This is an older topic resurected.
tstage For the price of the E-Z Command booster, you'd be better off going with a much better and more power starter DCC system. Adding more power to a basic but limited DCC system is not worth the expense, IMO. Tom
For the price of the E-Z Command booster, you'd be better off going with a much better and more power starter DCC system. Adding more power to a basic but limited DCC system is not worth the expense, IMO.
Tom
I have to agree. I have the EZ C. Although I've not really had the opportunity to buy the booster, I figure to spend that much* {currently$ 233.91 here}:
http://www.wholesaletrains.com/Detail.asp?Scale=HO&Item=RGBVCW&offset=25&ID=200425957
*That I would go to another system, such as the digitrax Xtra.
The basic system is $99+ here:
http://www.wholesaletrains.com/Detail.asp?Scale=HO&Item=RGBVCW&ID=200401356
To spend $300+ on the basic and the booster, I'll go to another setup I think.
I am happy with the EZC for my small layouts.
Just My opinion, too.
-G .
Just my thoughts, ideas, opinions and experiences. Others may vary.
HO and N Scale.
After long and careful thought, they have convinced me. I have come to the conclusion that they are right. The aliens did it.
https://tstage9.wixsite.com/nyc-modeling
Time...It marches on...without ever turning around to see if anyone is even keeping in step.
Bachmann does sell a power booster here is info about it
E-Z Command® 5 amp Power Booster
Item No. 44910
Our 5 amp booster provides extra current to the track for the control of an increased number of DCC locomotives on your HO, N, or On30 layout. Also appropriate for DCC equipped large scale locomotives.
Kingred & the Oakville Junction Gang
First welcome to the site. I am a big E Z Command fan. While I cannot help you with the question about how many walk around units you can use. If you happen to need more power, I hooked mine to a MRC Power Station 8 DCC booster.
Only reason I went with Digitrax SEB was because I had a wiring problem. I was BBQing decoders, and everyone one said it was because of the E Z and 8 amp booster. Found the wiring problem after I bought the new DCC system. Other wise I would still be running the E Z. I keep it as my spare and uses it on the repair table.
Cuda Ken
I hate Rust
I actually have the walk around throttle. This way my wife and I can operate separate trains and our "son" (actually a cousin) can act as dispatcher and operate the analog switching or he can drive the drive the train and she can dispatch etc. I have found that 3 trains will be OK without a booster but normally only 2 run, as it gets to be too much to keep track of 3 trains.
Joe Staten Island West
Hi and Kingred & the Oakville Junction Gang
You might get better and quicker responses by posting this question on the "electronics and DCC" forum here on MR site.
Heres a link: http://cs.trains.com/TRCCS/forums/744.aspx
The reason I say that is that this thread is dated from 2005 start date, and some may not bother to open it. If you start a new thread it wil have the current date and may get some to open it and answer your question.
I personally have the Bachmann EZ C, but I don't use the walk around companion OR the DC controller. I stopped using DC and DCC trains mixed like that on the layout to AVOID burning out something as I can fry a toaster just by taking it out of the box. Be very careful if you are mixing the two.
The walk around companion is a little bit of overkill on my small layout, but I have considered for a long time as I plan to expand, {but I think I will buy a newer more expansive DCC controller.}. I am just not sure I can justify the cost compared to what I paid for the EZC WITH a loco when I bought them 3-4 years ago!
If you want to give it a go, give it a go. I DO believe that one can run a train on the main station, one on the DC controller and one on the walkaround though, to answer your question. I say this because I believe that one operator can use the main station and one the walkaround for dual throttle control on the layout to control 2 trains. AND you should be able to actually run 3 or 4 trains - two DCC on each the main station and on the walkaround AS LONG AS your amp draw is not to high so as to burn out the EZC.
Another thing to consider is the amps draw that three locos have and whether or not you will burn out the EZC if the 3 locos draw to much for its one amp capabilities!. A DC, especially older, can draw heavy amps compared to the newer DCCs. You MAY need to buy the 5amp booster if you want to continuously run 3 trains.
You could also try hunting and posting on the Bachmann's "ask the bachmann" forums. Here is a link:
http://www.bachmanntrains.com/home-usa/index.php
Just my thoughts and observations.
kingred58 - Welcome to trains.com!
Darren (BLHS & CRRM Lifetime Member)
Delaware and Hudson Virtual Museum (DHVM), Railroad Adventures (RRAdventures)
My Blog
First time post-er here.
Some interesting discussions on EZ Command, which me & my 3 little gremlins are running. Santa brought it this year and we have the Bachmann DC controller hooked up as well. That provides lots of opportunities to run 2-3 trains no problem and the kdis like having 2 controllers in p[lay at once. Really like the Bachmann system, as it's a great intro tp DCC operations. Highly recommended for beginners / new to DCC.
Questions I have for the forum are about Bachmann Walkaround Companion units. 1 - Can you run the Walkaround Companion with both the DC controler and the EZ Command DCC controler (thus having 3 "in play")?2 - Theoretically, how many Walkaround Companions can you use in conjunction with the EZ Command controller?In essence can we have 3 controls with EZ Command DCC, and how do we do it?
Love the forum and website - will be back for much more knowledge and guidance. Thanks,
Any suggestions on a good but decent priced booster (don't want to spend alot)- Also how do you determine if you need one other than throwing the trains on and seeing if they run, or is that the easiest. I have a new layout 8x12 lower level and 4x10 upper level and planning on running approx. 3 trains at once - 2 lower and 1 upper. maybe i don't even need one. Also, I want to have my nephews come over and run the trains with me. If I add the Walk around by Bachmann could two kids run a seperate train at the same time? I'd assume that I would never have 3 controlled seperatly with this system. Thanks for any help.
Wikious Maybe I'm misreading some of the comments in here, but can you hook up any booster to an EZ DCC set? I have one that I have yet to use, and I don't want to shell out for the 5 amp booster.
Maybe I'm misreading some of the comments in here, but can you hook up any booster to an EZ DCC set? I have one that I have yet to use, and I don't want to shell out for the 5 amp booster.
No Because Bachmann does have power boosters for your set. I own the set myself for my 7 by 7 layout. HO scale. I run 8 engines at a time with no problem. I would how ever get digitrax if you want to run more or have a bigger layout.
I bought mine 2 months ago and a 5 amp booster for my layout too. Haven't hooked up the booster yet but I have ran 4 loco's on it with no problems. I bought the amp for my add on which is a addional 8 x 12 mod that I'm building now. I run it on a 8 x 15 layout now and I'm very happy with it. The good thing its a basic DCC system that is functional and simple. Bachmann does offer a 5 amp booster I went Digitrak with mine. My LHS can get them I'm sure your's can too if they carry EZ there.
4x8 are fun too!!! RussellRail
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
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.
Ken how you doing with your Digitrax?
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.
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?
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
"Rust, whats not to love?"
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.
Dr. Frankendiesel aka Scott Running BearSpace Mouse for president!15 year veteran fire fighterCollector of Apple //e'sRunning Bear EnterprisesHistory Channel Club life member.beatus homo qui invenit sapientiam
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}.
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.
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.