Hey,
Can anybody give me more detailed info on Bachmann’s DCC set? Does it itself power the whole layout? How many engines can it run? Can it control a layout 12ft. x 16ft. with multiple layouts?
And pretty much just give me some info on it, such as if you like it and if it is “E-Z”. [:D]
Thanks,
Grayson
I have a much smaller layout and I went with the Digitrax Zephyr. The Zephyr is a 2.5 amp system and the Bachmann is only 1 amp. I suspect that, in general, you will get the advice that you will need a 5 amp system depending on how many trains you want to run, and whether sound, lights and accesories will be operated off the DCC booster. This obviously means that you are looking at shelling out a few more bucks. BTW, I think it was the Dec 2005 issue of MR mag which had a chart comparison of the basics of the starter DCC systems from Bachmann, Digitrax, NCE, Atlas and a couple of others.
Grayson,
I used the Bachmann E-Z Command on my 4 x 8 HO layout for a little over a year and it worked just fine for me. So, yes, it powers the whole layout. As Bearman noted, it’s only a 1 amp system so it will only run a maximum of 2-3 HO locomotives (1-2 with sound) simultaneously.
As the name implies, the Bachmann E-Z Command is an easy DCC system to operate and learn. It comes with the following:
It’s also limited in what it can do. Here’s a list of it’s cans and can nots:
Can
Operate 2-3 “non-sound” HO locomotive simultaneously (1-2 with sound)
Store up to 9 DCC locomotive addresses
Run one (1) DC locomotive
Control functions F0-F8
Create consists or MU locomotives (limited)
Be outfit with the following new Bachmann products:
5-amp power booster
Reversing loop module*
Extra throttle
*Not sure it that’s yet available or not
Can not
For a small layout, it’s a nice, inexpensive way to get your feet with in DCC. If you have a larger layout, looking to expand your layout, or want to enjoy some of the deeper benefits of DCC, you should really look into a either a more sophisticated starter system (Digitrax Zephyr, NCE Power Cab) or a larger DCC system instead.
Grayson, you could possibly still use a E-Z Command to run a layout as large as a 12 x 16. However, you’d still be limited to what you could do. Hope that helps…
Tom
Okay, that was interesting. Grayson, I guess you decided to delete your last post?
Well, I’m going to go ahead and post my response to your previous question anyhow:
*Maybe not word-for-word but a close enough facsimile of what you asked.
Grayson,
Yes it does. The Digitrax Zephyr is a very good starter system and is very expandible, which means that it can easily grow as your layout grows. It also has some very nice features. The NCE Power Cab and the MRC Prodigy Advance are also very good systems.
Except for wiring your track, all of them will come with everything you need to get up and going in DCC. On my 4 x 8, I just have two (2) wires powering my entire layout. Ultimately, I want to wire it properly with power busses and track feeders.
Tom
“Does the Zepher contain EVERYTHING you need to use DCC?”
For me, yes, although I am just starting out and my layout is under construction, I have run two locos and a switcher on the track that is serviceable right now. I want to be able to run two locomotives and two switchers, and I am not running sound and the Zephyr only operates trains. All other accessories, remote turnouts etc. draw their power off a conventional DC power pack.
In addition, the Zephyr has two jump connections, which can be used to connect two conventional DC power packs which can act as throttles. While I have not used this feature yet, it does mean that I can add two more operators who can control one locomotive each. I plan to use this feature until I upgrade to two additional throttles, maximum number of operators on my layout can’t be more than three, me, my neighbor and his child. The MR mag article on building the Black River Junction layout used the Zephyr with a tethered and a radio throttle so you might want to check out the relevant article earlier this year.
Another feature is that it can be hooked up to a computer which is something I am interested in doing down the road, but I have a while to get to that point.
Hey, Tom,
I like that movable track bumper. I just favorited your site and will be looking at the directions with some degree of in-depth interest when the time comes.
The Bachmann EZ-Command set comes with the controller, power pack, two locos (a GP40 and an FT-A), several cars and Bachmann steel EZ-Track with black roadbed. One of the biggest improvements you can make is to throw out the steel track and get nickel silver track. If you want to stick with Bachmann track, get the nickel silver EZ-Track with gray roadbed. The track comes with one manual turnout (a left-hand I think) and a dead-end bumper. There’s also an undertrack uncoupling magnet (I use several of these). The EZ-Command system can reliably run two DCC locos at once, three at the most (assuming non-sound) and is compatible with ANY NMRA compatible decoder. I use NCE Silent Running decoders myself. The system is very easy to learn and use and is very good for use on a small layout. Mine has about 40 feet of track in two separate loops with 4 spurs and 1 passing siding. I can program up to nine 2 digit addresses for locomotives and can run 2 or 3 locomotives in consist. The system can be upgraded with a 5 amp booster, but the booster costs $250. For that you can buy a better system for less.
Bearman,
Thanks! I’m glad you like 'em. The small modification works surprisingly well - actually better than I expected. Let me know what you think of them after you’ve built some. [:)]
Tom
Tom-
It will be a while. Tracklaying and wiring is going rather slowly.
No offence to B-man, or anyone, but EZ-command =[tdn][#dots]
It is barely expandable, meaning it’s fine now for your layout, but when you expand, all your DCC stuff is useless. I would also reccomend the Zephyr. It can run 10 trains AT ONCE with the proper throttles, and if you outgrow it as a master unit, you can still use it as a slave throttle. Also, Digitrax is probobly the most commen brand for DCC, so you can run your wal-around throttles on other people’s layouts if they use Digitrax.
Thanks for listining to my rants, please don’t start a flame war against me.
The Bachmann can run up to 10 trains at once but will really only do about 6 N scale engines before it runs out of power. It will run one DC engine (well it can run more, but they all run together, just like regular DC). That is nice becasue you usually have some engines you havent converted. The Bachmann cannot really program an engine, except reassign it to another number. So you cant fiddle with the sound features etc. You can activate already programmed feature, the first 9 of them only, and blow the horn, turn on the lights, basic stuff. There is an auxiliary throttle available so you can have two or even three throttles. Mine was only $85 and really it works pretty well. I am going to upgrade when I get my layout finished. Only thing I don’t have that I want is wireless throttle, which the Zephyr can do. Zephyr can also do pretty complete programming. Not sure I want that, I havent missed it so far, but who knows, maybe it will be useful. I wouldnt mind having the lights activated all the time, things like that.
Tyler,
Hey, no flaming from me. The bottom line with the E-Z Command: If you can accept and live with its limitations, it is a nice, no-frills, inexpensive DCC system.
I can’t argue with the any of the reasons you’ve given for not going with the E-Z Command. However, for some who:
the E-Z Command can be a viable alternative. I bought mine for $53, enjoyed the year that I had it, used that time to look into what DCC system I wanted to upgrade to, and sold the Bachmann to another forum member, who’s still using it to this day.
Tyler, thanks for listening to my “rants”. I hope this in no way comes across as trying to flame you on your points. Actually, your point about the Zephyr having the capacity to be used as both a master and slave unit is an excellent example of why the Zephyr is such a terrific starter system. Nothing (power in this sense) i
I guess I will get the Zepher then, thanks for the help guys!
Thanks,
Grayson
One last question, as long as I only run aroud 3 engines with the Bachmann, I will be fine? I might reconsider what I am getting.
Grayson,
Fine in what respect? I don’t know about you, Grayson, but keeping track of more than two locomotives running simultaneously is quite enough to keep my brain occupied. Three, for me, would be flirting with disaster. [xx(]
The amount of trains you can run really depends on how much current each of your locomotives draw and how much maximum output your DCC system has. In either case, the more current your locomotive draws, the fewer locomotives you’ll be able to run with your DCC system.
Assuming we’re talking HO here, most newer manufactured non-sound locomotives (i.e. 7 years and younger) will draw ~0.25-0.33 amps. Sound units up to 0.5 amps each. If you have older locomotives, the non-sound version might draw 0.5-0.75 amps a piece. Add sound and you’re close to peaking out your Bachmann E-Z Command.
Grayson, as a general rule, you should probably figure two non-sound locomotives with the E-Z Command. Three would be icing on the cake.
Tom
So, again, I guess its better off getting the Zephyr [:D] which contains everything needed to run a DCC layout in HO.
I’ll give you my perspective - you decide how much money you want to spend. I run a two loco consist (usually something like a GP-35 and GP-40) while doing some branch and switching work with a 70 tonner and the E-Z Command system handles it without a problem. I also have a number of DC only engines and I can run one of those while also running DCC units. I got mine for $51 off e-bay. When I move up to sound equipped units, I’m sure I’ll upgrade but for now (and the price), it’s an excellent bargain.
Grayson,
Buying a DCC system and what type depends on several factors:
How much money you have or want to/can spend on a DCC system?
What size layout you have?
What you want to accomplish with your layout?
What your future plans are as far as expansion?
Yes, the Zephyr is a very good choice for a number of reasons. NCE Power Cab, the MRC Prodigy Advance, and Lenz Set 100 are also very good choices for a number of reasons. Each has their pluses and minuses. You have to determine which one will best fit YOUR needs and YOUR purposes. What system is good for me may not necessarily be what’s best for you and your needs.
Grayson, I’ll say again: The Bachmann E-Z Command is a decent, no-frills, inexpensive DCC system. Albeit limited in maximum output (1-amp) and the ability to program CVs, the E-Z Command comes with “everything needed to run a DCC layout in HO”. You need to first sit down and answer questions 1-4 above before you decide on any DCC system.
The key thing is to identify a DCC system that will best fit both your present and future needs and preferences. If you don’t do that, you run a greater risk of buying a system that is either too large or inadequate for the job and/or one that isn’t enjoyable to use because the throttle isn’t intuitive to operate with.
Another key point is to NOT make a hasty decision before adequately exploring all your other options. It’s a good way to avoid get burned.
Have I adequately muddied the waters for you?
Tom
Yes, you have muddied up the waters.
Here are my reasons to go with Bachmann’s:
Easy to set up and use.
Cheap, yet
Grayson,
Since you have an asterik after the word “possible” in reference to expansion, I’m assuming that means its not be in the current plans but isn’t completely out of realm of probability. If that’s the case and you can afford it, go with the Zephyr. You won’t be disappointed with it.
If you can find a really good deal on the Bachmann, you could always buy that, give it a try, then save your pennies for a better system. There’s one presently on eBay with under an hour left for $35:
Tom