, or you can upgrade to a more powerful command station. These options will depend somewhat on the system you choose. Someone else can probably give you better advice on this.
I run my entire layout with a Digitrax Zephyr (2.5 amps) and a DT400 throttle. I sometimes have as many as 8 locos running at the same time, 4 of them with sound turned on and the Zephyr handles them just fine. I could probably run a few more but haven't tried it.
Both NCE and the DT400 have loco recall stacks so you can run a lot of trains from one throttle, but you may not want to run too many as that can get a bit difficult to keep track of everything. Of course that also depends on your track plan.
Thankgs guys,
The goal will probably be looking to have about ten locos on the tracks. I would like them to eventually be equipped with sound. Currently I own only two locos so I will buy the new ones with sound already probably. I think it will take a few years before reaching that many locos though. THe current layout runs two locos with a dual cab power pack. TH ebig problem is that you can't really do much switching without going onto the main line which s run by the other cab of course.
Am I right in that if I need more amps I can just buy another booster? How many trains can be controlled from one throttle. It seems like yu can cycle through many.
Model Railroad Backdrops
402drvrMy question though is as I expand to a larger layout in my 9' x 21' room, will it be enough.
0. It was not indicated how many trains are run simultaniously on the current layout?1. How many of the 3-6 trains will have multiple powered loco's pulling it? I mean that could mean 3-24 locos if they come in sets of four. 2. Will the new layout have a engine terminal where lots of loco's will be sitting around sucking power?3. Will the expanded layout use DCC to power stationary decoders for turnouts?
What do I need to be looking at and does the MRC system have a decent reputation in the modeling community?
Generally:
1. I count 4 locos per AMP of power. So to me a Digitrax Zephyr with its 2.5 Amp included power supply is designed for 10 locos. Count each sound unit as an additional locomotive. So this would be sufficient for 5 sound equipped locos. Check what power supply (if any) comes with the MRC system. Map that power output to the number of locos and it will indicate if it will need a power booster or can stand on its own.
2. The other reason one might want multiple power boosters (or at least power splitters) is to isolate short circuits and other problems to one section of the layout. Our club has eight boosters. No we don't need 40 amps of power to the trains, but we do want 7/8ths of the layout to continue to run when there is an issue in 1/8th of it.
Not to guide you away from the MRC system as I have noted above I have zero experience with it, but that might be a factor there. None of the layouts in my operating circles use that system. I have lots of experience with EZ-DCC by CVP, Lenz, Digitrax, and NCE. It is very nice to use the same system as a friend or club does. I can take my throttles to their layouts to run. In my opinion if you stick to one of those you cannot go wrong. However, I've heard good things about the Zimo, and I've heard from many people who are very happy with their MRC systems.
tstage Sorry, Dave. Gotta disagree with you. Just because something is limited doesn't make it junk. For what the EZ Command does, it does quite well - albeit limited. And I actually had one for a year and learned quite a bit with it before I moved to my NCE Power Cab.
Sorry, Dave. Gotta disagree with you. Just because something is limited doesn't make it junk. For what the EZ Command does, it does quite well - albeit limited. And I actually had one for a year and learned quite a bit with it before I moved to my NCE Power Cab.
Ooooops. Didn't read all your post....Nevermind
I don't hate Bachmann, or the EZ Command. My EZ Command was still working perfectly when I remanded it to the dead train box. I just think that unless you are buying a train for around the Christmas tree, it is a giant step down the wrong path. I'm not a big fan of going back and starting over. The price difference between the EZ Command and an entry level puchase in a mature system is not enough to tip the balance in my humble opinion. I quoted Digitrax because that is the system with which I am familiar. The prices among the various manufacturers are similar.
I also do not have, and never have had, a Zephyr. I went from my EZ Command directly to the Digitrax Super Chief.
I quoted MSRP because that was easier than checking several sites for their prices. The places that have the EZ Command cheaper will also have the Zephyr cheaper.
Phoebe Vet $120.00 Bachmann EZ Command 1 digit addresses (1-9) $290.00 Bachmann 5 Amp Booster $115.00 Bachmann Walkaround Companion (wired) EACH $ 84.95 PR3 so that you can program CVs ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- $199.00 Digitrax Zephyr 4 digit addresses (00 to 9000) Nothing additional required to program CVs $ 79.95 Digitrax UT4 Walkaround throttle (Wired) each Part of a total well developed expandable system that can grow with you. Better prices can by found for both brands if you shop around. These are MSRP.
$120.00 Bachmann EZ Command 1 digit addresses (1-9)
$290.00 Bachmann 5 Amp Booster
$115.00 Bachmann Walkaround Companion (wired) EACH
$ 84.95 PR3 so that you can program CVs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
$199.00 Digitrax Zephyr 4 digit addresses (00 to 9000) Nothing additional required to program CVs
$ 79.95 Digitrax UT4 Walkaround throttle (Wired) each
Part of a total well developed expandable system that can grow with you.
Better prices can by found for both brands if you shop around. These are MSRP.
WOW they may be recommeded MSRP and I certainly would have not purchased when I did at those prices. My first Bachmann purchase was for the EZ Command with a loco for well under $100.00 right now the EZ Command is availbale from The Favorite Spot, a Bachmann dealer in Texas for $79.99. Bachmann Walk around companion is $65.00 at The Favorite Spot, he also has DCC Bachmann equipped loco's for as little as $38.00 for a GP 40. I paid $150.00 for my 5 Amp booster. Also I paid $67.00 for my PR3 and have seen them as low as $54.00. Even guys that have CV read and write capability have purchased the PR3 much easier to adjust and with the JMRI program musch friendlier to use.
I know ya'll hate Bachmann, but like I said it got me back into this wonderful hobby and I am upgrading to Digitrax. I have no regrets and like the previous poster, it was cheap and I will get a return for the 4+ years of problem free use and running.