DCC Controllers

[AGRTERP4LIFE]

I have been in the market for a DCC controller, but had heard that Bachmann was not the recommended unit.  The local retailer recommended NCE, MRC, and Lenz over Bachmann for DCC control.  I believe his major gripe was that Bachmann did not have the abilty to handle or power as many cabs?  Any suggestions?

[Rangerover]

I've used EZ command for 4 years. I bought it to try it and learn how DCC functions. I thought if  I liked it I would move on to one of the more expensive DCC units. EZ Command is cheap by comparison, but very basic and simple. The regular basic unit that has the controller and DCC Loco is where I started. I can run only 2 DCC loco's plus one analog, so 3 trains total. I bought the 5 amp booster and for about half the price it is today about 3 years ago when they hit the market. I got it on Ebay. With the booster I can run 9 DCC loco's and 1 analog. Very simple to use and easy to follow instructions both written and on a cd. You have to assign each loco to one of the 1-9 numbers on your hand held controller. #10 is for analog. #3 is the default #. In other words if you take the Bachmann loco out  of the box and run it with factory settings, it's setting is defaulted to #3. You can change that by following the instructions that come with it. I run Atlas, Bachmann both blue box and spectrum, Stewert and Athern all DCC with no problem except one blue box decoder went bad out of the 26 DCC loco's I own. Keep in mind the other popular brands you can run up to or log 99 locos. I run 6 trains at one time and it can get quite confusing at times. I normally run no more than 3 trains, that's enough for me to take care of. With Bachmann you still get all the chuffs, brake squeal, bells, whistle and lights. You cannot however change the tone's with EZ command, with the other models you can. The only real adjustment on EZ Command is the running lights on your loco's and of course the speed control for each loco and direction while on the same track or line.

I'm sure there are many others who have the "better" more expensive models. I haven't had any trouble with mine and run trains at least 3 times a week. I'm retired and on a fixed income now and at this time can't see any reason to buy a more expensive unit. I haven't had any serious problems with my EZ Command unit or the booster and haven't read on any forums that suggest that they are troublesome to  those that own and use them, it's just you can't do with these as you could do with the more expensive units.

The sounds of the bells, whistles, brake squeal, etc. are if you have loco's that have the sound decoder card. Not all DCC loco's have sound cards!

[Running Bear]

I used the EZ-Command for two years and just packed it away in storage after getting a Digitrax DCS50. The EZ-Command is very good for what it does but I wanted the ability to read and write CV's, which the EZ-Command can't do. I never had a problem with it in all the time I used it and I highly recommend it to the modeler who wants to get his/her feet wet in DCC before making the decision to get a more expensive system.

ATRTERP4LIFE: If you would like to have an EZ-Command system (controller, power supply, connectors, DVD/literature) I have a brand new one here still in it's plastic wrap. If you want it email me your mailing address.  My email is [email protected] . You don't have to pay me anything. I'll even pay the postage.

[AGRTERP4LIFE]

Thanks KCS.  I emailed you from my work email.  I appreciate that very much!

And thank you Rangerover also.  I appreciate the detail you used in explaining.  I dont expect to have 99 locos running at once, and thought that was a stretch when I saw the specs of the higher dollar units.  If I could run 3 or 4, I would be happy as can be.  I have about 6 locos now, but only one is DCC ready, and even it needs a decoder installed to work.  The others older, and only one is probably worth the price of the decoder card.  The others may have to stay on DC for now.

Thank you both again for your assistance.

[Running Bear]

Thanks KCS.  I emailed you from my work email.  I appreciate that very much!

I'll ship it out as soon as I can.

[pdlethbridge]

I have an NCE power cab which can run 2 or 3 engines or decoders, It is hand held and full featured with the ability to program and change CV's. It's more than I'll ever need for my 64 sq foot layout.

[AGRTERP4LIFE]

I have heard people mention decoders in switches and other layout accesories.  Are these decoders then controlled by the DCC controller?
I have a few switches and two of them have decoders installed.  I thought it would be neat to control them with the dcc controller.  I am using EZ track.

Thanks

[Running Bear]

You would program those just as you would a loco decoder. The instructions that come with the turnout should explain it.

[pdlethbridge]

I use atlas code 83 switches, and switch machines. They are being controlled by a digitrax ds-64 that can handle up to 4 pairs of switch machines. Its a capacitive discharge type controller built and designed for switch machines. As it comes from the factory, it controls solenoid type machines but it can be reprogrammed to operate switchmaster or tortoise machines as well. For the atlas type switch machines, it is more than powerful to operate 2 solenoids at a time. It can be set up for routing several switch machines to a particular track and as the capacitor gets recharged it will throw each switch in succession.

[Running Bear]

AGRTERP4LIFE: I sent the EZ-Command unit to you this afternoon by Priority mail. You should have it soon.

[richG]

In line with this, I have a MRC 2000 with two channel tethered controller. Five channels in all. The first channel can run a  DC loco. About 2 amps maximum for everything
I will send it free. Just need your email address.

The set can only control speed, direction, lights and one function. This would at least give someone a little start with DCC.

I have run my sound locos and hear sounds but no control over the sounds. Only tried that as an experiment as I now use a NCE system. The below site gives a little information about the controller.
http://members.shaw.ca/sask.rail/dcc/index.html

Rich

[Running Bear]

The EZ-Command lets you control 8 sounds (F1 - F8).

[Running Bear]

AGRTERP4LIFE: I sent you  an email.

[WGL]

I run 6 trains at one time and it can get quite confusing at times. I normally run no more than 3 trains, that's enough for me to take care of.

Rangerover,
  How many tracks do you have for running 3-6 trains?  I have 2 concentric ovals connected by switches so that I can run 2 trains separately from my EZ Command Control.  I have tried running 3 trains, with 2 on the same track, but they require constant attention.  I may add a third oval to run 3 trains without worrying about collisions.

[Yampa Bob]

When I run two locomotives on the same track, I keep a finger poised over the stop button and run very slow.

Recently I slowed the wrong loco and had a magnificent rear ender. I forgot to take a picture, cars jack knifed and some on their sides.

I have the EZ Command and absolutely love it.  I like to run one loco on the single main, and work the GE 70 ton in the yards.