Since you already have the EZ system, I’d side with the guys who say keep it for now. For any other people with a similar layout who want a flexible control system I’d suggest taking a look at the Aristocraft radio throttle at approximately $125.00. The heavy duty version provides ten amps, can operate two separate power blocks and some other functions are programable. Best of all, no tether! I operate a rather large layout with as many as six engines operating at one time with this system and it installs in minutes.
The Train Engineer version is cheaper but provides only one amp of track power.
My first question is "Why do you need DCC if you are only going to be running 1 train?
Too many people go out of their way to make their RR as complex as possible when there is really no need.
DCC is great if you have a RR big enough for several operators running several trains.
Whatever you do, stay as far away as you can from the BOTCHMANN crap!!!
gtr
I just went down this decision path and ended up buying the NCE PowerCab.
Thing that turned me off on the Bachmann were: 1) only uses addresses 1 through 9, I wanted to use engine number as dcc number; 2) no accessory capability, I plan on having dcc controlled switches; 3) no display to show settings; 4) no ability to program CVs used to tune engine performance or sound decoders; 5) not handheld which I wanted; etc.
Strongly considered Digitrax Zephyr but NCE was less expensive and had the LCD display and was handheld.
I respectfully disagree. DCC works great on small layouts, too…AND…can actually make it simpler to operate because you don’t have to divide the layout into blocks and control it with selectors and switches and controllers. I run my 4 x 8 on just two wires. (Not the ideal but it does work - and has for 2 years now.)
As far as the Bachmann E-Z Command is concerned, it’s a decent little DCC system and works well for what it does. My suggestion: Don’t knock it until you’ve actually tried it.
Tom
I have a customer who purchased the Bachmann system for much the same reasons - price, ease of use, a starting point. But whenever he purchases a new DCC engine, he has to pay a shop to have it programed; apparently, the Bachmann starter system doesn’t have this feature. I’d suggest upgrading right now, spending a little more money now, and not having to replace the system at a later date. Frank in Humble, Tx.
As long as you know it’s limitations and can live with (or within) them, the Bachmann works well. If you want to get fancy and start programming and changing CVs, then you need to look at a more sophisticated DCC system.
It’s sorta like driving a Toyota Echo vs. a Camry. The Echo is small but you can get around town fine with it. If you want more room, “niceties” and power, then you need to move up to Camry (Zephyr, Power Cab), Avalon (Super Chief, Power Pro, Lenz 100, etc.), or Lexus (Zimo). Sometimes a plain 'ol Echo works just fine for someone’s needs.
Tom
Tom, excellent analogy!
When people come on here and ask: “what’s the best DCC system” and we answer it depends – then they wonder why we don’t just give them a straight answer.
The car analogy is a good one that everyone can relate to – the answer to “what’s the best car?” is, you guessed it – it depends. [swg]
It depends on the size of your pocket book, what your needs are, and what features you most care about. The only problem is, you really should “test drive” some DCC systems to really be able to best answer this question.
In this hobby, the test drive answer is a good one for many things. That’s why the very best thing you can do if you are new to the hobby is go visit other layouts in your area, talk to other modelers, and if possible, even join a club or modular group – at least for a while.
One possible route to DCC would be to get a cheap Bachmann system as your DCC learning system. With that under your belt, you could then shop for your ultimate system, now much more savvy about things DCC.
NCE Power Cab is a nice choice for DCC. Even though your current layout is relatively small, you will no doubt want to expand and/or rebuild just as we all did and do. My 11’6" X 14’3" layout has been under construction for six years, and I finally settled on NCE for my DCC system, and highly recommend it to anyone who has an interest in DCC. Tony’s Train Exchange provides a plethora of information regarding DCC, and Tony is always happy to talk with you on the telephone. I would advise you to install a simple method for detecting shorts in the track, even with a small layout. Just putting a loco on the rails improperly can cause a short and could harm your system.
Joe Giunta
You know, I posted the same question on here about a month ago on why should I need DCC if I plan on only running one train–everyone came back and told me that actually for my type of layout, DCC would be better. In high school I had a 4x8 DC layout, and man did the wiring kell me. I really want to be up with the modern details of this hobby. My “dream layout” will for sure have DCC and until then I need a starting block to help me understand this system.
Joe, you talk about test driving a system of someone elses before you buy–I didn’t have that chance. The two clubs that I attended ran only DC and not made the conversion. So that didn’t help.
Guy, you have to understand that I’m shooting in the dark. But, I am sure glad that I have all of you to talk to me for help.
Hello,
I have a MRC digital system on a 3x16 layount and run 3 locos with no problems. I like the Prodigy Systme Advanced. Not too expensive either.
Joe
I have considered the Bachmann E-Z Command DCC system for my Grandson and me. Not ready to get into DCC in a big way. He may loose interest. I have a question, can E-Z Command DCC work sound?
mgsalley,
First off, [#welcome] to the forum! Good to have you aboard! [:)]
Yes, the Bachmann can handle 8 sound functions:
F1 - bell
F2 - horn/whistle
F3 - coupler crash
F4 - blower hiss
F5 - dynamic break
F6 - doppler (only works over 40 MPH)
F7 - break squeal/flanges
F8 - mute
(F10 turns your lights on & off)
In order to operate the sound, you must first press the FUNCTION (yellow) button then the appropriate numbered button. (The numbered buttons serve as both function and locomotive address buttons.) Very simple to use and an inexpensive route to see if DCC is right for you and your grandson. I picked mine up last year for $53. I’ve since purchased the NCE Power Cab because it can do more. I have no regrets for starting out with the E-Z Command.
Hope that helps…
Tom
Tom,
Where did you find your EZ Comand for $53?
Michael
If you building a switching layout, then DCC is a great idea becuase then you can switch with 2 engines at the same time. When i run at the model RR club I usually run a mainline freight and switch, with the Digitrax 400 throttle its pretty easy to do. I put the mainline freight on side of the throttle and switch with the other. I own a digitrax Super Chief, its a nice set. I’m sure the bachman DCC set is fine. I have a Bachman DCC GP40 it runs just fine and i’ve had no problems with the decoder yet.
Michael,
I got my Bachmann E-Z Command from a place called Wholesaletrains.com. It’s an online warehouse business so they will know pretty much nothing or technical about their products. Mine came with the command station, transformer, wires, and DVD. (No locomotive.) Here’s the link:
http://www.wholesaletrains.com/HOProducts2.asp?Scale=HO&Item=RGBVCW
Looks like it’s gone up to $60 now. Still, a decent price since MSRP is $100.
I did actually see the E-Z Command at my LHS for $50. It was in a much smaller package so I’m assuming it was just repackaged by Bachmann and didn’t come with the DVD.
Tom
[2c]I’ve nd EZ command that I like for now ,and will stay with for a while.At the present time I have four locos programed on mine,they work fine! Testage; thanks for info on the sound part,was woundering about that,guess I could have read inst[xx(]I’ve an soundtrax sound systeam commimg in the mail so will use the info.I plan on useing the EZ on my new N scale when I get started on it!!
Good info here!![:D][^]
JIM
Guys,
Here is an update on my situation: We just decide this year I will be building a new home, I’ve decided to build it with a three car garage and use the third one for my layout. We don’t have basement here in Southern California so I have to do something. I will insulate and build a barrier wall from my cars. This will give me about a 23x10 spot to build. Therefore I will not be building my 5x10 but going straight to the big leagues. You don’t know how excited I am about this. So as for my EZ-Command: I won’t have any use for it because I need a system that I can program from my computer to my engines. So my EZ-Command is for sale if I have any takers, never been opened except to view the DVD. Maybe the LMS will take it back.
Still a good topic, so lets keep it going.
I have a “what I did” about DCC on a 4x8 at:
http://www.pacificcoastairlinerr.com/4x8/wiring/
Believe me DCC on a small layout is more important than a large layout. It is also easier to wire for DCC.
Thank you if you visit
Harold
Zak,
Wow! From a 5 x 10 to a 23 x 10 area. Congratulations on your “expansion”! [:)][tup] It will be good have the wall separating the layout from the rest of the garage. Your layout will stay both cleaner and warmer year round.
Since you are now looking for a new DCC System with computer interface, the Digitrax Zephyr might fit right in for you. The interface is a separate purchase however. The new NCE Power Cab is worth considering and will also have a USB connector interface available for that very purpose. It’s a separate purchase, as well, and is suppposedly due out by mid- to late summer, along with the Smart Booster. Both are worth considering.
As far as the E-Z Command, maybe Michael (mgsalley) would be interested? (See a few posts up.)
Tom
I’ve got a 5x12 foot layout myself. Since a lot of my mainline track runs directly above my subway tracks, I’ve got 2 independent loops, plus a yard and a few sidings. With DC, I could run 2 trains, and that would really be about it. With DCC, though, I have run 5 trains, all at once, all by myself.
So, for those who say “Why convert from DC to DCC when you can only run 1 train?” I’ll answer, “Because with DCC, you can run more than 1 train.”