Bachmann EZ Command

[NYCentral1]

I just got my Bachmann EZ command DCC system yesterday, and it is a very good and easy to use system. The system is small enough you can use it as a handheld, and it is no problem to get some engines up and running.

But, the system only comes with a 1 amp pw supply, and bachmann only recommends running 2 engines at a time, but the system can run 9 DCC engines.

So what do you do to add to the power? I haven't seen any larger power supplies offered, so I don't know what they expect you to do.

[Anonymous]

I was gonna ask you how you liked that unit. Good price and even comes with a loco in some packages. So now I know what I think I will be getting. As for the power. I have heard people using transformers to power up their layouts. Like if they have a turn table and round house setup or something that requires separate and decent power. As for what kind......I haven't gotten that far yet. I will let you know if I do! Good luck!

[tstage]

NYCentral1,

Someone correct me if I'm wrong but...from what I understand, I'm not sure there is ANYTHING you can do about expanding the EZ or increasing the power. That's the price you pay. It is what it is: limited.

Tom

[NYCentral1]

Well, if that is the truth, why did they bother setting the system up to run 9 DCC locos and one DC engine?

[rrinker]

In case you own more than one?

But seriously, it's set up to store the addresses of 9, plus operate 1 analog loco. Not run 10 at a time. You only have control over one at a time, or I guess two, there's a way to hook up a DC power pack like the Zephyr Jump Ports too. Other DCC systems don't have a button for each loco - you simply enter the decoder address, which usually is going to be set up (unless you are truly crazy) as the cab number of the loco, or the last two digits of the cab number. Those systems can 'run' 9000 locos, obviously NOT all at the same time.
I wonder what addresses the bachmann system programs in when you assign a loco to the button - does it go 1,2,3... or does it use some other numbering scheme? I'm kind of thinking it's 1-2-3 because the instructions mentioning pressing button 3 to run a brand new loco, and decoder default addresses are always 3.

--Randy

[NYCentral1]

Do you think in the future they may offer a larger pw supply sometime?

I think they will end up expanding this product line, so maybe we'll see more stuff in the future...

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by tstage

NYCentral1,

Someone correct me if I'm wrong but...from what I understand, I'm not sure there is ANYTHING you can do about expanding the EZ or increasing the power. That's the price you pay. It is what it is: limited.

NYCentral1, and Tom -
I have seen on t he Bachmann forum (http://www.bachmanntrains.com/home-usa/index.html, click 'Ask the Bach-man")
that thery plan to release several accessories this year, including power boosters., and additional throttles. The EZ-Command has an I/O port through which it will communicate with these other devices. I have heard Lenz made this system for Bachmann. Perhaps the I/O port uses the same bus as Lenz?

Ghostbear29 -
I hope someone more expereienced will chime in, but let me start things by noting that poweer for accessories is separate from that for locos, though many power pac/controllers provide terminals for accessory power. The EZ-Command does not do this. I will need a separate supply for my remote swithces. For now we switch them manually.

regards,
Scott.

[TurboOne]

QUOTE: Originally posted by NYCentral1

I just got my Bachmann EZ command DCC system yesterday, and it is a very good and easy to use system. The system is small enough you can use it as a handheld, and it is no problem to get some engines up and running.

But, the system only comes with a 1 amp pw supply, and bachmann only recommends running 2 engines at a time, but the system can run 9 DCC engines.

So what do you do to add to the power? I haven't seen any larger power supplies offered, so I don't know what they expect you to do.

Hi NYC1, I got mine about 3 weeks ago. It is so easy to set up its scary. The add on will take one of bachmanns little power supplies as an add on right now. Analog that is. There are future expansions of bigger p/s coming, but I don't believe it til I see it. I got mine with the loco for $85, so I thought it was worth the shot. Saw the locos at train store for around $40, so @ $45 for DCC I'll try it. Only have one DCC loco, so far, wanted sound and more, and they are not cheap. But I like the simplified wiring, and the options to build multi train consists. It will be expandable down the road, and if it doesn't work out, I learned a lot. I like mine. It is not able to handle some programming, let the big boys program the loco, and then it will run it. That is the limited part. Video that came with it was cool, but didn't explain a lot. Neither does their website, they need to add DCC and explain it better. Good luck, let us know how YOU like it.

Tim

[NYCentral1]

Well, i figure that for the price, the system is very good, and it gives me the chance to try out and learn about DCC on my little double loop rr.

As I add engines and begin to build my perm. layout, if Bachmann has expanded this enough I'll add on to it and keep it. If not, then I would have still gotten to try it out and have gotten the chance to use sound and other neat features in my layouts infancy.

Then I'll just move up to a more expensive and better Digitrax system or something else.

[RMax1]

I run a Proto 2000 E8/9 AB set and the Bachmann GP40 at the same time on my Bachmann EZ DCC. All 3 are moving at the same time with lights. The E8 AB are both powered, I haven't tried 4 locos at the same time but there has been no problem with 3. I run the E8 set with 8 cars on the main line and use the GP40 to move to 2 sidings across the mainline. I haven't completely set my layout up yet and it is still in blocks at some places.

RMax

[Anonymous]

The socket on the back is supposedly compatible with Lenz DCC equipment - it's to their X-Bus protocol. Have read this in a couple of magazines over here, though I've not seen anyone using it alongside Lenz controls. Having said that, if you attached this to a Lenz system as a throttle, you'd still only be able to drive locos addressed 1-9 surely? Alternatively, what would happen if you plugged one of the Roco "Lok-Maus" handheld throttles (also Lenz-compatible) into it? These can run locos addressed 1-99, so would they still be able to or would they be stuck with the 1-9 of the Bachmann base unit? Just curious!

[NYCentral1]

I went on that "Ask the Bach-man" are also and in a post about EZ command switch control I found this:

Dear All,
We will release both a switch and accessory controller and switch decoders this year, as well as the 5 amp booster, EZ Companion, and locomotive decoders.
Have fun!
--The Bach-Man

[TurboOne]

QUOTE: Originally posted by NYCentral1

I went on that "Ask the Bach-man" are also and in a post about EZ command switch control I found this:

Dear All,
We will release both a switch and accessory controller and switch decoders this year, as well as the 5 amp booster, EZ Companion, and locomotive decoders.
Have fun!
--The Bach-Man

You sure got a quick reply. Hopefully the system will grow with us. Keep me informed either here or direct email as to your progress. Have a great day.

Tim

[tstage]

NYCentral1,

Thanks for checking in to that! I think you have the right attitude about your system. For the price, it's a good and somewhat inexpensive introduction into the DCC world - even if Bachmann weren't going to do all that they mentioned in the e-mail. That's good to know though.

I had mused over just picking up the EZ system around Christmas for just the above-mentioned reason. If Bachmann does come out with what they propose in the next 6 months or so, I may have to strongly consider their simple system for my 4 x 8' layout. Thanks again for looking in to that NYCentral1! [:)]

Tom

[SP4449]

QUOTE: Originally posted by NYCentral1

But, the system only comes with a 1 amp pw supply, and bachmann only recommends running 2 engines at a time, but the system can run 9 DCC engines.

I have the EZ Command and tried running more than one loco on a large loop of track to test the various methods of control. I had three running, each on a seperate address, and in a matter of seconds, the situation got out of control due to confusion as to which loco address button was controlling which loco. The emergency stop button allowed a breather and time to change direction of the locos. It would be difficult to imagine 9 engines running at once, each in a seperate part of the layout, each going a different speed and direction, all under the control of a single person, using a single controller.

As has been mentioned before, DCC allows ease of layout wiring and operations near prototypical where each loco is under the control of an individual, each with his own controller, is able to enter the space of another loco without worrying about whether the block controls are set properly and the throttle in control of that block is set for the same speed and direction as the loco entering the block. For a single operator, controlling more than one loco at a time can become a hair raising experience not to speak of destructive.

Bachmann did well with the EZ Command for entry level experimentation. Each button on the controller has a "canned address" that is assigned to and programmed into the decoder in the locomotive currently on the layout. That address can be changed to another by pressing another button while in the programming mode, but be aware that all locos with decoders sitting on the layout, will be assigned the same address and will respond unpredictably when that button is pressed in the run mode. The "operators manual" just casually mentions that only the loco intended for each address should be on the layout when doing the programming. Once the programming is done, the other locos can be returned to the layout and operation begin by pressing the appropriate button.

In fact the multi-unit (MU) feature utilizes the fact that all decoders will be programmed to a single button if on the layout. From experience, some thought has to be put into doing this because the direction the loco runs does not change when reprogrammed from one address button to another so if it is added to a multi-unit locomotive and was not running the same direction as the others, it will still be running the wrong direction afterwards. Lifting it off and rotating it 180 degrees rectifies that situation but is makes for some interesting wheel grinding at first. MU is a fun feature and makes a simple, inexpensive DCC system just like the big boys.

Bachmann is expanding their offerings this year. Already there is a bigger selection of engines. In addition to the EZ ready GP40 and GP50, there are FT-A units of various road names. Again, from experience, any decoder can be installed in any locomotive and be safely operated using the Bachmann system. As was mentioned earlier, you are not limited to just the Bachmann decoder equiped locos.

[Kato Joe]

I Have the Bachman EZ Command and the companion contoller.   I have also had the problem of all locos on the main being reset to the new address [ consisting ]  Also to break up a consist, one engine must be isolated from the other.  I have no seperate blocks to span, so I must remove 1 loco from the rails to break up a consist.  My walk around companion, has a problem with the EMERGENCY STOP, it must be held or the trains will resume their collision corse. Now that I've got that out. The good thing is I have a 36" X 80" layout, with 4 independant loops of N Gage road.  and can run 4 seperate trains [ atlas B-30-7's W/factory DCC] with 4 to 8 cars each. with NO problems.  there seems to be plenty of power available, because adding the 4th train does not affect the speed of the other 3.  For me EZ Command has been a good introduction to dcc.  

[galaxy]

Uh, Unless I am missing something you CAN get a 5 amp EZ Command booster for the EZ Command. That will expand the number of locos you can run with the system. The basic system itself will run at least 3 locos itself. Add the booster and you can run more locos.

The EZ COmmand 5 amp booster can be available here:

Wholesale Trains, Model Train, RC Helicopter, RC Airplane, RC Boat, Garden Railroad, Park Flyer, Parts, Services

 

To run a DC loco inaddition they recommend this DC controller designed to plug-n-play into the EZ Command controller;Wholesale Trains, Model Train, RC Helicopter, RC Airplane, RC Boat, Garden Railroad, Park Flyer, Parts, Services

Hope this helps. {I have the EZ Command and really like it, simple to use and ease of use,but I also have a very small HO layout and can really only run no more than 3 locos}.

 

 

[jeffrey-wimberly]

 I used an EZ-Command for two years before upgrading to a Digitrax Zephyr. For the first year I the EZ I could run three trains at once. In year two I picked up the 5 amp booster for $90 and could run ten locos at once. I could probably have run more. I never tried to. I have the booster tied in with my Zephyr now and can run all the locos I need. Today I was running three trains at once with a total of seven locos rolling, four of them on one train.

[Robby P.]

I have a EZ-Command, but its not hooked up.  I need the chip in my engine, but at one time it was running a Broadway Limited engine with sound.  It did real good.  My layout is only 12x8, and I plan to run two engines if that many.  I think it will do good for something in that sense. 

Its good for what you pay, and need it for.  

[dinwitty]

 

I bought the EZ DCC so I could test DCC, especilly when I bought my first DCC engine, the BLI 2-6-6-4, when I finally got it I could check out its features. I stuck with it to tinker with DCC, now I have the Digitrax Radio, but still have the ezdcc to test on.

ezdcc is fairly limited and cost effective, thats the whole point of it, for the average user.

On the average one train generally sustains 1 amp draw so its a one train thing, it may powerup more than one decoder, but only run 1 at a time. actually you can set it to run more than one train, if you keep  the power down.

  My Digitrax is rated 5 amps and has a good sized heat diffuser, while the ezdcc prolly has a small electronics arrangment that cannot handle large currents. Multiple trains must be able to handle the current needs, why there are 5 and 8 amp systems and boosters, or you will be blowing circuit breakers.

 

[NYCentral1]

Wow, this an old topic....  This may be one of the first topics I ever started.  Imagine my surprise seeing it up on the top of the first page.

[Rangerover]

Bachmann EZ Command is expandable to a certain point, here is how I expanded mine:

1-I have the 5 amp Bachmann booster, I was able to run 3 DCC loco's, including sound, with the EZ Command stand alone without the booster + 1 DC loco on #10. I can now run 9 trains with the booster + 1 DC train. I normally run no more than 6 trains 4 consist, 2-3 trains are normal and easily managed.

2-I have 2 Bachmann Walk Around Companions, they are wired with cable, not wireless!

3-I have the Bachmann Reverse Loop Module, for my reverse loop on my subway and is adjustable! I just received it and have yet to install it.

4- I purchased the Digitrax PR3 programmer computer interface and now I can adjust cv's, I just received it on friday march 6, and I am impressed, I can now adjust the Mars light, speed, ditch lights, and of course sound and whatever else is possible, still much to learn.  I can also consist much easier.

5-Bachmann also has available, DCC controlled turnouts.

All the above are compatable with EZ Command! 

I have 27 DCC loco's some with sound, Atlas, Athearn, Proto, Broadway Linited, Stewart, Bachmann, all run on EZ Command!

Also I have used the Bachmann EZ Command for 4 years, and I bought the 5 amp booster when it came out 3 years ago with no problems at all.

 

[Rangerover]

To program engines to run in consist, place your 2 loco's on your track, remove all other loco's. You can place them head to head, back to back, one forward one backward. Simply program, following the steps to program, to whatever number you want on the controller 1-9. In other words both loco's on the same # address. 

It is wise however to run consist with 2 loco's that run close to the same speed. Check this out by running your loco's on the track about a foot or so apart. 

From the Bachmann site:

 E-Z Command® supports what is referred to as basic consisting.  Using Bachmann decoder equipped locomotives or any other manufacturers locomotives that implement service mode decoder lock you can easily assign multiple locomotives to the same address while the locomotives are anywhere on the layout. Since you can also set the locomotives direction on the main line you can set up both head to head or head to tail consists.

Also, some think you can only run one speed for the amount of trains on your layout with Bachmann EZ Command, this just isn't so. If you have train #1 travelling 45 per hour, you can change the speed or direction of train #2 at 35 mph without interrupting the speed of train # 1, Where the speed is set on #1 it stays while you are working #2 and so on. If you have a train programmed to #3, the same applies. You can for example reverse #1 and the other 2 continue on at their respective set speeds and direction. Or just stop #1 and # 2 and #3 continue on.  I have received 2 private emails, asking me that question.

[Kato Joe]

Hi Rangerover.   You say You have 2 walkaround companions.  Does the emergency stop work properly?  Do you push to stop and then push again to restart trains, as on the base unit ?  or do You have to hold the button until You have cleared the problem manually? 

[cudaken]

 I was wondering when Rangerover would chime in! I just finally retired my E-Z after 2 years with a Digitrax Super Empire Builder. Far as the E-Z it self, I still like how simple it is over the $300.00 Digitrax.

 Far as programing on the E-Z it comes with two power wires to the track. If I remember correctly One has a section of rail and other leads you solder in. I cut of the section of track and solder the wires to a 15 long section of flex track. When I wanted to change the address, pushed stop, unpluged the main bench power lead and plugged in the 15 inch section. All so good for cleaning wheels.

 With the stock E-Z I could run 3 BLI steam engines with sound, added a 4th and it was time for a booster. I used a MRC Power Station 8 with 8 amps.

 Reason I finally retired the E-Z.

 1 Want to set up the bench to be controled by my computer.

 2 After I added the new add on bench I started eating decoders! Simon 1966 from the site came over and found a wiring flaw, to small of a bus wire.

 But by that time I was ready to make the jump.

 If I did not want computer control and just wanted to program CV's I would have keept the E-Z and bought the Digitrax PR 3.

 If you want to get funny looks from people at your LHS. Buy a $600.00 PCM engine and tell them you are running a E-Z .

 Still a Bachmann fan, Cuda Ken 

[Rangerover]

Kato Joe

Hi Rangerover.   You say You have 2 walkaround companions.  Does the emergency stop work properly?  Do you push to stop and then push again to restart trains, as on the base unit ?  or do You have to hold the button until You have cleared the problem manually? 

Joe, you push the stop button and all will stop, walk away from it, fix the derailment or whatever, return, push the button and all start again. You shouldn't have to constantly hold the button down. They work the same as the EZ Command STOP. If it doesn't work this way, send it back and Bachmann will replace it. I sent a cheap $38.00 DCC loco back yesterday, I called them first and there is a 4-6 week turnaround for repair. It cooked a decoder last year, I put in a replacement decoder, cheapy and it still wouldn't work. But I had that loco for 4 years. Nothing shows on my Digitrax PR3 with that decoder installed.  If they can't repair it it will be examined and they will replace within 2 weeks. Make sure you put on the package controller on the outside of the box or whatever is in the box. Otherwise it could do a shuffle at Bachmann.

[Rangerover]

I have also had the problem of all locos on the main being reset to the new address [ consisting ]  Also to break up a consist, one engine must be isolated from the other.  I have no seperate blocks to span, so I must remove 1 loco from the rails to break.

OK...Joe like Ken is saying, when I started in DCC I was advised to provide a section of track on my layout that I could isolate with gaps or plastic rail joiners on both ends to create a programming track. I did it in my yard area, also with 2 rerailers to easily align the wheels on the tracks. My program track is 4 ft long. Great for those passenger cars too. If I'm programming a consist of 2, I cut the power off the rest of the layout, and leave it on for the program track, but turn it off to, until my loco's  are placed on the program track. I never take loco's off or on the track with track power on.  Place my 2 loco's on the program track, turn the power on, program to whatever number, watch for the loco's to jump slightly and good to go. If you leave the power on the layout and program a loco, all the other loco's will be in that address # if they are on the layout. I don't know if other DCC units work that way or not. You can make a program track off the layout, but have to keep moving the Command control to and from your layout, simpler to put it on the layout and either remove all other locos, or isolate with a simple switch, so as to cut off power other than the program track.

[Rangerover]

Ken how you doing with your Digitrax?

[cudaken]

 Hummmmmmmmmmmmmm, well I can reset the decoders in the Blue Line GE AC 6000 and RSD-15

 For some reason, I have to keep resiting them? Never had this problem with the E-Z. To many darn buttons! Not sure what the problem is with the Blue Line and the Digitrax TH 400.

 Simon 1966 came over two weeks ago with his Zepher and a TH 400. Ran the bench and all was fine. He pluged in his TH 400 and Blue Line stopped running and rear lights came on? Simon thinks his TH 400 is bad.

 Next time Simon came over the Super Empire Builder was up and running, we installed the UP 5 faces plates. Power was on, Simon pluged in the Loco Net Wire. Blue Line stopped working and rear lights came on again?

 Tonight (Simon was not here) I wanted to program a M 1 a BLI address (not Blue Line). Pulled the track power from the DB 150 command station, and wired in the programing track. (DB 150 was in sleep mode) changed the address of the M1a. Hooked track power back up, Blue Line Rear Lights where on again and need there decoders set again! 

 Sum up what I think of the SEB ( E should be changed to a O)! I traded you the SEB for a Bachmann booster and your PR 3!  LHS cannot get the PR 3, Digitrax is waitting for the white cover to be sent from guess where!

                          PO Ken.  

[Rangerover]

Sum up what I think of the SEB ( E should be changed to a O)! I traded you the SEB for a Bachmann booster and your PR 3!  LHS cannot get the PR 3, Digitrax is waiting for the white cover to be sent from guess where!

LOL thanks for the offer but I think I'll keep what I got for awhile. I think by the time I get another DCC system your digitrax will probably be fine and expanded. Hey 2 heads working on it are better than one. Sorry to hear about the problems your having. I'm sure you and Simon will get'er up and running the way it's supposed to, in the meantime Good Luck! Jim