Bachmann EZ Command

[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

[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

[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

[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!

[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

[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.

[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

[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.

[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...

[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]

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

[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

[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!

[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.