I bought a Bachmann Model RR Set for my Grandson for Christmas. The only place he can set it up is the living room carpet, so the Bachmann EZ system seemed to be the way to go. After running one train an hour or so a day for two days, the DCC control unit gave off a smoke smell and died.
I have seen a couple of conversations on web sites about this unit failing, but not sure if this is a typical problem. Also wondered how Bachmann is to deal with to get the unit replaced quickly. Bought new on a RR website.
Has anyone else had this problem and have dealt with Bachmann?
Also I had a question regarding the their EZ track. We noticed after about 20 minutes of use the engine would slowdwon quickly and then resume its programmed speed periodically. I have heard that the rail joiners don't hold tight enough for DCC, and that may have been what caused the surging speed. Does anyone know an easy fix if this is the cause, that would allow the track to be taken up and relayed at various times?
Regards,
BillRR
BillRR - Welcome to Trains.com!
Darren (BLHS & CRRM Lifetime Member)
Delaware and Hudson Virtual Museum (DHVM), Railroad Adventures (RRAdventures)
My Blog
Stourbridge Lion,
Thanks, I assume this means my post was approved for "Posting".Hopefully I will get some useful responses.
Nah he just lieks to welcome new peopel tot eh forums when they post for the first time.
If you contact Bachmann they should get you back in business fairly quickly. They are usually good with repairs. You'll almost certainly have to send the unit back, but repalcement should be fairly quick.
--Randy
Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's
Visit my web site at www.readingeastpenn.com for construction updates, DCC Info, and more.
Quite a few here never try the Bachmann site with loads of info. There is a Repair and Parts page also. Go look. Forums with EZ Command users also.
http://www.bachmanntrains.com/home-usa/board/index.php
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.
Bill,
It's not typical. I had a E-Z Command for a year, sold it to another guy on the forum, who ran it for another 3 years (with an 8-amp booster). As far as I know it's still working fine - although it's not his primary system anymore.
As suggested, I'd call Bachmann and see what they can do for you.
Tom
https://tstage9.wixsite.com/nyc-modeling
Time...It marches on...without ever turning around to see if anyone is even keeping in step.
Yep, my first DCC system (EZ Command) did the same thing. Just follow the instructions that came with the unit or go to Bachmann's web site for returning it (you'll pay shipping to get it there). They returned a new one, no problems, no questions asked but it takes 3-4 weeks to get it back.
The "replacement" EZ Command ran flawlessly for several months. I sold it on eBay to buy a Digitrax Zephyr Xtra.
As far as the speed fluctuations, the track is probably dirty. Use a cloth or q-tip dampened with 70% rubbing alcohol to clean the track.
Oh, ....hope you enjoy the ride!
Inspired by Addiction
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Welcome aboard.
The Bachmann EZCommand is a very primitive system with limited capability, but I have never heard anyone complain about it being unreliable.
As you setup / take down / setup... be sure that you have not accidentally introduced a short somewhere. Things can get caught between sections of EZ Track.
I, too, suggest you contact Bachmann.
Dave
Lackawanna Route of the Phoebe Snow
PennCentral99 As far as the speed fluctuations, the track is probably dirty. Use a cloth or q-tip dampened with 70% rubbing alcohol to clean the track.
Actually, 91% isopropyl or rubbing alcohol would be even better than 70%. You, too, can pick that up at your local pharmacy.
To all that sent their suggestions - Issue Closed!
I have contacted Bachmann. They were very responsive. They indicated that I should fax in a letter stating what failed, and a copy of the original purchase invoice. They would send out a replacement and if I needed to send back the failed unit, they would state that in a note with the replacement. They estimated 3-4 weeks. I have done as they have requested.
I want to thank all those that responded to my request for help and comment. This forum is very professional and attentive to those needing help.
Best Regards,
Are there air flow slots on the bottom of the EZ Command? As I have never seen one I am just guessing on this. If not then never mind.
Ken G Price My N-Scale Layout
Digitrax Super Empire Builder Radio System. South Valley Texas Railroad. SVTRR
N-Scale out west. 1996-1998 or so! UP, SP, Missouri Pacific, C&NW.
I hope the carpet you set-up the track on wasn't the shaggy kind.
Actually if you can help it, do not install model RR track on the carpet, good way to ruin the engine as it is very close to dust, hairs ( especially if you own a pet. )
As "Lake" wrote: "Are there air flow slots on the bottom of the EZ Command?" Cause if there is and you laid it on the carpet then possibility of NO air and therefore the smoke.
Good luck on your new one when you get it.
Happy New Year
Wadda ya mean I'm old ? Just because I remember gasoline at 9 cents a gallon and those big coal burning steamers.
I have had my EZ Command for several years and it's been great. Normally when something is wrong with it, it flashes like crazy and lets you know. I have had several shorts over time and all I have done is made the correction and back to work it goes.
RMax
The primary cause of an EZ Command unit failing occurs when the plug from the track is inserted into the EZ command unit WHILE the wall plug is still connected to the power unit.
This will fry usually the unit.
This can happen easily, be careful and read the manual.
I bought Tom's old E-Z Command and only problem I have had, is I had to replaces the plug / jack that goes in to the command unit it self. That was from me hauling it around the layout.
I finally went with a Digitrax unit (SEB) and I wish it was a dependable as the E-Z. I have sent the DT 400 back 3 times for repairs. Glad I have hung onto the E-Z.
Ken
I hate Rust
Glad to hear that's still working for you, Ken.
cudaken I finally went with a Digitrax unit (SEB) and I wish it was a dependable as the E-Z. I have sent the DT 400 back 3 times for repairs. Glad I have hung onto the E-Z. Ken
I have had Digitrax for years. I have a Super Chief, 2 DT-400-Ds, 1 UT-4-D, 8 DS-64s, and a PR-3. All of them have continued to work flawlessly. I take issue with your claim that the EZ is more reliable than Digitrax.
I even aquired an old used DT100 that works perfectly fine. Can't say how the previous owner may have treated it, but once in my possession it doesn;t get dropped or tossed on a bench somewhere - my 5 or 6 year old DT400 is still in perfect condition as is my ~2 year old DT402. I have 2 Zephyrs but that's because I wasn;t in possession of my original one when I started back up on building a layotu so I just bought another one. Eventually I got the first one back and it works fine.
To date, 0 failures of ANY of my DCC stuff - no components of my system, never had a bad decoder or had one smoke after the fact. But then, I still have all my cell phones I ever purchased (which isn;t all that many, for years I had a work-provided one), and many childhood toys. I'm not a destructive person.
Pretty much with any electronics these days, if it's goign to fail it's goign to be right away. If it makes it past the first few weeks, it should last forever unless mishandled.
I feel for Ken, though. He's a big guy who really enjoys running his trains, and he has had a tough go of it, especially in the early two years or so with engine failures. I am disappointed to learn that he has had some significant problems with one or more DT400's. Mine have worked without fail for six years now, although I don't use mine to the extent that Ken probably does. Mine get maybe an hour's use, encoder-twiddling type, each week. Some weeks none at all!
Also, I don't recall reading on this forum, or the others I frequent daily, about an EZ Command going up in smoke. I always thought they were rather good. Of course, they ARE good. Just like with the odd DT400 from Digitrax, you are bound to get some failures.
Crandell
Also, I don't recall reading on this forum, or the others I frequent daily, about an EZ Command going up in smoke. I always thought they were rather good...
Just a FYI, I bought a Digital Commander E-Z Command set this Christmas also and the controller failed within a week. Mine was model #44901 (as opposed to the original poster's 44902) and my track was set up on on plywood and ran very well until there was a burning wire smell and then...nothing.
Aside from hoping Bachmann will replace mine also (I'd lose faith in them if the didn't), I am also wondering if E-Z Command and DCC in general is much more sensitive than I realize. I don't run a massive set-up (no switches, etc) just a couple of newer trains--but it seemed very easy for this controller to fail. I will be reading more about DCC here, but I wanted to post this so any others with an E-Z Controller failure will know they are not alone. Thx.
DavidCharles- Welcome to Trains.com!
RMax1 I have had my EZ Command for several years and it's been great. Normally when something is wrong with it, it flashes like crazy and lets you know. I have had several shorts over time and all I have done is made the correction and back to work it goes. RMax