Hey guys, seasonal "O"scaler here.
Here's my situation. Durring xmas time my mom and brother have a holiday multi-scale train "board" so to speak. Its pretty much 4x8 with an O loop on the outside, an HO right inside that, and in the middle area is a small N loop that circles the tree stand which is dead center. The HO track has 2 or 3 sidding. This board was made by my father and is over 20 years old now, so its going to get a bit of a face lift so to speak.
Now, being that this is a multi scale fun layour for kids of all ages to enjoy im not going to be counting cuffs per revolution or complaining because a whistle doesnt sound just right, But I have been thinking about stepping up to basic DCC on the HO trackage.
I currently run TMCC with my personal O gauge trains so i do have some experiance with command control. Is it pretty much the same for DCC? With a DCC system is the track voltage at constant full on, and locomotives will only run when addressed just like TMCC? I've been looking at the Bachmann EZ-Command starter system as an option. I feel this would make my wiring life a little more simple. If this system opperates like i think, i would not have to make insulated sidings and wire switches for their power. On top of that i would obviously have more control over the locomotive speed and direction durring switching tracks and engines. And oh yeah, basic sound controlls!
So, does this Bachmann EZ-Command system operate the way i think it does, and does it sound right for me on this very basic layout? Does the started set have enough power to run 2 locomotives at the same time (mostly durring switching) while also having enough juice to power headlights of a 3rd or 4th loco standing by on a siding?
Looking foward to what the pro's have to say, and thanks to all for taking the time to read my storry.
---Joe
Joe,
The Bachmann E-Z Command would work fine for your HO & N loops. However, as far as I know, it's not made or recommended for O-scale.
Depending on the current draw of your locomotives and whether they have sound or not, the E-Z Command with 1-amp can operate 2 - 3 locomotives simultaneously. Newer locomotives tend to draw 0.25 or less amps; sound locomotives, 0.5 or less amps. Older locomotives need more amperage to operate so that would one major limitation for you with using the E-Z Command.
Tom
https://tstage9.wixsite.com/nyc-modeling
Time...It marches on...without ever turning around to see if anyone is even keeping in step.
Sounds great. So im correct in the fact that just like TMCC, i can put multiple engines on the same track of power, whithout insulated blocks, and completly control their speed and direction independently?
Are there any other starter systems in the same price range as the Bachman that may be a better way to go as far as functions and whatnot?
That is correct. You cna put 5 loco son the track, address one and start it moving, then address a second and start it movimng. The others will not move, and the first one will continue at the last commanded speed and direction.
There are no other starter systems at the EZ-DCC price point, the next level up would be the NCE PowerCab or Digitrax Zephyr, both cost more than the Bachmann but do have more features. Biggest difference is in how the locos are addressed. The Bachmann has 10 buttons, 9 for locos with decoders and 1 to run a standard DC loco. 'Programming' with the Bachmann means assigning a loco to a button - basically the decoder is programmed to an address from 1-9. On the other systems, and all the larger systems, you program the loco with whatever address you want (obvious one is the road number of the loco) and you key in that number to select the loco. The Bachmann way is probably easier for the rank beginner, although others here report of their young grnadchildren having no problems selecting locos with Digitrax and others. My feeling is sort of liek what the Bachmann system does is get rid of that row of block selectors you probably used in the past (Atlas electrical components, anyone?) and in a way moves them to the command console, although since it's DCC you're selecting a loco, NOT a track
--Randy
Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's
Visit my web site at www.readingeastpenn.com for construction updates, DCC Info, and more.
^^^ Thanks, i think i will serisouly consider this unit, allthough after reading a bit about the sound controlls, it does sound like operating the whistle will be a bit annoying. Aparently the sound function butons are either on, or off. So to activate the whistle you have to press it once, and to stop it you have to press it again.
Ha anyone played with the Bachman and the whistle function??? Is it as annoying as i think its going to be? One way or the next, its kinda hard to be picky with the price.
Question though on the single DC output. How is this accomplished? Can this unit operate a DCC loco and DC loco at the same time? I'm guessing either no, or that the unit has a seperate set of dc track outputs?
There are some people on the Bachmann forums who run the EZ Command and like it.
http://www.bachmanntrains.com/home-usa/board/
I belong to at least a dozen mrr forums, some DCC special which helps a lot to collect info.
Rich
If you ever fall over in public, pick yourself up and say “sorry it’s been a while since I inhabited a body.” And just walk away.
rrinker There are no other starter systems at the EZ-DCC price point, the next level up would be the NCE PowerCab or Digitrax Zephyr, both cost more than the Bachmann but do have more features.
92hatchattackQuestion though on the single DC output. How is this accomplished? Can this unit operate a DCC loco and DC loco at the same time? I'm guessing either no, or that the unit has a seperate set of dc track outputs?
Normally I'm the guy screaming the loudest that EZCommand is not a good investment, but in this case, if the around the tree Christmas layout is the only thing for which it will be used it may be just what you need. I am not sure about the O gage though. It is only one amp.
It comes with a very simply written manual which will answer any questions you may have. You do have to be sure that your locomotives have DCC decoders. You can only run one without.
CSX:
That was an EXCELLENT description of the square wave frequency modulated constant voltage signal.
Dave
Lackawanna Route of the Phoebe Snow
I have a Bach EZ and I like it a lot. VERY simple. But with simple comes problems. Some of the higher sound functions can be past the F-9 range of the EZ so you won't be able to contol them. Works great running 1 DC loco and a couple DCC lcos at the same time.(I wish ALL DCC systems did that)For a temp holiday layout, I think you'd be happy. ($70-$80) If your even thinking about changing variables or accessing higher sound functions, go with something more expensive.
Don't over look the MRC Prodigy Express for around $120.(it won't run a DC loco though)
Just a quick note. I think you understood that TMCC and DCC are totally different command control systems, and not compatible at all - but I'm not sure some of the others realized this. The DCC unit will run both your N and HO track just fine (as long as locomotives have decoders installed) but the O gauge would remain separate on TMCC. You are essentially replacing your HO and N power packs and block wiring with a DCC unit.
Fred W
If you consider the Bachmann EZ Command, you can get new ones under a hundred dollars on ebay. Just checked out their feedback. The Favorite Spot is a ebay dealer I have bought from. THe EZ Command is nice if all you want is to run trains on a small layout. With sund engines, you can control seven sounds and the eight button turns the sounds of and on. You can program the address for each engine.
Go to ebay and search for Bachmann EZ Command. You will see EZ Command Dynamis. That is a newer Bachmann system and is more expensive.
In case you have not seen any info on the EZ Command here is a little from the PDF manual.
From the E Z Command Controller User Manual - PDF:E-Z Command allows you to control up to nine digital locomotives and will also accommodate your favorite non-digital DC locomotives (without DCC decoders). However, only ONE DC locomotive can be run at any one time on address button 10.To operate a DC locomotive through your E-Z Command system, place a standard non-digital locomotive on the track. Next, press address button number 10 button (figure 16) to activate the DC locomotive and begin operation.NOTE: WHEN OPERATING A DC LOCOMOTIVE ON ADDRESS "10," BE SURE TO MONITOR IT CLOSELY. SOME DC MOTORS ARE SUBJECT TO OVERHEATING AND DAMAGE WHEN OPERATING FOR LONG PERIODS OF TIME ON DCC SYSTEMS.Using the black interconnecting power cable provided, you can also connect a Bachmann DC controller to your E-Z Command Control Center as shown in figure 17. When connected, address 10 automatically converts from its original DC (analog) assignment to DCC (digital). Thus, a tenth digital address becomes available, and the connected DC controller will allow you or a friend to control a DC locomotive in conjunction with your E-Z Command system. The Bachmann #44212 power pack, available from hobby retailers, is ideally suited to this application (figure 18).You can oprate one DC or "analog" loco using adress 10.
Great explanations guys, thanks! Yes i know TMCC and DCC are two completely independant and non compatable systems. I refrenced TMCC because i am farmiliar with it as i use it on my own holiday layout. But thanks for all the help. It sounds like the Bachman will do the trick, but im not going to rule out the Digitrax Zephyr either. Ill see where i sit with money when it comes time to hook up the power, who knows maybe i will come across a good deal on a Zephyr. If not, ill go Bachman. But this all has made me understand that DCC is just like TMCC... so i know what to expect really.
One other question. Do locos equiped with DCC have some sort of cruise control system in them? I know my TMCC locos have a cruise control system that will keep a constant speed regarless or tight turns or inclines/down hill. Does DCC have anything like this, and if it doesnt, in general will the DCC locos somewhat hold a more constant speed on inclines than regual DC ones will, or will they both perform the same?
Also, when switching from one locomotive to the other with either of these systems how does this work with the throttle. Say you are half power on the throttle with one loco, and you want to start up another while keeping the original at its current speed. When switching to the new one, since the throttle is already at 50%, will the newly addresed loco ramp right up to that speed? Will it wait for a throttle movement?
Some DCC decoders have Back-EMF, which will work to attempt to keep the motor at a constant speed, regardless of hills. Others do not, and the loco will respond much the same as it does on DC.
As for switching from one to another - you have hit the point why I will not buy throttles with potentiometers (and why I use a DT400 with my Zephyr most of the time). When you switch from loco to loco, the speed will adjust to the throttle position. So if you are running a loco at 1/2 throttle, and then switch to one that was running at 1/4, it will accelerate to 1/2. Higher-end systems have throttles with encoders, so there is no link between the knob position and the speed. The knobs don;t have a fixed stop for off and full speed, they spin constantly. Whith an encoder throttle, you can select between multiple runnign locos and they will all maintain whatever their speed was, until you actually make a change.
Randy:
Those are among the many reasons that I am normally adamant about staying away from EZCommand, but as near as I can tell the original poster just wants to run trains around the Christmas tree.
If that's the case, EZCommand should do the job just fine.
If he is planning a layout, then I would recommend the Zephyr.
Right, the EZ should be fine for this sort of thing. I can only imagine what I would have done had something liek that been available when I was a kid, and we had out 4x8 holiday layout running. Never under the tree, we used one wall of the family room from about Thanksgiving to the end of January.
rrinker Some DCC decoders have Back-EMF, which will work to attempt to keep the motor at a constant speed, regardless of hills. Others do not, and the loco will respond much the same as it does on DC.
I don't think the OP would be able to access the BEMF function with an EZ Command. (Right??) Don't you have to be able to program CV's to do that?
Depends on the decoder. Some come defaulted on, others do not. TCS has it on by default, what you can't change without programming is turning BEMF off, or assigning it to a function key for on/off control. I use TCS as an example because other than the mentioned programming options, it's automatic and there's nothign to set (where other BEMF decoders have 3 or 4 CVs to adjust the level and effectiveness of the BEMF).