Bachmann Ez DCC

[g-pa1]

I just went to a train show here where Bachmann had set up an area running their HO scale ez command system. While I know it doesn't have all the bells and whistles of the more engineer specific dcc systems. It operated easily didn't need to have a separate track to train the loco and was very inexpensive and you could use any track. The controller can control n scale but the n scale locos were not out yet but will be coming. I went back several times and it was very interesting. I think I will be investigating this further. I understand that there is also an article on it in the Dec. issue of MR. (Also picked up some oldtimer cars for my HO Christmas oval and a F.R.E.D. that runs on a 9 volt battery. We have started moving things into the garage of the new house this weekend and in two weeks plan to close!!Finally! Can't wait to get the layout going. Gene

[ginzokid]

Gene, Having investigated several types of DCC systems including the MRC Prodigy Advanced, the Bachmann was not out yet, my concern would be for ease of upgrade of the system. These "starter" sets are great, but can you upgrade to a better system without a major repurchase of components? Does this system work with all makes of decoders and power boosters, etc.? The biggest drawback I see to this Bachmann set and also the MRC Prodigy (first version, not the advanced) is the limited power available for running trains; 1 Amp. The more expensive systems all seem to have 5 Amps of power. Depending upon the number of engines you will be running at one time, this limited power supply might be a serious consideration. The price is right on this unit for an introduction to DCC and for a small layout. But are you limited to running just Bachmann decoder equipped trains or will this run any make? Need input. The ads say it is compatible with any NMRA system so it should work, but it also has limited control features from what I read. One note. These opinions are expressed by a guy who likes to buy the top of the line in everything if possible. It's fun being rich. Ask the Prof... ;) Codccfadda

[trmwf]

The prof has much of the same questions when it comes to DCC and since I probably wouldn't understand the answers will stick with my old fashion block control system. Besides, the prof is NOT rich and couldn't begin to afford to buy the decoders for my loco fleet. prof

[ginzokid]

Reread a post by Dave in "DC or DCC" thread. His MRC set is actually outdated right now by a newer model. The one I was looking at and decided against. MRC does this often. Marc's Tech4 350 with walk-around was the forerunner to Dave's Prodigy and now the Prodigy is superceded by the Prodigy Advanced. Will the same thing happen to the Bachman E-Z Command? Soon, all engines will come equipped with decoders and those without will go the way of the do-do bird, the vinyl record, the eight track and the 486 Computer. Hang on to your Confederate money boys.....and your analog engines. They will soon be worth a fortune here on ebay. CdccF

[g-pa1]

Pete, The fun part of life is that it changes and humans adapt to it. Not too long ago your interests were to K.I.S.S. and not fall into the spell of DCC and now... well lets just say that change is what makes life interesting and fun. I am not sure at this point that I will ever be the "prototypical" model railroad builder and will probably have a number of oval type tracks going at once but that is the beauty of the hobby. Look at where you have been updating all the different scales that you have modeled. I don't think the updating thing is ever done. One thing I am happy for is that there is room in this hobby for people like me who are just happy to see a train run around an oval with maybe a few trees and a tunnel (but we always aspire to just one more tree don't we!) and at the other spectrum people who are so into the hobby that they artfully and faithfully model exact railroads and towns and industries. An now I will stop the babble. Gene

[ginzokid]

Gene, If you could only see my new RR. It is basically two up and over folded dog-bone circuits of track with a central yard and cross-over or passing siding ability. I really kept this one simple as I will mostly just be running trains, just like you. The old N was definitely a switching/long run mainline affair. Much simpler now. Gramps

[ginzokid]

Just catching up Gene. Did you ever go with the Bachmann EZ-DCC or are you still analog? I can't remember. Now that Bachmann Spectrum is coming out DCC equipped as are other manufacturers, things should be changing quickly. I believe that Bachmann has upgraded the EZ system already, but it is still not as versital as the Digitrax, NCE or Lenz full fledged systems. B-)

[g-pa1]

Pete I am still Anal og. Possibly DCC is in the future when more N Scale loco's come out with decoders already on board and the prices are resonable. I see what changes are rapidly happening in other scales as far as DCC and eventually the DCC systems will shake out and become mainstream. I know NCE and others seem to have the starter systems ready but it seems the decoders and their capabilities are being upgraded every time I read Model Railroading. As of now I have a controller for each of the 5 tracks that I run. Gene

[ginzokid]

That makes you a busy man trying to control all those trains at once. Been there, done that. As for the upgrading; it reallt doesn't change all that much. The decoders have to ability built in. What changes is the ability of the command stations to operate all the different functions that the decoder is capable of. When I first received my NCE, it could control only 10 functions of the BLI locos and not the momentum either. After some law suit was settles with someone, these guys are always suing each other for some reason beyond my ken, NCE sent me a new upgraded EPROM (the Brains) to install in my Command Station. Two munutes work and now I have 14 functions and momentum and back EMF control. So you see, it is not so much the decoders, but the command stations that need upgrading. That is why I went with NCE which touted easy upgrades. Digitrax and Lenz can also be upgraded, even the starter NCE, but the MRC and Bachmann starters can not, to my reading of the info available. Your problem will be to convert the many locos you now have to DCC. If you get too many DC locos, you might just price yourself out of the conversion market. A better plan might be to purchase DCC ready locos now and upgrade to a DCC system later. The DCC locos will run on DC in most cases. You just don't get all the features. But, look at the Precision locos that have DC/DCC with or without sound and an optional control box for DC operation which gives you a lot of the DCC features. You have a lot of reading and decision making to do. B-)

[dl85vette]

Also consider the time/effort/value of converting older DC locos. Might be easier to part with some that can be re-aquired today that are same road# but with DCC capability. that is if you have any unfavorable locos. I sold off my Bachmann LMS Dash8-40CW as I would have had to convert the couplers to MTL plus modify the frame to put in a decoder. Same with all 4 or 5 L/L gp 38 that I stockpiled at one point.

[ginzokid]

Just ordered two new chips for my BLI Consolidations. QSI has upgraded their stuff again and the chip should be just a plug-n-play install. I will have even more control of the sounds and operational charastics of the locos and future upgrdes will now be down-loadable from the net. Back EMF, and load simulation are included. In other words, while going up hill, the engine will sound like it is working harder and it will "coast" downhill with less chuffing required. I'm looking forward to the "playable" steam whistle which requires a Digitrax of NCE system. I just knew there was a reason I bought top of the line equipment to begin with. You just can't get this kind of service and ease with the Bachman EZ DCC. B-)