I have been a DC fan but am in the process of building a new small HO layout. With all DC locos the upgrade will be vast. I have followed threads of starter DCC systems but costs start at $150 pluss a DCC loco. $$$$$$$$ So tell me if I made a mistake. I checked out ebay and bid on a EZ-Command system then bid on a Bachmann FT-A loco. All NIB. I won with a total cost w/ship for less then $90. I felt this to be very cheep for a starter into DCC. I know there are some limitations compaired to the two most used by members here but my investment is small and I don't see with the size of my layout, running more then two trains at once. I know there must be some closet EZ users here and I would like some feedback.
EZ Command If all you want is to run two locos, no problem as you understand the limitations. Do not try to run anything else of the DCC signal such as turnouts or lighted cars. You do have some control over sounds. Just very few options for adjusting CV's. You can also go to the Bachmann forum where there are EZ Command users and manuals if you do not have them. Bachmann Trains Online - Ask Bachman Rich
It's a good, inexpensive way to get into DCC. Use it to find out what your wants are in a DCC system, buy a better one and then sell the Bachmann. You won't lose much money on it.
I hope you won't mind my frank reply to you...you have asked for what we think, and I have some thoughts. I'm afraid they won't be very positive. Sorry, in advance, but...well... The EZ-Command was Bachmann's first attempt to produce something that would help them to get into the DCC operations market. The price was right, but I would not say much else about this severely constrained device is going to offer you a good, honest, robust, and comprehensive introduction to all that DCC should afford you. The EZ-Command, when it first came out, and if this is the version you have, only provides a single amp of motive power. Not a show stopper for some, but for anyone who might have already converted his five or six favourite MU'd diesels, say, and wants to run four of them hauling a long heavy coal drag at once, you may be testing the power supply severely. Add sound and you are almost certain to be disappointed. If only motive decoders, yes, you can run four or five engines fairly securely with the EZ-Command. So far not so bad. But what really cranked my pique about this system (and yes, I have first hand experience...a one hour trial that ended with a :dont-know: look on my face), was that the device cannot programme CV's beyond the two or three most basic ones, such as address. You cannot make your newly-DCC'd engine start of on speed step 1 by fiddling with the entered values to CV2, for example. CV2 is "V-Start", or the starting voltage, just enough to get that very engine moving on speed step 1. Each model is different...that's why CV2 is there. Each drive has specific requirements for getting under way. That is just an example. I don't want to labour too long over this, but within a year Bachmann was marketing Christmas train sets with a Spectrum 2-8-0 and an EZ-Command as part of the package. Track, three cars, this rather excellent stalwart of the Spectrum engine line, AND...AND..your EZ-Command, all for USD$100, or thereabouts. Incredible. So, you paid a lot for very little. I regret the effect my post may have on you, but you did ask, and I do have rather strong feelings about this product.
Thanks for the feedback. For my needs it looks like I did OK. As posted here I can try and if I wish to upgrade sell the EZ. There is not room for more then two trains or those long ones you can do with N. I have run locos out of the box with no fanfair on my DC setup so this little jump to DCC is big time for me. I thank all views.
EZ Command Some years ago I started out with a MRC2000 system that had five throttles and could run one loco without a decoder. Three on the console and two on a walkaround. The only CV I could change was the loco number as I recall. I had a good time running locos and learned a lot about DCC. The system even ran sound locos but the sounds I could not control. A few basic sounds would work. I think I picked up the system for about $30.00 off of ebay. Sold it for about the same. I now have the NCE Power Cab. Never can tell when you will find a used DCC system that would have more possibilities. This way you can take your time and learn more about the different systems that are available. The EZ Command you probably know will run one DC loco but the motor will buzz so have a way to turn off the track you park that loco on. The big issue with eventually needing a better system is the decoders are becoming more sophisticated. which may wet your appetite. Richc
Against the advice of other, I got the Bachmann Dynamis for $130.00 and have wireless with many more functions than referred to above. It is great as long as I don't due the "clubbing" thing since they use Digitraxx, etc. My point is that you can have fun with what you got ... learn from it. You can always upgrade later after you learn what you need and like.
Good going!!!! I guess we go to the beat of our own drummer. We go with what we in our minds eye see as the way we wish to proceed and budget we can afford. We will learn from what we do and from that end with what works for us. Some think there is only one or two ways to go and if we don't follow that path then we are wrong. We may find they are right but also find our path was best. I will try DCC for less than $90 where some will jump in for the system alone for more that $145 plus decoder or complete DCC loco. I may find other then adding decoders to my old stock is all I may ever need. You see some have to have the best, all the bells and whistles as the amount spent shows the satisfaction. I hope to find satisfaction in as little spent for a whole lot of fun. Don't get caught up trying to keep up with club as they are not you.
Ok - You lost me - Don't laugh - What is Litchfield? Remember some of us are still learning the ropes.
I am quite surprised you did not how to find this out by yourself. You would have had the answer much quicker. nyc light pacific 4-6-2 - Google Search Rich
In fairness, a search in yahoo of "Litchfield" produced quite a few results on the first page, none of them related to anything remotely connected to railroading. Had the advice been to go to Litchfield Station...our friend would not have been forced to seek clarification here. And there would have been no need for the condescension that followed. Just my two cents.
Thanks! I did google and got IL CT inn (just the word) etc... I just needed more info. Thank you. Beginner mistakes. People have been on my case since I started this thread. Still the best forum going!
Bold print added by myself. Yes, and it is normally not cool on this forum to behave like that, certainly not as a welcome to new(er) members. So, I am at a loss, unless it is something to do with the strains of the season. If we are to retain a reputation of "Still the best forum going", I think we'll have to do a bit better as a group. Ragging on people who could use some help is simply not why I am a paid member here.
Yes and your last line is another thing. I went to the donation section and wanted to give a one time offering of $20 but could not find A way to do so. Help?
I have the EZ command for my sons "Thomas" train set. He runs one or two trains at a time and it works great for him... and me for that matter. I have to admit to spending a few hours "playing" with his set up. I'm sure I'll move on to a power cab or some other DCC controller,but for the little I paid for the EZ command it works great for what I needed.Here he is running his railroad.
Litchfield Station is a well known place that deals mostly with DCC Items/products and installations of mobile decoders. It's located in the Phoenix area, but there site is easy to navigate as well
