Guys,
I currently run my small shunting layout using the Bachmann DCC system. I will upgrade the system as the layout increases in size and my daughters are able to drive a train without close supervision. The system I plan to use is the NCE ProCAB.
I am looking at decodersto add to my assorted fleet of Locos. I had discussed this with one of the LHS in my area and he indicated the NCE decoders would not function with the Bachmann System. Both are NMRA Compliant so what problems would I face if I install the NCE Decoders?
If the decoder is NMRA Compliant, then it will run with the DCC system. However, what this really means is that any functionality which is supported by both the system and the decoder will work. As decoders have gotten more sophisticated, they have outgrown many of the earlier DCC systems, particularly the starter systems. This is most noticeable in support for the higher-numbered function codes on the controllers. So, for example, you will still be able to turn on the headlights, but you might not be able to toot the whistle.
As Bruce already said: If the NCE decoder is NMRA compliant, it will work with the Bachmann E-Z Command - also NMRA compliant. Maybe…maybe what the LHS meant is that some functions of an NCE decoder (or any decoder, for that matter) you won’t be able to access or utilize because the Bachmann doesn’t have that capacity.
Peter, I agree with your logic. The Bachmann is simple and will work very well for your young daughters at this point and time. I’ve had my E-Z Command for a year now and it has performed as described - no more, no less. Simple and uncomplicated. I bought mine for about 1/2 MSRP and have no regrets.
When I bought my BLI 2-8-2 Mike a couple of months ago, I was delighted to find out that the Bachmann can even run 8 sound functions, as well as turning the headlight on & off. Peter, here’s the functions that are accessible with the E-Z Command:
Some look down on it because of it’s limitations. I tend to look at the E-Z Command as an inexpensive and economical way to get into DCC, try it out, and see what kind of system I will eventually want to upgrade to. Like yourself, I’ve chosen the NCE PowerCab and - hopefully [sigh] - should be receiving it shortly in the mail.
I bought some MRC decoders off of eBay once… They were old decoders and didn’t work at all with my MRC Prodigy advance OR, when I got rid of the Advance, my Digitrax Zephyr. Could be the decoders were all bad, but I was leaning towards incompatibility.
Thanks for the info. You have confirmed my thoughts and removed the confusion created by incomplete / mis information from LHS. They did not stock NCE items so this may have been a factor.
Can’t wait for the Power cab to hit Australia. Have a fun weekend