tungvt Hi Randy I am a beginner and using the Bachmann E-Z track. I am not sure how Digitrack can connect to the E-Z track system? Wiring by hand or with jack ?
Hi Randy
I am a beginner and using the Bachmann E-Z track. I am not sure how Digitrack can connect to the E-Z track system? Wiring by hand or with jack ?
You can see all that at the Bachmann web site very clearly. I watch the site and forums a lot. They have diagrams and parts page.
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.
E-Z Track has terminal sections that have a plug with wires. I had a test track with it. Just hook the wires to the track output of the DCC system and plug the plug into the terminal section.
--Randy
Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's
Visit my web site at www.readingeastpenn.com for construction updates, DCC Info, and more.
Hello all,
tstageSo, $200 for DCC system and 5A booster that you're happy with? Enjoy it for as long as you can.
Thank you!
"Uhh...I didn’t know it was 'impossible' I just made it work...sorry"
jj,
Some folks questioned why I initially purchased the E-Z Command. I did it because I could get into and try DCC for a 1/3 of the cost and I made the most of it for the year that I had it. When the Power Cab came out I migrated to that because I had more money to spend that I didn't have when I purchased the E-Z Command the year before. I then sold the E-Z command to someone on the forum and recouped some of the $$$ I paid for it.
So, $200 for DCC system and 5A booster that you're happy with? Enjoy it for as long as you can.
Tom
https://tstage9.wixsite.com/nyc-modeling
Time...It marches on...without ever turning around to see if anyone is even keeping in step.
Some great points have been discussed.
As a Bachmann Dynamis user on a 4'x8' pike I am satisfied with my decision.
I am a Lone Wolf modeler with no connections to clubs or other layouts. This is important because I don't have to worry about compatibility of my DCC control system to others or learning the "logic" of other DCC systems.
Because the Dynamis is Infra Red communication (IR) the controller needs to be within the line of sight with the receiver.
This is no problem for me as I mounted the receiver above the pike on the wall. The pike is a walk-around on three sides so the controller can always communicate with the receiver.
I also purchased the 5a booster. This allows me to run more than one receiver and up to 4 controllers. I only use one controller and one receiver.
At 5a this gives me plenty of power to run a 4-unit consist on the mainline while simultaneously running a 3-unit consist on the coal unloading platform, a cow & calf consist for making up trains and a 45- and 70-ton switchers.
When adding the 5a booster to the system the programming track function is lost. However...I came up with a work around and Franken-built a cable that now allows a programming track; which is supported by the booster and controller.
For many this issue of losing the programming track is a deal breaker and they look toward other DCC systems.
The controller itself feels more like a video game controller than a traditional throttle. It uses AAA batteries.
The batteries last about 12- to 18-hours of continuous use. I bought several sets of rechargeable batteries and simply cycle through them as needed.
Finally, yes this is a dead-end system which is no longer manufactured. This is a plus and a minus.
On the plus side I purchased the entire system for less than $200.00 on eBay. The controller and receiver were NIB and the booster was "slightly used" and came with the warranty card in the original packaging.
On the minus side this is a good as it will get. Yes, I can add another booster, but why on a 4'x8' pike this is all the power I need. I can add more controllers; which I am considering, but with one unit I can control multiple consists and single engines.
And, it is no longer manufactured. For now, it is still supported but I don't know how long Bachmann will be able to provide support for this system.
The controller supports programming on the main, a programming track (see explanation above) and DCC turnout control, along with simple and advanced consisting (depending on the decoder(s) used).
I use Bachmann, TCS and Digitrax decoders with no compatibility issues.
A separate programming track using JMRI and a Digitrax PR3 linked to my Mac gives me even more programming options.
Many will deride my choice.
how long will this system last, who knows?
But for me it works and works well.
I hope this helps.
I think the consensus is a clear No to the Bachmann system. I use an NCE Powercab.
Joe Staten Island West
Something to keep in mind, the numbers shown for DCC systems in comparisons for "recall" and similar terms have absolutely NO bearing on how many locos yoou cna own. They are not and do not need to be all stored in the DCC system simulataneously. The more important number is how many the system can run at a time, and this too is not related to the 'recall stack'.
For example, I have the original Digitraz Zephyr. Its limit is 12 simulataneous locos. I have more than 3x that number of locos. It also indeed runs 12 at the same time - which I did, for a minute, on my old 8x12 layout - it took a lot of hand juggling and that was just 12 locos, no cars behind any ooof them. 2 at a time is a more reasonable number, on circultating while switching with another.
You can;t go wrong with either NCE or Digitrax. The Dynamis is discontnued, and it was an overpriced feature-reduced version of ESU's starter set. Mostly an evolutionary dead end at this point. Digitrax and NCE both allow you to completely upgrade without throwing out major parts of the previous level, and Digitrax especially has been doing this since their first DCC systems (in the beginning, NCE pretty much only had one system, the top of the line one).
Hi Trainboy440:
Welcome to the forums!!!
I would strongly recommend the NCE Power Cab over the Bachmann system if only for the reason that the Bachmann system has been discontinued. By discontinuing the 36505 system Bachmann themselves have clearly stated that there are better ways to do it.
I have an NCE Power Cab and I am very happy with it. My club uses Digitrax and I hate the throttles. The reason is that when I look at my Power Cab I can clearly see what each button does and the display is easy to read. When I look at a Digitrax throttle all I see is a bunch of identical buttons and a very poor quality display. Digitrax does have some advanced options, but on a 4' x 8' layout those functions are hardly necessary.
Dave
I'm just a dude with a bad back having a lot of fun with model trains, and finally building a layout!
Sorry for not clearing that up, I will probably only run two trains at once. And have a few in the engine shop. And to anyone replying to this is should know, I have changed my plans a bit, I now plan on modelling the Nevada Northern railway in Ely Nevada, Now this brings up another question kIknow many of you guys will ask. How do model that in such a small area? Well I will only be doing part of it.
First I would Google, Bachmann 36505 wireless reviews. You will see quite a lot of pros and cons. Some experience issues with the wireless infra red.
I have the NCE Power Cab and can control three sound locos. You can do wireless also. Check the NCE site. Manuals are there also.
Google NCE power cab reviews.
I run some Bachmann and Athearn steamers and a couple diesels. You can get a NCE booster add on for the Power Cab. Smart booster (SB3a. You can connect with JMRI for easier programming.
I doubt you would run four locos at a time on a 4 x 8 layout if you are the only operator.. Maybe two or three and one idling on a siding.You can easily add a second cab.
A couple of years ago I was reading a thread in the MRH forums about the Tam Valley booster for about $45.00. You might check the booster out. Some were using the booster. Maybe it would work for you.
Dynamis and its add-on Dynamis Pro Box were discontinued more than a year ago. Altought still available, expect their how-to-use support to be iffy from Bachmann Philadelphia, PA. The Dynamis plus Pro Box replacement Dynamis Ultima is sold by Bachmann Europe Plc but is not being offered by Bachmann USA.
Suggest you focus on NCE Power Cab and Digitrax Zephyr Xtra.
RR Baron
As has been mentioned get either a NCE or Digitrax system. Both are quality products and will give you plenty of power. As has been mentioned, controlling four locos at the same time is quite a trick. Having four locos on the layout and running one, maybe two at the most,(with one orbiting on a continuous loop), is more doable.
I have to ask the stupid question. How do you plan to control 4 locomotives/trains at once on a 4x8 layout? I would like to believe that you are saying that are 4 locomotives on the layout at once, but only 1 or 2 will be operating at the same time. Or that you have more than one person trying to operate said 4 trains.
No matter what control system you are using, trying to juggle more than one train running at the same time with a single controller, especially in a confined area, is asking for a wreck. I'm sure a better video game player than me could do it more effectively, but that's a pretty good analogy - spending your time switching back and forth between locomotives and throwing turnouts.
just my thoughts Fred W
a one train at a time kind of guy; I leave multi-tasking to the wife.
Personally, I'd choose either NCE or Digitrax for a DCC starter system. I use and prefer the Power Cab because I find it very intuitive to program and operate but the Zephyr/Zephyr Xtra is equally a fine unit and has some real pluses.
I used a Bachmann "non-Dynamis" E-Z Command when I first got into DCC and paid only $53 for it. I enjoyed it for the year I used it but I happily migrated to the Power Cab when it first came out in 2006(?). I think Dynamis came out 2-3 years later.
Bachmann's DCC upgrade path tends to be way overpriced - e.g. $429 (MSRP) for a 5-amp power booster. I bought the NCE Smart Booster & wall transformer for my Power Cab for less than 1/2 that cost.
Is Bachmann even making the Dynamis anymore? I think they are pouring their energies into their Bluetooth control system at uses a smartphone as the controller. Not my thing but some people are excited about it.
I was wondering if the Bachmann 36505 wireless E-Z command dynamis DCC controller is worth the cost. I have heard that the NCE Power Cab DCC control system is better than the digitrax. I am planning on a small 4x8 layout. The only reason I want DCC is so I can control more than one locomotive and to have sound more available to me. I am also looking for the simplest to wire and relatively easy to program. I probably won't operate more than 4 trains at once. I am also trying to model a small mining operation with 4-4-0s (I can not afford Shays,Climaxes,Porters and Heislers), and some wooden ore cars. For this small of a layout is a big DCC controller even needed? Any help is welcome.