I can get a Bachmann Dynamis wireless DCC system at a good price point. I know it has limitations, but would it be a good starter system? I have heard one of the biggest limitations is the system can not be built up (like Digitrax, just buy a new unit and plug them together) but am not worried about it. After 5 years, okay more, I just want to get something started. I don’t need a big system as layout will either be small table top N scale or (more likely) switching shelf type HO. I am really just interested in DCC for the more prototypical light control and sound.
So, would the Dynamis wireless DCC be a good DCC starter set for a low price?
For my money, a starter set should be just that. A starting point. Not an inexpensive dead end. This is a major investment, and I wouldn’t let price drive my decision if I were you. If you get something now that’s cheap, but can’t grow with you, you may regret it later when you have to chuck the whole system and start over. I would recommend choosing an expandable system from one of the Big Four (Digitrax, Lenz, MRC, or NCE). Which one largely depends on your personal preferences. Performance is comparable, features are a little different, but not so much as to make one a clear winner. Human engineering factors (look, feel, touch, ease of operation) can be significantly different, and was the deciding factor for me. If you can get to a large train show and try out the various systems, I strongly recommend it. If you are a member of a club, get whatever they use. Will a Dynamis system work for you? Absolutely. And it may be all you ever need. Just make sure you’re certain of that before you open your wallet. BTW, you will get a lot of opinions, many of them very strongly stated, most of them telling you that they system THEYown is the best. Take them all with a grain of salt. YOU are the only one who has to live with this system and, ultimately, be happy with it.
Opinions or not, You have asked and people will tell you what system they have and may never have had another system at all. They can only tell you what they have.
It can also depend on whether you want to expand it in the future, and by how much. OR are you willing to throw away your starter set and buy an “upgraded” more expensive system. {use the cheap one for the under the Christmas tree layout later on}
I have the Bachmann Easy Command DCC system {EZ C} {cheaper than the Dynamis}:
I have a small layout with 2 interconnected ovals, A 4 spur yard and a 2 spur engine facility. I have NO reverser loops{which require a reverser Controller}, and that whole layout is effectively run on just TWO wires connected to it. I can go either direction, run up to 3 locos in any direction, and as I understand it, can even play with some sounds IF I had a sound loco. It also controls lights. It DOES only use 2 digit addresses for locos, but I have adapted well to using a 2 digit system. There is a labeling spot on the EZ C for listing you locos at each of the 10 control buttons. You can consist, or list up to 20 locos on your list {2 per button} It has a 5 Amp booster if you want to run more than that {without the booster you are limited to 2 older converted locos or about 4 modern already equipped locos, depending on amp draw of the locos}. I have 14 locos on it. {can’t run all 14 at the same time of course, but I don’t have the layout space to RUN that many!!!}
You have said you are aware of all of the Dynamis shortcomings and you don’t care. So what is your question? Do you really need permission from strangers to buy something?
Most of the replies will make it obvious most serious modelers do care and recommend a more robust command station that is part of a system and therefor expandable when you find the need or desire for a function that is beyond the ability of the primitive Bachmann unit.
So in the interest of full disclosure, I have an MRC Prodigy Wireless unit with 5 cabs. I started with a Prodigy Express, which cost $85 five years ago, and have expanded to my current set. Because I don’t run sound, passenger car lighting, or a lot of extras, the 3.0 amps from my origninal unit is more than sufficient. So here’s the other point I neglected to mention in my first post. Unless you’re been buying “DCC Onboard” or the equivalent, you will also need to purchase and install a decoder for each locomotive you want to run (and before the nit-pickers start in on me, yes, I do know that some systems will let you run a DC loco, or even switch between modes, but lets not over complicate things). If you can do all of this with so-called plug and play decoders, well, and good, but if they require modifications and soldering, it’s very hard to go back and upgrade. If you think you will want sound someday, and you have to do significant modifications, best to go for a sound decoder right away. That said, I agree with Phoebe Vet – you seem to have already convinced yourself that you can live withthe drawbacks of the Dynamis system, as well as the risk of having to buy a different system later, so what are you waiting for?
The one thing I will mention is, if there is a club or other operators near you, what do they have? This was the question I was asked by the dealer when I went looking. Even though you may be somewhat of a lone wolf, you might want to go to another layout or invite someone else over for a little fun operating. If your controls are compatible you can take your hand held along and connect with their system.
I looked at several starter sets and compared features. As mentioned there are a few differences, but all are good products. I got the NCE Power Cab, as there is a layout that I have visited, should I go again, I can now take my hand held along and join in on the fun of operating on that very nice layout. Though I have an expansion planned, the dealer feels it should handle my future plans and it can be expanded if necessary.
Regarding the Bachmann Dynamis - It uses an infra-red throttle as opposed to a radio throttle which does require a reasonable line-of-sight to the receiver. This may or may not be a problem depending on your layout configuration.
The other concern I would have with that system is the “video game” style controller - it’s not user friendly for one handed operation.
So - Dynamis gives you a system that often performs poorly, has limited support available, and will be difficult to get rid of when you decide it stinks. Combine that with the often greater initial cost compared to better systems and Dynamis has nothing to recommend it.
Actually I was getting it from a club I sometimes frequent. The price was only 70 and I know that is negotiable. I have heard the Dynamis isn’t the best, which is where I was coming from, but I didn’t know it was that bad. I will be looking for something else.