Multiple DCC Controllers on Layout

[JimO]

Question:  Can you use multiple DCC Controllers (2) on the same layout without isolating
Track?  Would this increase the Amperage on the layout or cause a problem?

[pdlethbridge]

Yes you can with the NCE system. The power cabs (2) can work together but they have to be different numbered cabs and one is the lead cab that assigns locos to the other cab.

[ABC]

Not with the Bachmann E-Z Command System however, it will make lots of magic smoke. And I am pretty sure that the Dynamis will also lead to an abundance of magic smoke also. Some of the more advanced systems may be able to like NCE, but for the most part you can only power the layout with one system. You can however, use one E-Z Command System with several walk around companions, but you cannot use the actual system as a walk around companion, you have to buy the product specifically built for this. Other systems may allow for similar operation, where only one is providing power, but the other can still control locos and act as a 2nd controller.

[pdlethbridge]

The NCE system has a small panel that the power cabs plug into. One is a 6 cable and the other is 4. They would both be running off the same power source. The 6 cable unit is the lead cab and the 4 cable is the slave.

[OldTimer]

The answer to your question depends on the DCC system you use. 

Generally speaking, adding throttles is not a problem...most systems provide a command bus for exactly that purpose. 

Most motors are so efficient today that running two or three locomotives at the same  time is not going to overload even a basic system. 

[Jim Banner]

The answer depends on what you mean by "controllers." A DCC system consist of four parts - throttle(s) (a.k.a. cabs,) command station, booster(s) and decoder(s).

Throttles Every system has to have at least one throttle.  Many systems can have more than one throttle.  Throttles are the interface between man and machine.  They let you tell the command station just what it is that you want to do (change speed, direction, turn on lights, blow the horn, etc.)

Command Station Every DCC system has to have one command station.  The command station is the "brains" of the system, keeping track of speed, direction, lights on or off, etc. for each and every locomotive.  It translates the signals from the throttle or throttles into digital signals that the decoders can understand.  Some command stations can also read and understand the signals that decoders send back.  There cannot be more than one command station in a DCC system.

Boosters Every DCC system has to have one or more boosters.  Boosters raise the power level of the command station signals up to a level that can power the trains as well as communicate with them.

Decoders The decoders read the digital messages addressed to them and ignore the messages not addressed to them.  They then implement these messages if they are within the decoders' abilities to do so.  There are several types of decoders including stationary decoders to operate switches, signals, etc. and mobile decoders to control locomotive motion, sound or both.

Combinations Many times, two or three of the pieces of a DCC system are built into the same case.  A Bachmann E-Z Command combines a throttle, a command station and a small booster all into one small box.  The Dynamis combines the command station and booster into one box and has separate throttles.  In many cases where command station and booster are built into the same box, there is some provision for turning off the command station function, allowing just the booster section to be used.  And in some three way combinations, the command station function can be shut off, letting the unit function as a throttle or as a booster or both at the same time.

Bottom line, you can, in some cases, use parts or all of multiple units together, as long as you do not have two command stations trying to compete with one another.  You can, for example, combine two Digitrax Zephyrs to give two throttles, two boosters and one command station, but you cannot combine two E-Z Commanders together in any way.

Jim  

[Doneldon]

Jim is exactly correct but let me point out that EZCommand does allow for up to three other throttles and/or a separate DC throttle which will allow the number ten button on the command station/booster/throttle to function as a tenth DCC throttle and the DC pack itself as a DC throttle.  I believe the total number of possible DCC throttles is four though it is hard to imagine running so many throttles/trains on the EZCommand's meager 1+ amp output.

          --D

[ABC]

I believe the total number of possible DCC throttles is four though it is hard to imagine running so many throttles/trains on the EZCommand's meager 1+ amp output.

What you are forgetting is that you can use a booster with the E-Z Command, which would easily allow for the operation of 4 locos and throttles.