I finally gave up and purchased a Bachmann EZ Command DCC unit. I hope It is worth the it. Just some info getting now on the versatility of it. How compatible is with other decoders and for multi train application. Am I opening a can of worms here or is this a system that is worth it. Im also going to use sound with it. Is this system compatible with other DCC Units i.e. locos of differant brands or am I stuck with Bachmann brand units. Any info would help out greatly. Thanks
4x8 are fun too!!! RussellRail
The EZCommand is a very primitive basic low power system but it is adequate for very basic layouts. It's expandability is VERY limited. It will work with any DCC engine, including sound equiped, but it's programing is limited to changing the locomotive address from the factory default "3" to any address from "1" to "9" and can run one analog loco on address "10". It can run more than 1 train at a time, but I wouldn't. It would be complicated and frustrating.
Use it for a while while you get used to DCC, but there is no doubt in my mind that you will soon want something better. My personal preference is Digitrax. I have the Super Chief, but there are many DCC systems that don't cost much more than the Bachmann and have far more capability.
Dave
Lackawanna Route of the Phoebe Snow
Whatever limitations the system has, its chief failing for me is that it won't allow me to program the CV's needed to let DCC show what it can do for model railroading. For $40 more, give or take, you can get a much better system.
I'm just getting my feet wet at the moment. I know the are better unit avalable I just start with this one to figure out this system. I've run DC for 20+ years and its tried and true. I just was this out to see how much it would help with figuring it out before spending more on a differant unit. Get the basic's down first and try it.
Tom,
You doing exactly what I did 4 years ago. I picked up a Bachmann E-Z Command for ~50% MSRP, plus two decoders for my two locomotives at the time. So, for ~$100 (including S&H), I had a basic DCC system and a DCC-equipped roster. The thought was to just get my feet wet with DCC, with the mindset that I'd be gravitating to a more sophisticated DCC down the road.
As others have stated, E-Z Command is a limited DCC system. That doesn't mean it's junk. It does what it does. And what it does do, it does well.
The E-Z Command has the following:
What your E-Z Command does NOT have is the capability to program CVs, which will allow you to tweak your locomotives so that they run more smoothly and/or prototypically - especially with the new lighting features available on decoders now.
However, even with only 1-amp, I was able to run up to 3 locomotives at a time. And I didn't find it cumbersome at all to do that. I could easily access 8 different sound functions by merely pressing the function button then address numbers 1 thru 8. Wiring the E-Z Command up to my 4 x 8 was easy, as well. Two wires and I was good to go.
Tom, I have no regrets for going this route. During the year that I had my E-Z Command, I enjoyed learning and experiencing the freedom of this new technology, as well as researching what DCC system I would be migrating to. I was also able to sell my E-Z Command to another member here on the forum (which he still has and uses) so I recouped some of the cost I originally paid for it.
So, for essentially a ~$20 investment, I got my feet wet with DCC. I will agree with the others that you will eventually hit a wall with the E-Z Command and will probably want to do more than it's capable of doing.
If I had had to pay full price for an E-Z Command ($100), I probably would have waited and spent the little extra for a more sophisticated starter system. However, I only spent $53 for mine and looked at it as an investment to see whether or not I wanted to pursue this further. Since I bought a NCE Power Cab 3 years ago this month, I guess I decided to do that, huh?
Tom, the bottom line for me is: Even DCC with a plain 'ol, no-frills, limited E-Z Command is still WAY better than DC in my book. Locomotives on the same track...going different directions...and different speeds....emitting various and prototype engine sounds as it travels around your layout. Whoa! What kinda fun is that!?!
Enjoy your new E-Z Command for what it does...
Tom
https://tstage9.wixsite.com/nyc-modeling
Time...It marches on...without ever turning around to see if anyone is even keeping in step.
For a little bit more money, you could have gotten a real DCC system.
Chuck,
Yes...IF he spent full price for one. RR did get a real DCC system...just a limited one.
cacoleFor a little bit more money, you could have gotten a real DCC system.
I bought Toms E-Z command and still love it. But I like simple and it is that. Much like running a DC system and you don't have to worry about hitting the wrong button and then the engine won't run? Main reason I stuck with the E-Z is watching guys and my LHS / Train Club. State of the art Super Chief radio control. Seen many stand there pushing buttons, take there engine to programing track, push more buttons, back to the main line and push more buttons? Boy that seemed fun!
I could run 3 BLI sound Steam Engines with no lack of power problems, added another 100 feet of track then I had power problems. Bachmann does have a 5 amp booster, I went with a 8 Amp MRC booster.
With my DCC fleet growing and same with my bench, I have two short comings with the E-Z.
1 I now have around 20 DCC engines, but only 9 address I can use. Not a big problem, just need to watch what engines you are running.
2 My bench is pretty good sizes, and I am land locked. Other words if I want to throw a switch, I have to get up and throw it. All my turnouts are hand throws, so radio control or remote throttles seem like the next step.
As far as programing the decoders! After watching the guys at K-10 Model Trains and seeing Simon 1966 (member here) computer decoder interfaces (think it is a Digitrax) I will spend the $90.00 for one.
So as far as I am concern, the E-Z command is a real and yet simple DCC system. If you want more power, added a booster, if you want to program a decoder, get a computer interfaces system for $90.00.
If you want walk around thottles then the E-Z is not for you.
Two years of hard running and only problem with the E-Z it self, number 2 button is starting to stick. It for the horn and gets used a lot.
Cuda Ken
I hate Rust
Yes & if it works for Ken..........
RRTrainmanHow compatible is with other decoders
and for multi train application.
Im also going to use sound with it.
Is this system compatible with other DCC Units i.e. locos of differant brands or am I stuck with Bachmann brand units.
You've already purchased the unit. Just read the manual, learn to use it, and enjoy running the trains!
Springfield PA
RRTrainmanI finally gave up and purchased a Bachmann EZ Command DCC unit. I hope It is worth the it. Just some info getting now on the versatility of it. How compatible is with other decoders and for multi train application. Am I opening a can of worms here or is this a system that is worth it. Im also going to use sound with it. Is this system compatible with other DCC Units i.e. locos of differant brands or am I stuck with Bachmann brand units. Any info would help out greatly. Thanks
Looks to me like you made the right choice. Learn to use it and find out what you like and dislike about it and then, go for a better system
I bought the Bachmann EZ Command 4 years ago to learn on. Three years ago I bought the Bachmann 5 amp booster and I can run 9 DCC loco's, all my switches are on a control panel and I rather enjoy throwing the switch to operate the track switch's, I used tortoise machines so I have led's on my control panel for the switch direction, even the Peco machines I bought the Atlas "snap relay" controllers and have leds for them too. I have trouble keeping track of 3 trains let alone 9. My layout is 17 ft long and 10 feet wide, U shaped, with 4 mainlines and a subway with 2 mainlines under it. I have used the Bachmann system since then, 4 years, and run trains almost every day, I'm retired, and out of 26 DCC loc's, fried one decoder. I think I'll keep what I got. Simple to use and trouble free! I read about the guys having problems using the more elaborate DCC systems on this and other forums messing with CV's. Best thing of all is if I do hit the lottery and upgrade, I can find the help I need on this and other forums though! Glad to be here and running trains!
Here is a link to the Bachmann site, most MRR's don't like Bachmann products at all. I have to say I bought a few of their steam loco's and a few of their diesel loco's and haven't had any problem with them, detail is poor, with the exception of the Spectrum Line, somewhat compared to Atlas, Athearn, BLI, or Proto, but hey for the price compared to the price of some DCC loco's they're cheap, some less than $50.00 DCC installed. The Spectrum Line isn't bad at all, in my opinion, whether in steam or diesel.
Most on the link, Bachmann site, have Bachmann DCC units.
http://www.bachmanntrains.com/home-usa/board/index.php
davidmbedard Its not that MRRs don't like Bachmann products, they just want more. More for our money. More.... Sure EZ command does exactly what it says, but eventually, MRRs want to move beyond the abilities of the system. To truly unlock the true capabilities of DCC you have to do better than what Bachmann is force feeding you. For example.... EZ command doesnt allow you to adjust CVs. EZ command decoders lack any advanced CVs. Hence, the decoders are offered to match their system. Now, if you want to run your EZ command loco with another DCC equipped loco and they are not running at the same or near the same speed, then you are out of luck. If you want to have a different lighting effect other than on/off, you are out of luck. If you want to add momentum, you are out of luck. If you want to adjust sound volumes, you are out of luck. If you want to control more than one loco at once, you are out of luck. If you want a walk around throttle, then you have to buy their 'grey' EZ command controller. Very strange way to do walk around. So, if you want to go beyond the absolute basics, you need to replace your system. For some more coin, you can go with a full featured DCC system like the Power Pro or the Zephyr and both have great upgrade paths. I wouldn't recommend the MRC line of products because they have their own limitation. Decoders can be had for 13 dollars each (NCE D13SRJ) and have more features than you will ever need. David B
Its not that MRRs don't like Bachmann products, they just want more. More for our money. More....
Sure EZ command does exactly what it says, but eventually, MRRs want to move beyond the abilities of the system. To truly unlock the true capabilities of DCC you have to do better than what Bachmann is force feeding you. For example....
EZ command doesnt allow you to adjust CVs. EZ command decoders lack any advanced CVs. Hence, the decoders are offered to match their system.
Now, if you want to run your EZ command loco with another DCC equipped loco and they are not running at the same or near the same speed, then you are out of luck.
If you want to have a different lighting effect other than on/off, you are out of luck.
If you want to add momentum, you are out of luck.
If you want to adjust sound volumes, you are out of luck.
If you want to control more than one loco at once, you are out of luck.
If you want a walk around throttle, then you have to buy their 'grey' EZ command controller. Very strange way to do walk around.
So, if you want to go beyond the absolute basics, you need to replace your system. For some more coin, you can go with a full featured DCC system like the Power Pro or the Zephyr and both have great upgrade paths. I wouldn't recommend the MRC line of products because they have their own limitation.
Decoders can be had for 13 dollars each (NCE D13SRJ) and have more features than you will ever need.
David B
Hence, the decoders are offered to match their system.
What!!!!!!!! You make that sound like you can only use Bachmann loco's with the Bachmann system's only no other decoder. Bachmann decoders are NMRA compliant with any DCC system and all NMRA decoders are compliant with Bachmann systems. Yea even sound decoders, I can't adjust cv's, but the sounds that come out of the speakers sound alright to me!
I find that odd, I run consists of 2 engines on 4 trains with no problem!
OK, I can turn the lights on or off and dim or bright, what else is there ? Mars lights work just fine!
I really don't care much about momentum, I used it when I ran analog with the MRC Tech 4 260 cab and didn't like overheating the motors, all likeliness would not use it anyhow!
OK we all know that we can't adjust the cvs, but like I said in my previous post, I read too many problems with adjusting cv's from a number of posters.
Well I don't don't know exactly what you are referring to, but I can control 9 trains running DCC and that leaves #10 for analog, but normally I run just 2 or 3 at a time all individually with different speeds or reversing one and others still run forward at whatever speed I chose for that particular loco or just plain want to stop one for a bit or if I have a problem, just hit the stop button and they all stop at once.
I have 2 EZ command walk around companions that I use when the grandchildren are visiting, I have no problem with them, they operate they way they're supposed to and can operate all or any one of the trains running. LOL
So, if you want to go beyond the absolute basics, you need to replace your system
Yes maybe some day I will replace it and when I do it will probably be a Bachmann Dyamis system and only because I have had not one problem with the Bachmann system I've been using for 4 years. It works for me!
I'm just enjoying this hobby and running trains and doing scenics and the whole thing!
RR: I can't jump in the water !!
PN: Why not??RR: I can't swim!!
PN: What are you worrying about - from this height, the fall with probably kill ya !! Let's go !!
The hardest part with DCC is that first leap. Ya, if you'd asked first I would maybe have recommended a Digitrax or MRC starter system, but this one will let you get used to DCC and learn a lot. You gotta get wet before you can learn to swim.
For those that don't fully understand of what is involved with adjusting CV's in decoders, here is a list of the possibility's of cv's for a 2006 Sound Traxx decoder. Small wonder some just hit default and use the factory settings. I'm just not ready to get this involved!
PRIM_ADDR 0x03 /* CV 1, Primary Address */
VSTART 0x00 /* CV 2, Vstart */
ACCEL_RTE 0x00 /* CV 3, Baseline Acceleration */
BRAKE_RTE 0x00 /* CV 4, Baseline Braking Rate */
MFG_VER_CODE VER_ID0 /* CV 7, Manufactuer Version Code */
MFG_ID_CODE 141 /* CV 8, Manufacturer ID Code */
/* MOTOR CONTROL CVs */
MTR_PWM_PER 180 /* CV 9, PWM Period */
BEMF_CUTOUT 0 /* CV 10, Back EMF Cutout */
PACKET_TIME_OUT 0 /* CV 11, Packet Time-out Value */
/* ANALOG MODE CVs */
ALT_PWR_SRC 0x01 /* CV 12, Alternate Power Source */
ANALOG_MODE_FUNC1 0x00 /* CV 13, Analog Mode Functions */
ANALOG_MODE_FUNC2 0x03 /* CV 13, Analog Mode Functions */
/* SECURITY CVs */
CV_UNLOCK_CODE 0 /* CV 15, CV Unlock Code */
CV_LOCK_ID 0 /* CV 16, CV Lock ID */
/* EXTENDED OPERATION CVs */
EXT_ADDR_MSB 0xC0 /* CV 17, Extended Address MSB */
EXT_ADDR_LSB 0x03 /* CV 18, Extended Address LSB */
CONSIST_ADDR 0 /* CV 19, Consist Address #1 */
CONSIST_FUNC_GRP1 0 /* CV 21, Consist Function Active */
CONSIST_FUNC_GRP2 0 /* CV 22, Consist FL Func. Active */
CONSIST_ACCEL_RTE 0 /* CV 23, Consist Acceleration */
CONSIST_BRAKE_RTE 0 /* CV 24, Consist Braking Rate */
SPD_TBLE_SEL 0 /* CV 25, Speed Table Select */
CVAR_29 6 /* CV 29, Configuration Byte 1 */
ERR_INFO 04 /* CV 30, Error Information */
/* FUNCTION MAPPING CVs */
FL_F_MAP 0x01 /* CV 33, FL(f) Output Location */
FL_R_MAP 0x02 /* CV 34, FL(r) Output Location */
F1_MAP 0x08 /* CV 35, F1 Output Location */
F2_MAP 0x04 /* CV 36, F2 Output Location */
F3_MAP 0x10 /* CV 37, F3 Output Location */
F4_MAP 0x20 /* CV 38, F4 Output Location */
F5_MAP 0x02 /* CV 39, F5 Output Location */
F6_MAP 0x04 /* CV 40, F6 Output Location */
F7_MAP 0x10 /* CV 41, F7 Output Location */
F8_MAP 0x20 /* CV 42, F8 Output Location */
F9_MAP 0x01 /* CV 43, F9 Output Location */
F10_MAP 0x04 /* CV 44, F10 Output Location */
F11_MAP 0x80 /* CV 45, F11 Output Location */
F12_MAP 0x10 /* CV 46, F12 Output Location */
ANALOG_FUNC_CH 0 /* CV 47, Analog Whistle Channel */
/* LIGHTING CONTROL CVs */
FL_F_LGHT_CONFIG 0x01 /* CV 49, Head Light Control */
FL_R_LGHT_CONFIG 0x01 /* CV 50, Rear Light Control */
FLASH_RATE 0x03 /* CV 59, Lighting Flash Rate */
XING_HOLD_TIME 0x04 /* CV 60, Grade Crossing Hold Time */
/* MISC. CONTROL */
F11_BRAKE_RATE 0x00 /* CV 61, F11 Braking Rate */
XPNDR_CTRL 0x00 /* CV 62, Transponder Contro l */
/* ANALOG MODE MOTOR CONTROL */
ANA_MODE_VSTART 20 /* CV 63, Starting Voltage */
ANA_MODE_VMTRMAX 180 /* CV 64, Maximum Motor Voltage */
/* SPEED TABLE */
KICK_START 0 /* CV 65, Kick Start */
FWD_TRIM 0x80 /* CV 66, Forward Trim */
SPD_TBL_0 9 /* CV 67, Speed Table */
SPD_TBL_1 18 /* CV 68 */
SPD_TBL_2 27 /* CV 69 */
SPD_TBL_3 36 /* CV 70 */
SPD_TBL_4 45 /* CV 71 */
SPD_TBL_5 55 /* CV 72 */
SPD_TBL_6 64 /* CV 73 */
SPD_TBL_7 73 /* CV 74 */
SPD_TBL_8 82 /* CV 75 */
SPD_TBL_9 91 /* CV 76 */
SPD_TBL_10 100 /* CV 77 */
SPD_TBL_11 109 /* CV 78 */
SPD_TBL_12 118 /* CV 79 */
SPD_TBL_13 127 /* CV 80 */
SPD_TBL_14 137 /* CV 81 */
SPD_TBL_15 146 /* CV 82 */
SPD_TBL_16 155 /* CV 83 */
SPD_TBL_17 164 /* CV 84 */
SPD_TBL_18 173 /* CV 85 */
SPD_TBL_19 182 /* CV 86 */
SPD_TBL_20 191 /* CV 87 */
SPD_TBL_21 200 /* CV 88 */
SPD_TBL_22 209 /* CV 89 */
SPD_TBL_23 219 /* CV 90 */
SPD_TBL_24 228 /* CV 91 */
SPD_TBL_25 237 /* CV 92 */
SPD_TBL_26 246 /* CV 93 */
SPD_TBL_27 255 /* CV 94 */
REV_TRIM 0x80 /* CV 95, Reverse Trim */
/* USER INFORMATION */
USER_ID_1 04 /* CV 105, User Identifier #1 */
USER_ID_2 12 /* CV 106, User Identifier #2 */
/* SOUND CONTROL */
SND_CONFIG_1 1 /* CV 112, Sound Configuration 1 */
QUIET_MODE_CTRL 0 /* CV 113, Quiet Mode Control 2 */
BELL_RING_RATE 04 /* CV 114, Bell Ring Rate */
WHISTLE_SEL 0 /* CV 115, Whistle Select */
EXHAUST_CTRL 80 /* CV 116, Exhaust Control */
MASTER_VOL 255 /* CV 128, Master Volume Control */
MIXER_CH0 225 /* CV 129, whistle volume */
MIXER_CH1 128 /* CV 130, bell volume */
MIXER_CH2 192 /* CV 131, chuff volume */
MIXER_CH3 48 /* CV 132, airpump volume */
MIXER_CH4 32 /* CV 133, dynamo volume */
MIXER_CH6 32 /* CV 135, rod clank volume */
MIXER_CH7 128 /* CV 136, steam hiss volume */
MIXER_CH8 128 /* CV 137, coupler volume */
MIXER_CH10 128 /* CV 139, brake squeal volume */
MIXER_CH11 64 /* CV 140, brake release volume */
MIXER_CH12 64 /* CV 141, snifter valve volume */
MIXER_CH13 64 /* CV 142, pwr reverse volume */
MIXER_CH17 96 /* CV 146, water stop volume */
/* DYNAMIC DIGITAL EXHAUST */
DDE_T_GAIN 10 /* CV 177, DDE Throttle Sensitivity */
DDE_L_GAIN 32 /* CV 178, DDE Load Sensitivity */
DDE_ATTACK 10 /* CV 179, DDE Attack Time Constant */
DDE_RELEASE 10 /* CV 180, DDE Decay Time Constant */
DDE_EXH_LO_LMT 255 /* CV 181, DDE Exh Lower Volume Lmt */
DDE_EXH_HI_LMT 255 /* CV 182, DDE Exh Upper Volume Lmt */
DDE_ROD_LO_LMT 255 /* CV 183, DDE Rod Lower Volume Lmt */
DDE_ROD_HI_LMT 255 /* CV 184, DDE Rod Upper Volume Lmt */
DDE_OFFSET 42 /* CV 185, DDE Filter Initial Freq */
DDE_GAIN 64 /* CV 186, DDE Filter Slope */
DDE_DAMPING 255 /* CV 187, DDE Filter Damping */
DDE_TRACKING 102 /* CV 188, DDE BEMF Trking Constant */
DDE_TRKING_OFFSET 0 /* CV 189, DDE BEMF Tracking Offset */
/* AUTOMATIC SOUND CONTROL */
V_BELL_ON 15 /* CV 193, Bell On Voltage */
V_BELL_OFF 19 /* CV 194, Bell Off Voltage */
WH_SENSTVTY 4 /* CV 195, Xing Whistle Sensitivity */
BRK_SENSTVTY 3 /* CV 196, Brake Squeal Sensitivity */
ANA_AUTO_SND_EN 22 /* CV 197, Analog Auto Snd Enable 1 */
DCC_AUTO_SND_EN 8 /* CV 198, DCC Auto Snd Enable 1 */
/* BACK EMF CONTROL */
KP 25 /* CV 209, PID Kp Coefficient */
KI 20 /* CV 210, PID Ki Coefficient */
KD 0 /* CV 211, PID Kd Coefficient */
BEMF_INTENSITY 255 /* CV 212, BEMF Feedback Intensity */
BEMF_SAMPLE_PER 15 /* CV 213, BEMF Sample Period */
BEMF_APERTURE_TIME 15 /* CV 214, BEMF Sample Window Size */
BEMF_GAIN 0 /* CV 215, BEMF Gain Coefficient */
/* End of File ***************************************************/
Rangerover For those that don't fully understand of what is involved with adjusting CV's in decoders, here is a list of the possibility's of cv's for a 2006 Sound Traxx decoder. Small wonder some just hit default and use the factory settings. I'm just not ready to get this involved!
Piece of cake with Decoder Pro, now does EZ Command has a computer interface available ?
Jack W.
jalajoie Rangerover For those that don't fully understand of what is involved with adjusting CV's in decoders, here is a list of the possibility's of cv's for a 2006 Sound Traxx decoder. Small wonder some just hit default and use the factory settings. I'm just not ready to get this involved! Piece of cake with Decoder Pro, now does EZ Command has a computer interface available ?
LOL, I guess I should have said "for those like me". No... EZ Command has no computer interface, not even sure if Bachmann Dyamis does. I have one Bachmann cheapy DCC loco I bought that has a fried decoder. I did by a new decoder last year for it, but haven't installed it yet, LOL a lenz at that, but I have been directed to install a digatrax decoder and forget the lenz. So I'm buying the other decoder, but I'm gonna install the lenz, just in case it fry's soon as I put it on my program track. If it works at least I can say I learned something.
I'm new at this only 4 years, I come here and read about guys messing with cv's and the loco's won't run because they did something wrong or they fry newly installed decoders, even read about it on the Atlas site and even the Bachmann site.
I guess I'm just paranoid, I'm on a fixed income and because of these uncertain times, I really don't want to spend a lot of money right now. LOL computer interface, I'd be afraid of toasting my computer hooking up programmers for adjusting cv's for my trains. I need to keep lurking and learning, maybe I'll meet a good friend along the way who will hep me out a little. I live in the mountains of West Virginia and no hobby shops, one, only 60 miles one way, and he doesn't even carry code 83 stuff let alone DCC. Has a lot of the older HO building kits, and LOL, he still sells brass track, so they're no help. There is supposed to be another hobby shop I can get to, it's in Oakland Maryland, that's about 60 miles too, but it's up over the Monaghalia Mountain, I don't like going up over that in the winter, 4 miles up and 4 miles down. I'll wait till the weather clears.
Rangerover Yes maybe some day I will replace it and when I do it will probably be a Bachmann Dyamis system and only because I have had not one problem with the Bachmann system I've been using for 4 years. It works for me!
Dang Rangerover and I thought I was a Bachmann E-Z command fan!
As far as not being able to read and adjust the CV's, like I said a computer interfaces will take care of that part for only $90.00. From what I have seen will do it better than any DCC system I have seen. No looking up what the CV's are, it shows on the computer screen what they do and what the CV is.
Some people must just remember there old cheap pancake motor Bachmann engines when they see the word Bachmann.
cudaken Rangerover Yes maybe some day I will replace it and when I do it will probably be a Bachmann Dyamis system and only because I have had not one problem with the Bachmann system I've been using for 4 years. It works for me! Dang Rangerover and I thought I was a Bachmann E-Z command fan! As far as not being able to read and adjust the CV's, like I said a computer interfaces will take care of that part for only $90.00. From what I have seen will do it better than any DCC system I have seen. No looking up what the CV's are, it shows on the computer screen what they do and what the CV is. Some people must just remember there old cheap pancake motor Bachmann engines when they see the word Bachmann. Cuda Ken
Cuda Ken...well I'm get'n pretty gun shy here, gee would you direct me to where that programmer is. I take it you must be a Bachmann fan ? I haven't had any problems with my system at all. I guess it's like driving your first car, mine was a 1940 ford coupe, guess what I've driven mostly ford's in my life. I bought an 1986 Bronco2 new and 1n 97 I bought an explorer new. Still got the Bronco 2 though!
My first DCC was Bachmann EZ command and I've added to it and have no regrets. My loco's are Atlas, Bachmann, both diesel and steam, BLI, Athearn, Proto, and others. 26 all DCC and some with sound! One bad decoder in 4 years and run every day for the most part.
Cuda Ken.. found it on the web. thanks though!
If this is it, I won't have to even have the computer in the train room. Am I correct in assuming that all I need is a couple feet of track and the loco and bring it to the computer and just hook up the interface to it. Seems I might have to eat some crow if it works!
Thanks too, to all those who made me feel like an ousider. Well ya'll won when I rebelled about brass track, all gone now except for some sidings and a couple of swich's, replaced with NS. Tortoise machines ya'll talked me in to using, thanks much for that. And I swore I would never change those couplers and put in them ****** Kadee, can't get enough of them now, only way to go and thanks for that too. I won't be getting rid of my Bachmann system though, been too darn reliable, their loco's are too in my opinion.
Must be the redneck in me that rebels, I'll no doubt be back to thank ya'll for this too!
I'm not going to quote all of Rangerover's post, just answer some of the items in it.
As for runnign together in a consist: you got lucky. Or are running otherwise identical locos from the same manufactuer together. It's rare indeed to find two locos that run exactly the same speed at all throttle settings and don;t fight one another when coupled together. Hence CV's int he decoder that can adjust the operating speed to 'tune' various locos to run with one another. Start on and then switch to the other and run it at the same throttle setting, uncoupled. See if the space between them remains the same.
Mars lights? How do you configure a mars light if you can't program CV's? Default operation out of the box for most decoders is a simple on/off light function, maybe directional. Settign Mars or Gyra lights, or ditch lights, requires CV programming.
As to the future, keep in mind the Dynamic is not even remotely similar to the EZ Command other than they both are DCC system. EZ Command was made for Bachmann by Lenz. Dynamis is a relabeled ESU product. The two systems don't work together. Shades of MRC, each new system not compatible with the predecessor so you basically throw out the old system to put in the new.
--Randy
Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's
Visit my web site at www.readingeastpenn.com for construction updates, DCC Info, and more.
rrinker I'm not going to quote all of Rangerover's post, just answer some of the items in it. As for runnign together in a consist: you got lucky. Or are running otherwise identical locos from the same manufactuer together. It's rare indeed to find two locos that run exactly the same speed at all throttle settings and don;t fight one another when coupled together. Hence CV's int he decoder that can adjust the operating speed to 'tune' various locos to run with one another. Start on and then switch to the other and run it at the same throttle setting, uncoupled. See if the space between them remains the same. Mars lights? How do you configure a mars light if you can't program CV's? Default operation out of the box for most decoders is a simple on/off light function, maybe directional. Settign Mars or Gyra lights, or ditch lights, requires CV programming. As to the future, keep in mind the Dynamic is not even remotely similar to the EZ Command other than they both are DCC system. EZ Command was made for Bachmann by Lenz. Dynamis is a relabeled ESU product. The two systems don't work together. Shades of MRC, each new system not compatible with the predecessor so you basically throw out the old system to put in the new. --Randy
As for runnign together in a consist: you got lucky
Not really, I bought 2 of the same on some and ran them like you would for a consist in analog. Put them on the track 3 or 4 ft apart and if they were in reason good to go. Programming with the Bachmann is probably similar to other systems, I would suppose. I have a program track on my layout that I can just turn off and on isolated from everything else. I put the 2 loco's on the track at the same time and program to a number (1-9)
Mars lights? How do you configure a mars light if you can't program CV's?
I have an Athearn with the Mars light and sound that I bought from a hobby shop in jersey, he knows me well. Spent a lot of money there and he knows I have the Bachmann system, he programmed it for me before he sent it. I put it on the track and all worked well.
edit: one thing I forgot to mention about the mars light, it stays on all the time, even if it's just sitting on an energized track. I park it on a blocked section that I can turn off the power to. I just assume it is supposed to stay on. Correct me please if I'm wrong!
keep in mind the Dynamic is not even remotely similar to the EZ Command
Oh I know that, if and when I do move up, I'll sell my present system on eBay or give it to the grandchildren, or if they are not interested, I'll do like I've seen others do, give to to somebody right here on this thread who wants to learn DCC and who really can't afford a better system at this time. Far as I'm concerned, it paid for itself after the first year and now it's been 4 years.
For the Mars light, you'll have to get the programmer, or take it back and have it adjusted. It's completely configurable as to if it stays on all the time, is controlled by a function button, only works when the train is goign forward, only when goign reverse, only when stopped - whatever you want. But you need programming capability to do it. The PR-3, a piece of track, and a power supply (get the PS14) connectected to your computer and using free JMRI software is the easy way, in JMRI you can just check mark the setting you want for the Mars light and not have to know anythign about a CV value.
rrinker For the Mars light, you'll have to get the programmer, or take it back and have it adjusted. It's completely configurable as to if it stays on all the time, is controlled by a function button, only works when the train is goign forward, only when goign reverse, only when stopped - whatever you want. But you need programming capability to do it. The PR-3, a piece of track, and a power supply (get the PS14) connectected to your computer and using free JMRI software is the easy way, in JMRI you can just check mark the setting you want for the Mars light and not have to know anythign about a CV value. --Randy
Randy and Cuda Ken.....thank you guys, I'm ordering the digitrax PR3 and the PS14 power supply from Tony's Trains this morning. I wasn't sure about the Mars light, I saw a loco, a dash over in the Buchannon Yard here in WV, and it was just idling and the Mars light was on, so I thought then it must be normal. It sure would be nice to turn it on an off. I already have a piece of track 30" long on a piece of 1X4 pine. Ya'll make this sound easy to do, I guess I'll learn a little more now, nothing like hands on as compared to reading about it on these forums. I do believe that what I read about on these forums, folks with problems programming cv's, are no doubt small compared to the millions who program with no problems at all.
To the OP...I pay homage to you for starting this thread but when posters were bashing Bachmann, I couldn't help myself as a user of their system for 4 years with no problems whatsoever, well I just had to voice my experience, not an opinion like others might do, and you don't find too many users who have had problems with the Bachmann System either.....well I can understand the association with Bachmann, Tyco, AHM, and others of days gone by, but they are far different today than 50 years ago. Geeez I hope the bashers don't catch on to Bachmann, keeps the prices down if they don't buy their stuff. Hey I never bash anybody for using whatever system they use, but I never used any other system so I wouldn't comment on them nohow.
OP...I feel like I stold your thread, and I do apologize for that. I learned a lot and due to other poster's I feel confident that I can do this and not have all the problems I thought would frustrate me and ruin a bunch of decoders or melt the loco shells. Hey when I get the programmer and try it out on just that mars light, I'll post back.......thanks to all ! Jim
You see, Bachmann has done to you exactly what I was mentioning before....they have narrowed your view of DCC. They have shown you what THEY can do with DCC without telling you about their limitations.
Well I'm truly sorry if you feel like I was singling you out.
Well thank you and you have yourself a ncie day!
Sorry for all you who have replied in getting back to all of you. I just wanted to see how DCC worked first on a basic system. I really need what it can do for basic system verses going off the deep end and buy a system that I send more time on the computer talking with you all on problems that I'm have with a complex system That I can't grasp right a way.
The system is bought so I have to learn how to use this first before moving to something else. My present layout is flat so there is no need for mult powered loco consisted and I run dummy to get the look so there is only one power unit needed. Even my new layout only has .4% grade on it so power is not necessary great than one loco power unit anyway. My trains are not more than 12 to 15 cars also. I have not had any problems with it on DC so I don't think there should be a problem on DCC.
So any info on the componets that will work with this system would be more help that what I should have bought verses what I want for the system that I now have.
We all can argue over whats the best system but I know the differant systems MRC Dightraxs (I know it spelled wrong) but do know the differant systems out there. I just wanted a simple system to start with and LEARN about DCC first with something simple first to get a idea on how it works for me. I would rather learn something simple first before buying a more complex system that I do more head scratching, get dishearted about and go back to my diehard system of DC Cab controlled. Hopefully you all can see where I'm coming from, this is a kind of big step for me. I love my hobby with the greatest passion I would hate to find something that would turn it off after be back in the hobby for the last 20+ years.
RRTrainmanI just wanted a simple system to start with and LEARN about DCC first with something simple first to get a idea on how it works for me. I would rather learn something simple first before buying a more complex system that I do more head scratching, get dishearted about and go back to my diehard system of DC Cab controlled. Hopefully you all can see where I'm coming from, this is a kind of big step for me. I love my hobby with the greatest passion I would hate to find something that would turn it off after be back in the hobby for the last 20+ years.
I know exactly where you're coming from, Tom. The Bachmann E-Z Command will serve you well for what it does.
If you ever have any questions, please don't hesitate to post them. The DVD that comes with the E-Z Command should answer most, if not all, of them. Keep us posted of your experiences...
Rangerover, if you want to thank anyone thank Simon 1966 for having me over to his house. After seeing in interfaces system, why mess with looking up cv's.
Now if you really want to thank me, make me a deal on one of the Bachmann walk around throttles!
Good chances I will be coming home Thursday with either a Zepher or a Empire Bulider. I need to be able to run my bench, not just watch it. But I wont worry about reading or changing CV's, I will be getting computer interfaces as well.
RRTrainman have not had any problems with it on DC so I don't think there should be a problem on DCC. So any info on the componets that will work with this system would be more help that what I should have bought verses what I want for the system that I now have. We all can argue over whats the best system but I know the differant systems MRC Dightraxs (I know it spelled wrong) but do know the differant systems out there. I just wanted a simple system to start with and LEARN about DCC first with something simple first to get a idea on how it works for me. I would rather learn something simple first before buying a more complex system that I do more head scratching, get dishearted about and go back to my diehard system of DC Cab controlled. Hopefully you all can see where I'm coming from, this is a kind of big step for me. I love my hobby with the greatest passion I would hate to find something that would turn it off after be back in the hobby for the last 20+ years.
have not had any problems with it on DC so I don't think there should be a problem on DCC.
Good looking bench, and the E-Z will make you happy for some time. Humm, did you weather your DC transformer?