On30 Bachmann engines use about .5 of an amp not including sound, the NCE I believe is powerful enough to handle your requirements. That said- digitrax and mrc would fit the bill too.
SP,
If the cost of buying a E-Z Command was $100 (MSRP, when it originally came out), then I would agree with you. However, in my case, the Power Cab had not been released yet and I wasn't entirely sure whether DCC was right for me. I only spent about half that (i.e. $53) for my E-Z Command. That allowed me $$$ left over to buy two decoders for my two locomotives. It worked well for what it did the entire year that I had it. Once the Power Cab was released, I was able to migrate to that and sell my E-Z Command to Ken. Total out of pocket cost for purchasing and trying the E-Z Command after reselling it?: $23.
What if someone bought an E-Z Command, discovered that they liked the technology, enjoyed the product - despite it's "limitations" - and was able to find a good home for it later on? (Albeit selling it to someone...or giving it to a youngster or their kids as a present so that they could also enjoy it.) Would that be wasted money? For me, it wouldn't.
What if I were to buy an NCE Power Cab or Digitrax Zephyr and discover that I just didn't like DCC after all? Would that be wasted money? Again, I could resell it to someone to recoup the cost or give it away to cut my losses but maybe it would have been less expensive if I had just gone with the E-Z Command.
I'll say it again: If getting into DCC with the E-Z Command costs you $100...then, yes - go with a more sophisticated DCC system. That would be monies better spent for the things that it can do that the E-Z Command was not designed to do. However, if you can live with it's limitations and can get it for $50 or less, then the E-Z Command can be perfectly fine for your needs.
https://tstage9.wixsite.com/nyc-modeling
Time...It marches on...without ever turning around to see if anyone is even keeping in step.
Phoebe VetAnyone who reads here regularly knows that I believe that EZCommand is not designed for serious model railroaders, but rather for perhaps the younger members who have lower expectations of their "toy trains".
You mean 3 to 5 year olds?
Ken,
To extend this logic of buying a basic, no-frills starter system to see if you "like" DCC and then moving up to a more advanced starter system to your own situation, would you recommend someone spend $ to buy a basic, low detailed Big Boy, Challenger, Y6b etc articulated steam loco to see if they like and to make sure it can handle their 18" radius curves? They could spend a few $$$ buy one, try it out, make sure it runs alright on their track before spend the extra $ to buy a PCM, BLI or Genesis Big Boy, according the logic being put forth. How come I've never seen this advice given here regarding other subject???
One of the problems with recommending someone start with a very limited system like the EZ is that it can also turn a person off of DCC because of the severe limitations it has. No ability to change CVs for light functions, no ability to change motor controls, no real walkaround, no real ability to consist.
One of the arguments is that there is a re-sale value and market to an EZ system. If that's is true (which I doubt) then should there also be value (and a larger market) to the slightly used Digi or NCE stater system that the person who tried, and didn't like, DCC would want to sell.
IMO, the advice of buying an EZ so you could try DCC and if you like DCC to spend even more $ to buy a 'real' system is bad advice. If someone's MRR budget is sooo tight that difference between the EZ and Zephyr or NCE PC is too much then they don't have the money waste on buying the EZ. It reminds of the radio commercial that takes about how someone on a tight budget can't afford NOT to buy quality goods. Buying cheap stuff just translates into spending more money.
Big thanks again guys, that double-heading issue clinches it, I'll skip the B'mann and save for the NCE starter sytem, its not that much more cost wise and sounds like it has alot more abilities.
I doez like them double-headers
Have fun with your trains
Driline Barfman...$50
Barfman...$50
Anyone who reads here regularly knows that I believe that EZCommand is not designed for serious model railroaders, but rather for perhaps the younger members who have lower expectations of their "toy trains".
That said, I believe that we can have this debate in an adult manner.
Dave
Lackawanna Route of the Phoebe Snow
vsmithThanks guys, thats given me a lot to consider, I have seen the NCE starter system also, its cheif attraction is the 2 amp power supply, now comes the critical question...given my grades I want tihe ability to double head trains up the grade, any chance of using the EZ Command to double head at the same speed? NCE? anyone?
Victor,
The NCE Power Cab can do consisting or double-heading very easily. The menu on the LCD walks you right through it. The Power Cab (and other advanced DCC systems) also has the ability to speedmatch your locomotives so that they run together better.
The only type of consisting the E-Z Command will do is "brute force" consisting. Essentially, you just assign both locomotives to the same address. If the two locomotives are already closely matched in running ability then this would work fine. However, if one is somewhat faster or slower than the other, they'll be fighting one another around the layout. Obviously, this is where a more advanced DCC system would be preferable.
If none can double head I'll stick with straight DC for the time being, I also really need the walkaround ability as the way my layout will be set up requires that ability, I can do that using a Crest Basic Train engineer on straight DC, so what are my options here?
Both the E-Z Command and NCE Power Cab are "tethered" units. As Frank pointed out, the Power Cab would allow you greater freedom because you can add longer 6-connector RG12 cables to it to give you the length you need. However, because the Power Cab is the command station, booster, and throttle rolled-up-into-one, you can not unplug it from your PCP panel without shutting down your layout.
One solution to that is NCE's Smarrt Booster (SB3). It's basically a 3A booster/command station that increases the Power Cab's maximum output from 1.7A to 3A. When the Power Cab is plugged into the SB3 (or a UTP panel that is hooked up to the SB3), the command station portion of the Power Cab is bypassed and it automatically becomes a Pro Cab throttle. This will allow you to plug and unplug your Power Cab into any UTP panels that you have around your layout*.
*NOTE: NCE is currently revising/updating their Smart Boosters so they are temporarily unavailable. The update will allow the Smart Booster to work properly with reversing and/or shorting detection modules.
UTP panels can be easily daisy-chained to one another from the backside of the panels via any 4-connector RJ12 cable. However, you'll still need to retain the Power Cab's PCP panel. This is for two reasons:
Hope that helps, Victor...
cudakenSo, should a new person start with PCM?
No, but NCE Powercab or Zephyr YES!
NCE Powercab $129 (Sale)
If the $79 difference between barfman and the NCE Powercab is a make or break number for you in this hobby, then maybe rubber band collecting might be more up your "affordable" alley.
Far as everyone that had a E-Z has moved on is true. But, I started with Athearn BB engines, then moved up to BLI, PCM and Protos. So, should a new person start with PCM?
vsmith EZ Command to double head at the same speed
The E-Z will have the power for two engines, but you cannot speed match them. Not being able to play with CV's is it weak point. But you cannot not speed match DC engines either! You could change both engines to the same address, takes 2 minutes if that.
Cuda Ken
I hate Rust
vsmith...Also can switches be operated by it? (can go traditional powered or manual at this point)...
vsmithgiven my grades I want tihe ability to double head trains up the grade,
If by double head you mean a "consist" then yes NCE does that easily. I don't think barfman can do that.
The NCE starter system is a "tethered" system, meaning you can't plug and unplug the thing in different sockets around the layout. It's still considered a "walk around" controller though unlike the Digitrax "Zephyr" starter system which has a cool looking transformer, but its not movable.
You CAN however extend the cord on the NCE system to 12' or 16' or whatever to accommodate the need to walk further than the 7' cord included with the set. Thats how I use mine. Later when you upgrade the NCE system you can still keep the original controller and then plug and unplug to your hearts content around the layout.
The one nice thing about the NCE powercab is that the display on the LCD screen is very easy and simple to operate unlike some other systems. No need to look up special codes or numbers to change things.
Thanks guys, thats given me a lot to consider, I have seen the NCE starter system also, its cheif attraction is the 2 amp power supply, now comes the critical question...given my grades I want tihe ability to double head trains up the grade, any chance of using the EZ Command to double head at the same speed? NCE? anyone?
StevertNotice that everyone who has actually owned an EZ-Command and has posted in this thread so far, even the ones who say how "wonderful" it is, have moved on to using something else to actually control their layout. That kinda tells you something right there...Steve
Steve
You're right, Steve. For those in the "wonderful" category, it tells me the following:
For me - it met all those criteria. Therefore, I see that as a success.
Tom
Stevert Notice that everyone who has actually owned an EZ-Command and has posted in this thread so far, even the ones who say how "wonderful" it is, have moved on to using something else to actually control their layout. That kinda tells you something right there... Steve
Notice that everyone who has actually owned an EZ-Command and has posted in this thread so far, even the ones who say how "wonderful" it is, have moved on to using something else to actually control their layout. That kinda tells you something right there...
Steve makes an excellent point. Everyone who has said this a good system have also moved on to a different (which all so infers 'better') system.
In a nutshell, the answer to your questions is NO.
For the money you might be able to find a new Bachmann EZ DCC system on Ebay for $30-45 dollars delivered. Its a good way to get you feet wet and if you want run just a couple of trains, its fine. MRC (the company that has made train transformers for 50 + years) has good starter systems too, you can find a Prodigy Express for $125 and Prodigy Advanced 2 for low to mid $200 range on line. And for all the negative talk people give MRC they are easy to use and have all the functions minus the computer interface JMRI.
I have seen Digitrax and it works great but you need to have the manual at hand as its abit more complex and besides the Zephyr beginner system the buttons on the handhelds are tiny. NCE is OK in my "humble" opinion no different than MRC except its more pricey once you get beyond their begginer set. MRC decoders are problematic but besides that they are fine.
Getting back to your main question....EZ is an easy and very inexpensive way to get you feet wet. Its the proverbal Coke vs. Pepsi; Ford vs. GM debate. Its not whats best its whats best for you.
And I still have my old Klunk, the Super Empire Builder from Digitrax, after three years. I did start with the EZ-Command, and my wake-up came as I was reading the instructions on how to use it. I had relied on my LHS owner for advice (silly me...), and it was his recommendation...he had just received a shipment of maybe four of them.
I feel a bit awkward continually posting negative thoughts about the EZ-Command, but the system was a poor idea whose only redeeming feature was an attractive price. It is technically sound and reliable, but it is weak in power output for all but a very basic new beginner who hasn't thought about future needs, and who also hasn't taken the time to learn of its serious limitations in terms of programming decoders...like I did....or didn't, rather.
-Crandell
Noted
My hobby store has an NCE Powercab starter unit on sale for $129. For that price why would you waste your time and money on an EZ-command?
I had no problem with Tom's old E-Z command for 3 years, still works fine on the work bench. I ran 3 BLI sound engines with it's 1 amp power supply but it was at its limits. 2 sound engines was no problem.
Great way to get started in DCC.
I bought an EZCommand because it was cheap and I knew almost nothing about DCC.
It took me just a couple of months to realize it was a mistake. It now resides in a box of assorted railroad junk under the layout somewhere. I have a Digitrax Super Chief now.
I recommend a starter system from one of the better manufacturers. There are several good ones, obviously my personal preference is Digitrax. The better systems can grow with you as you discover all the things of which DCC is capable that you never knew you needed before. EZCommand can not.
vsmith and I am considering being seduced by by the Dark Side, namely DCC.
My layout will feature 2 loops, an passing siding on the mainline connecting the 2 loops where two trains will wait and pass each other,
the lack of all that block control wiring is also very VERY tempting. I am mostly interested at avoiding all the complex wiring associated with traditional control.
So you wizards of digital model railroading, for $50-$75, is this a worthwhile dipping of my feet into the "future" of model railroading?
I find $100 of today's valueless dollar, to gain that huge operational benefit a pitance. I am on my 5th command control system (CTC-16, PMP-112, Railcommand (the best one), MRC DCC, LENZ DCC). I have not regretted spending any of the money or a minute of it. Note that I am a DC expert, so I don't have the phobia of all those wires, soldering, or figuring out complex multiple reversing loop situations - it is easy for me. Even at that I really do not miss DC, especially when I end up trying to explain the DC wiring to other people who insist on using it.
Can you really go wrong with a simple and cheap system? No - if you try it and like it, then it is only $150 to move up to a Zephyr (I have one of those too), an NCE power cab, or other full featured starter system. Less if you sell the old system (something I am not good at) to recoup some of the money.
vsmithSo you wizards of digital model railroading, for $50-$75, is this a worthwhile dipping of my feet into the "future" of model railroading? You tell me....
To be as succinct as possible...yes! The E-Z Command is:
Turnout control - I believe the E-Z Command can control turnouts and that it's done through the I/O connector on the backside. However, since it only has 1-amp of maximum output, I would encourage you to think about perhaps powering your turnouts via an old power pack so as not to draw on the already limited power of your E-Z Command.
Sound control - Victor, I assume you are asking can the E-Z Command control or play sounds? Yes, you can play sounds F1-F8 with the E-Z Command. The 10 address buttons serve double-duty in this respect when used in conjunction with the function button. The design works well. While the sounds are playable on the E-Z Command, they are NOT "alterable" - i.e. the CVs that control F1 thru F8 can NOT be changed. You would need a more sophisticated DCC system for that.
Motor control - I ran as many as three HO-scale locomotives with my E-Z Command; one with sound, two non-sound.
Victor, I started out with the E-Z Command as my very first DCC system for the same reasons you are contemplating it - i.e. price and wiring ease. I originally bought mine for $53. After buying and installing decoders into the two locomotives that I had at the time, I had a working DCC system and layout for just under $100. Not too shabby! Albeit limited, the E-Z Command served my quite well for a year I had it, before I moved on to my NCE Power Cab.
So, if you want a simple, basic, no-frills DCC system and can get it for ~$50, the E-Z Command is a great way to get your "feet wet". I even sold mine to Cuda Ken for $30 and he used it for another 3 years. So, essentially, the E-Z Command "experiment" only cost me $23. I have no complaints with the money spent and have never looked back.
Hope that's a help...
I am a dyed in the wool luddite model railroader, IOWs a straight DC track powered operation, however my next layout will be On30 on a 4x6 layout, almost all Bachmann rolling stock, and I am considering being seduced by by the Dark Side, namely DCC. My layout will feature 2 loops, an passing siding on the mainline connecting the 2 loops where two trains will wait and pass each other, and a small yard area so maybe 3 train total operation. I am interested in Bachmann's EZ Command system, mostly because its extremely affordable to me, and I can get stuff from Bachmann already chipped and ready to run, which would be alot easier for someone who thinks soldering irons are the devils tools. So I want to know from those who have used it...
1. How reliable is it?
2. How easy is it to program?
3. How easy is it to operate?
4. Is there a walkaround tether or wireless capability?
Also can switches be operated by it? (can go traditional powered or manual at this point)
Sound control? (not planning for any sound at this time but future?) or is it too basic for that.
Considering I can get the controller package on Evilbay for as low as $85, thats very VERY tempting and the lack of all that block control wiring is also very VERY tempting. I am mostly interested at avoiding all the complex wiring associated with traditional control.
So you wizards of digital model railroading, for $85-$100, is this a worthwhile dipping of my feet into the "future" of model railroading? You tell me....