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Will Athearn DCC engines work with DC Master or EZ Command?

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  • Member since
    January 2010
  • From: Parma Ohio
  • 119 posts
Posted by Bluegill1 on Tuesday, January 10, 2012 9:44 AM

Yes.

On my EZ I run MTH, Bachmann, Athearn, Proto, BLI

 

David

  • Member since
    September 2007
  • From: Charlotte, NC
  • 6,099 posts
Posted by Phoebe Vet on Monday, January 9, 2012 8:35 AM

The short answer is:  "Yes".

That said, it will have some limitations.  The address must be between 1 and 9, and it will only access 8 functions and/or sounds.  You will not be able to alter it's functions or performance by changing CVs.  If you decide you need or just want more capability later you will have to scrap the EZ and start over.  If you choose the starter system from a higher end manufacturer you will be able to expand it later.

My particular preference is Digitrax.  You may prefer something else.  But I highly recommend a system that can be expanded later.

Dave

Lackawanna Route of the Phoebe Snow

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  • Member since
    June 2003
  • From: Northeast OH
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Posted by tstage on Monday, January 9, 2012 6:58 AM

4202EJW,

The E-Z Command will handle functions F1-F8.  For me that covers all the essential sounds any sound decoder offers.

As far as starter DCC sets, the Digitrax Zephyr Xtra and the NCE Power Cab are very good choices.  I've had my Power Cab ever since it first came out 6 years ago and have been very happy with it.

Tom

https://tstage9.wixsite.com/nyc-modeling

Time...It marches on...without ever turning around to see if anyone is even keeping in step.

  • Member since
    September 2002
  • 642 posts
Posted by RMax1 on Sunday, January 8, 2012 11:07 PM

They do work but not all the functions.  Ii have a Proto 2000 E8 AB set with sound and it worksf ine.  I have Bachmann units with DCC on board and Athearn units and all work great.  It is a simple system but mine has been great for over 2 years.  I do plan to upgrade in the near future once I get another house.

 

RMax

  • Member since
    January 2012
  • 1 posts
Will Athearn DCC engines work with DC Master or EZ Command?
Posted by 4202EJW on Sunday, January 8, 2012 5:49 PM

I just switched back to Ho from O scale and have my eye's on a nice Athearn SD70m-2..(with sound&DCC). I want to use a simple DCC system to begin with. I know Broadway limited's DC Master isn't dcc obviously but I would like something simple since I'll only be running one train. I do have Bachmann's EZ Command system but am searching around to see if it will work with the tsunami sounds and stuff..

Please post any suggestions for other low cost DCC systems...

Tags: Athearn , Bachmann

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