Good DCC Controller

[anoles22]

Hey guys. I am about to upgrade my power supply from a Spectrum Magnum to something with DCC capabilities. I'm thinking about getting the Bachmann EZ Command controller, but I'm not sure if it will put out enough amps for my 5x9 HO layout. I only have about $100-$150 to spend, and it needs to power 2 mainlines on a 5x9 layout. What do you guys think?

[jeffrey-wimberly]

I used an EZ-Command on a layout that was roughly 8x10 and it worked well enough. Don't expect to run more than three non-sound locos at once. The EZ-Command is very limited on capabilities. You can set the locos address (01-09. Address 10 is reserved for analog (DC) operation), direction and turn the lights on and off and dim the lights if the loco is equipped to do so on F1. With a sound loco you can control sound functions 1 - 8 if I'm not mistaken. You cannot changes CV's.

[tstage]

As Jeff outlined, the E-Z Command would work just fine for you.  Are your current locomotives DC?  Or, are they already DCC-equipped?

If you do decide on the E-Z Command, I wouldn't spend more than $50 for one.  It does what it does - albeit limited.  For the cost of what you generally find the new E-Z Command ($100-$120 MSRP), it would be better worth your time and money to invest in either a NCE Power Cab or Digitrax Zephyr Xtra.  These can be had for $150-$160, discounted, and are much more expandable and upgradable.

Tom

[anoles22]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qkU7lpS4THA&feature=plcp

 

Above is a link to my current HO layout. I took out the middle-most circle to keep it at 2 mainlines with 22" curves on both. I'm posting that so you can see the size of the layout that I'm working with. You guys are telling me that the Digitrax Zephyr is the one I need to get (based on my budget). What makes it superior to the Bachmann EZ Command? I'm very new to the whole DCC controller era.

Also, only one of my 3 current engines is DCC. The other two are standard (DC?). I am only going to run two engines on the track at a time, but I plan on expanding the layout to allow 3 engines at once in the next year or so. I will be getting all DCC/DCC and sound engines from here on out.

Once again, let me thank you all in advancefor all advice that you give me. It's appreciated more than you know. :)

[skagitrailbird]

As others have said the EZ Command can work for you.  But I think you would be MUCH happier with either the Digitrax or NCE starter sets.  Personnaly I prefer NCE. There are PowerCab systems on eBay for slightly less than $150.  These will do much more than the EX command will do and are expandable if and when you want to upgrade.

One caveat:  NCE does not support running DC locomotives.  Any loco running on an NCE system must have a decoder properly installed.  But there are many fine non-sound decoders out there in the $15 to $30 range.  My preference are those from TCS or NCE but Digitrax decoders are OK, too.  I would avoid MRC decoders.

Good luck!

[anoles22]

I have seen a few videos on the Digitrax Zephyr, but I don't see a way to connect it to my EZ track layout. I have the EZ track terminal tracks. Can it attach to them?

[rrinker]

 Yes, you cut the plug off the power end, just like you'd do if you used a power pack other than Bachmann's. I get that they try to make it easy, since having a strand of wire sneak out of a screw terminal is a common short circuit that beginners experience, but really. Actually, my first test rack loop I set up with my Zephyr used Bachmann track, out of a Hogwart's set, and the connector for power was bare wires at one end with the EZ Track connector at the other - the power pack that came with that set still just had screw terminals.

             --Randy

 

[Stevert]

anoles22

I have seen a few videos on the Digitrax Zephyr, but I don't see a way to connect it to my EZ track layout. I have the EZ track terminal tracks. Can it attach to them?

I didn't watch your entire video, but it looks like you have a DC power pack connected to your EZ Track terminal tracks.  You'd simply remove the DC power pack and connect the wires to the Zephyr's track outputs instead.  Do NOT keep them both connected at the same time, it's way too easy to fry one of them (probably the Zephyr).

I'd also suggest multiple terminal tracks, at least two per loop (one each near side and far side).  DCC is more susceptible to poor/intermittent power feeds, and unless you solder your rail joints, sectional track just makes that worse...

anoles22

You guys are telling me that the Digitrax Zephyr is the one I need to get (based on my budget). What makes it superior to the Bachmann EZ Command?

Wow, where do I start?  That's kind of like asking what makes a BMW better than a Yugo.  The Zephyr has more power, can control more locos simultaneously, handles decoder addressing better, access to more decoder functions, infinitely more expandable,  etc.

[fisker76]

Can't go wrong with the NCE Corp. Power Cab. I use one for all my programming and a small test track wich can have up to 10 DCC sound decoders on it at one time. 

Buy it here: http://www.tonystrains.com/products/nce_ssets.htm

[basementdweller]

I agree with what others have said about the better flexability with the Digitrax Zephyer Xtra over the Bachmann system, the Bachmann DCC has low power and is very limited.

Here is a link for Digitrax Zephyer Xtra for $175. A little higher than your budget but worth the extra $$$ if you can manage it. Shop around and you may find it lower still, be sure to get the Xtra model and not the basic Zephyer as it has upgraded software and features.

http://www.dcctrain.com/shop/item.aspx?itemid=188

 

[alexstan]

http://www.modeltrainstuff.com/NCE-Power-Cab-Complete-DCC-Starter-Set-w-Power-p/nce-524025.htm Go the PowerCab if you can afford it, by far the best starter system out there IMO.