Bachmann e-z command I/O Port

[fleduc]

Hello,

I recently got the Bachmann E-Z command DCC controler.
What is the purpose of the I/O Port ?

There is no indication about it.

Thank you,

Francois
Quebec, Canada

[tstage]

Francois,

Bienvenue!

Did you read the manual or look at the DVD that came with your system? (See figures 16-18, at the bottom of p. 6 of your manual.) The I/O (input/output) Port enables you to plug in an accessory Bachmann power pack so you can run an "non-DC" locomotive (on Ch. 10), and any DC locomotive (on Ch. 1-9) simultaneously. I'm not sure how much the accessory power pack will run you.

Bachmann does warn you about running any "non-DCC" locomotive on their system too long because the "non-DCC" locomotives tend to heat up more on a DCC system than they do a DC system. They also emit a slight "buzz" or hum while on DCC.

Hope that helps.

Tom

P.S. Francois, when's the last time you had some good french union soup? Have a bowl for me, will you? Mmmmmmm.....

[Anonymous]

so I could use my cheap bachmann power pack as basically a second throttle?!

[fleduc]

Hello Tom,

Thanks for the answer. But the DC power pack is connected to the "from DC controller" socket (page 2, fig. 6).
What I am talking about is the I/O port (page 7, fig. 19).

Francois.

P.S. You don't have onion soup home ?

[tstage]

Jim & Francois,

Sorry, I need to correct myself. I was wrong. Right after I posted my resonse, I glanced over the manual again and only found the one reference. I "sped-read" the DVD and couldn't find any reference whatsoever. Francois, you are correct: Bachmann doesn't really specify anything; it's very vague. The only reference that I found to the I/O Port was on p. 7 of the manual (figure 19). It states:

"Only plug a Bachmann E-Z Command device, or other device specificallly approved by Bachmann, into the I/O port shown in figure 19. Other devices may have the same connector but are not necessarily compatible."

The analog controller (power pack) plugs into the "From DCC Controller" port - specifically Bachmann #44212 power pack. I would be very cafeful about plugging any other Bachmann power pack, without consulting Bachmann first. My guess is that you won't be able to.

I'm also guessing that with the I/O Port, Bachmann is leaving themselves the future ability to be able to add-on/add-in devices for communicating with their EZ Command System. Perhaps, that is what they had in mind with the coming releases of the new accessories that are due out later this year.

Sorry about the incorrect information earlier.

Tom

[tstage]

Francois,

Yes, we have onion soup here in the States. At best it's been good. Not quite as tasty as I remember in Quebec City. Actually, my brother made some VERY tasty French onion soup. He literally cooked the onions for about 1-1/2 hours. The were as limp as onions can get.

Tom

[Anonymous]

[:)] I have a #44212 laying around. Now all I need is the EZ Command [;)]

I guess the I/O port is for the accessories bmann says are coming...

[tstage]

Jim,

If you are looking for a deal on the Bachmann EZ Command System, I found it at Wholesaletrains.com (http://www.wholesaletrains.com/Detail.asp?ID=200401356) for $53. With shipping it came to about $62. That's about 40% off MSRP.

Tom

[Anonymous]

How reliable of a store are they?

*does a happy money-saving dance* [:p]

Aww crud, doesn't look like they do phone orders [[:(]

Or not, found the phone number!

*resumes the happy money-saving dance*

[Anonymous]

Does the port look like a computer modem socket? If so, this is for adding other E-Z Command devices in future - they have an auxiliary throttle planned for this and probably other equipment. I think it's supposed to be compatible with Lenz and Roco DCC equipment though I'd advise checking this before buying - Lenz helped develop the system but that's no guarantee all their kit will work! Hope this is of some help.

[tstage]

jwaldo,

I only dealt with Wholesaletrains.com just this once to buy the EZ Command System. I'm usually leary of e-businesses that sell all "sorts and varieties ot things". It usually sends up a red flag saying, "Hey, we'll sell it to ya'...BUT don't ask us anything about it or give you any support."

I would only buy a more sophisticated DCC system from a reputable dealer, who I knew I could call if I ran into any problems.

Tom

[RMax1]

I got the new Bachmann catalog today in the mail and they have several EZ Command accessories listed. 1 is the Walk Around Companion. It said that connector wires are included. Connecting to what I have no idea. There are listings and info on turnout controllers, power boosters, and other accessories. Also listed is a 2 loco basic entry train set like you would see at Christmas with the EZ Command. There are several engines now coming with decoders installed in basic and Spectrum lines.

Nice catalog.

RMax1

[tstage]

RMax1,

I'm guessing that it HAS to be for these accessories. I think I may inquire into Bachmann to see what I can find out.

Tom

[fleduc]

Yes. This discussion is about that connector that looks like a computer modem socket.
Well, I guess it is for future equipement.
Like a wireless control ? :)

[tstage]

Okay, fellas - here's the question I posed to the "Bach-man" and his response:

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Can you tell me what the I/O Port is for on the EZ Command System. There is only one reference in the manual and it's very vague. (It's not even mentioned on the DVD.) Will this be used for the new accessories that are due to be released later this year? That's the only thing that I can think of. Thanks!

Tom
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Re: EZ Command & I/O Port
Author: the Bach-man (---.dyn.optonline.net)
Date: 02-15-05 00:19
Scale: General

Dear Tom,
It is indeed for future items. I'll let you know when I can.
Have fun!
the Bach-man
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Guess we sorta figured it out, huh? They are still being tight lipped about whatever it is. It's probably the new accessories.

Tom

[DAMON DECHAMPLAIN]

Hi Tom,

I have a question about the EZ Command - I purchased a Spectrum locomotive with Tsunami sound...  I need to turn up the volume on the effects and I cannot figure out how to do that.  The locomotive manual indicates it is possible, but the EZ command does not have a screen on which to see the CV's for volume...  Any thoughts?  Thanks!

Damon

[rrinker]

 The EZ Command does not have any CV programming capability. To actually set CVs in decoders, you will need either A) a more advanced DCC system or B) a standalone programming device such as a Digitrax PR3 or the SPROG, connected to your computer and using JMRI software.

                 --Randy