bachmann dcc system

[wdcrvr]

OK, I am brand new to this forum.  I have been looking thru the posts pertaining to what dcc control systems are recommended and I don't see any mention of the bachmann system.  Is there anyone out there who is using that system?  If so, would they care to tell me what they think of it?  And everyone else is welcome to put there two cents in if they have some advice on the pros and cons of that system.  I am getting ready to build a layout in my basement (HO) for my own use (and my four grandsons).  I am retired and have minimal spare change so I am trying to keep my start up costs on the low end.  I figure I will only be running two or three trains at a time, so I am looking at minimum requirements.

Thanks to all who reply.

wdcrvr

[simon1966]

Welcome to the forums.  There are 2 Bachmann DCC systems, the real basic EZ DCC and then the more sophisticated Dynamis.  Are you enquiring about a particular one?

[wdcrvr]

yes, I am asking about the basic system

 

[Hamltnblue]

The bachmann EZ DCC system is very basic and doesn't  allow you to do much.  It has an amp of power but is severly limited in functionality.  I'd recommend waiting and getting an NCE Power Cab or Digitrax Zephyr.  You'll be glad you did. 

What DCC Loco's do you have or do you plan on having?

[Bluegill1]

Bachmann's EZ Command is a great way to get introduced to DCC. I have it and use it on a small 5 x 9 layout. I have three Walk-a-Around units , with four Connector Panels around the table. I operate two trains simultainously, and occasionally three. And they all have sound. For my larger basement layout, I will look into something more robust (and cordless), but for what I have now, it's just fine. Hope this helps

[ripvanwnkl]

I echo bluegill1's comments about EZ Command.  Great way to get started in DCC with grandsons.  My grandson and I have had one for six years and are still having fun. 

[Phoebe Vet]

I bought the EZCommand, when I didn't know any better.  I knew it couldn't program anything but locomotive addresses 1 thru 9, but didn't see any reason to need more than that.  I didn't even know what a CV is.

I was wrong.  Now it lives in the same junk box with the EZ Track somewhere under the layout, and the layout is powered by Digitrax.

Check E Bay for a used Zephyr or some other system if you are looking to save money.  You will be glad you did.

[simon1966]

I have a basement layout running on Digitrax, but have just spent a few $ getting an EZ command for my son to use on his small N scale bedroom layout.  They can be purchased inexpensively, and if you grow out of if, sold on EBay for not much less than you paid for it.  Most certainly it does not have all the bells and whistles, but it will run a couple or 3 locos on a small layout without any problem.  If you really have the desire to get into more sophisticated programming of decoders, then you can either upgrade to another system, or get a stand alone program environment like a Digitrax PR3 connected to a PC.

I really don't think you can lose, if the thing costs you $50 and you use it for a year or so and sell it for $30 you are not really out of pocket!

Just be aware of what it can and can't do in case there are things that strike you as being important.

[tstage]

wdcrvr,

The Bachmann E-Z Command is a very basic DCC system with 1A[mp] of total output; enough power for 2 to 4 locomotives - i.e. depending on their current draw.  It will handle lights (F0) and eight (8) sound functions (F1-F8).  However, if you are wanting to tweak your locomotive (to make it perform more smoothly, or to operate fancy lighting functions like Mars or ditch lights), you'll need a more sophisticated DCC system to do that.

I started out with the E-Z Command, had it for an entire year, and enjoyed it for what it was.  It allowed my to try out DCC and to determine what my next DCC system would be, if I wanted to pursue it further.

I originally bought my E-Z Command for $53 (about 1/2 MSRP).  For me that price was worth considering because it allowed me to also purchase and install decoders in my two locomotives (at the time) - all of under $100.  If I would have had to pay full MSRP for an E-Z Command, I would have waited till I had more money so that I could get either a Digitrax Zephyr or NCE Power Cab.  (Both entry level but very good DCC systems.)

I eventually settled on the NCE Power Cab as my step up from the E-Z Command and have been very happy with it these past 4-1/2 years.  I later on sold my E-Z Command for $30 to Ken (cudaken) here on the forum.  So, my initial output for a DCC system was now down to $23 - well worth it in my book!

Again, wdcrvr, if you have to pay full price for an E-Z Command, I would strongly consider the Zephyr or Power Cab because you get much more bang for your buck for an additional $50.  However, if money is tight and you can find a good deal on an E-Z Command, it will handle the needs that you've described above.

Hope that helps...

Tom

[jeffrey-wimberly]

 I used an EZ-Command system for 2 years before getting my Digitrax Zephyr. I would advise getting the Zephyr. All you can do with the EZ-Command is set addresses, direction of travel and turn the lights on and off. It does 2 digit addressing only (01 - 09) unless you add a Bachmann DC throttle which will then allow you to the F10 button as an additional address (10). Normally the F10 button is used for running a DC loco.

[floridaflyer]

The EZ will fulfill your requirements for a minimum system at a mininum cost. It is limited, however it will let you operate 2-3 locos. the NCE or Zepher is a step up to more flexability but they are somewhat more expensive. As you stated cost is a factor, and using that as a guide, the EZ will get you going. As posted above you can buy on E-Bay should you wish to do so, and could sell it the same way should you decide at a later date to upgrade.

 

[Bluegill1]

Hi, I have the basic EZ Command. It's the one that came in the Bachmann Train set. I think it was called the Commander Set. Lists for like $299, but I'm sure you can buy it online in the $230 range. Came with track, a switch, two diesels, two or three cars and the EZ Command DCC system. I added other componets to make it a bit more versitile. All bought off of ebay for about 50-60% of list. As far as decorders, I've never had an engine that did not have a factory installed decoder. the Bachmann set I bought had two DCC equipped diesels in the set. , Bachmann DCC equipped engines (diesels) can be bought relatively inexpensive online using ebay. I bought a couple of them for around $19-$35 each. The box should have "DCC OnBoard" right on the front of the box. I ran those for awhile, but I really missed the modern sounds, Since Bachmann didnt offer engines with sound, I began to pick up three or four DCC / Sound equipped engines from Atlas and BLI. These generally run in the 150-200 range. For youngsters you might want to stay with the DCC on board Bachmann engines. They are ready to go right out of the box. Inexpensive too! Being new to HO, this was a good introduction for me. I'll use it as long as I have that 5 x 9 layout set up. Understand it's not going to do everything a $400 system will do. It gives you DCC control over any DCC equipped engine that you have on the track. If the time comes to look to upgrade to a more high end system, I'll just put it up on ebay and will probably recover about 60% of my original cost( I kept all the original packaging). In the meantime, it's just fine. Easy to hook up, easy to operate, I'm extremely happy with it! David (bluegill1) :

[wdcrvr]

Thanks to everyone who responded to my question about the viability of the Bachmann EZ Command system.  I appreciate all the input and now have some pondering to do.

 Thanks

[JakesTrains]

 I just bought the Bachmann's Commander Set off Ebay for $50, sans the box. We will see how it works - my first DCC as well.

[cudaken]

  I ran Tom's old E Z Command for 3 years and I was fine with it. It would run 3 engines with sound. Later I added a booster and could add as many engines as I wanted.

  As as controlling engines, the E Z is no harder to uses than a Zephyr, one of he reasons I did not go with the Zephyr.

  Far as changing CV's. If you use the Digitrax PR 3 with your computer, you will seldom uses your DCC for programing.

  Nothing wrong with a E Z and I still have mine, use it on the work bench.

            Cuda Ken

[ds137]

While many of us use the additional functions afforded by upper level DCC control systems, one thing to consider is the ease of use for your grandchildren.  My two Grandsons were 4 and 5 when I got the NCE Powercab.  Since neither of them could read and punching buttons is so much fun, most of grandpa's time was spent re-setting the controller, until I was able to get some intermediate cabs and paint on pictures of bell and horn, arrows for forward and reverse.  If your grandchildren are that young, I would reccomend the Bachmann EZ Command for a beginning set.  I feel the biggest drawback of the Bachmann system is that it is pretty much tethered to one spot on the layout.  While it does have auxiliary cabs available, they are rarely seen available used and seem to be more expensive than the EZ command control station.  Bearing this in mind, I am currently constructing a portable layout to take to Children's hospital and retirement centers and will be using the Bachmann system due to it's ease of use.  I already have a higher end system that I can do all the programming with, so once the programming is done, that unit can be used on the Bachmann system.  Another consideration with youngsters is the tendency to be accidently destructive.... rather lose a $50 Bachmann box than the $140 Power cab. You can always upgrade later as the Kiddo's get older.

Earl

[Phoebe Vet]

My 3 year old Grandson uses a UT4 throttle to run his Thomas the Tank Engine with my Digitrax system.  It is wireless, has a great big knob for speed and cannot reprogram anything.  It is also not easy for him to switch to a new loco.