Before you make a decision to get a better DC power pack… 
Stop and reconsider if you wish to control the track or have independent control of each locomotive.

If you want to just control power on the track and by hand control the spacing of your locomotives, then compare other power packs to the MRC Power “G” power pack
Input: 120VAC, 60Hz
Variable Output: 0-22VDC (for track)
Fixed Output: 22VDC (for accessories)
10 Amps sustained power output

Have you soldered a wire from rail to rail at each joiner?
Are you using brass or stainless steel track?
Are you using bus wiring with track feeders? If Yes, what is feeder spacing?

This link http://www.girr.org/girr/tips/tips5/power_tips.html#track has some helpful information but it is not comprehensive as some current choices are not covered. But it should help you organize the basic considerations.

John,
The 1K Ohm resistor placed across the programming track rails works 100% percent of the time when the capability between the Zephyr command station and the Bachmann decoder is the only issue.  I suspect there are other issues not yet identified with your equipment.

Steve,
Using DCC … a  DCC decoder interfaces with the motor’s brushes and output from the decoder controls the motor --- always has.

The purpose of the SUSI interface is to facilitate a connection to a locomotive decoder and provide better control of sound and other function modules. The quality of the sound effects depends on the SUSI module used and not on the decoder controlling the locomotive’s movement.  This allows select of the motor control for the model and the sound one wants even if they are from different manufacturers provided each supports SUSI .  Thus SUSI is a way not to have all the controls of features and functions built into a single DCC decoder.

Here is some technical info about SUSI (Serial User Standard Interface)  http://www.tonystrains.com/download/man_susi_1.31.pdf

Steve, I again suggest you, and the like minded, drop the adversarial tone and theme. State in a positive manner the specific features and functions you would like a large-scale product from Bachmann to have.

Workaround maybe required to program the non-sound Bachmann decoder using a Digitrax Zephyr.

Workaround ---  Place a 1000 Ohm resistor across the programming track. Remove the resistor after you finish programming the Bachmann decoder.

Gene,
"Close, maybe half a cigar for this one," wrote Jim Banner.

With a careful reading of the first paragraph of Jim’s reply you may realize when comes to electronics, especially some DCC components,  that sometimes, what appears to be the condition because it seems so commonsense obvious is in actual fact not the case. Some do find on the front leg of their DCC learning curve(s) having to deal with the drawbacks of assume. As you may now understand, it is not just the terminology. 

Quote from: jsmvmd on April 13, 2007, 10:51:04 AM
Hunt,

As usual, a very precise answer.

Thanks all for very good info. Looks like my layout will be served with a PM-42 and sub-districts.

However, Hunt, is it wise to use this Digitraxx component with CVP or other mfr's components, or is that not an issue?

Best Wishes, Jack

Jack,
The compatibility of different manufacturer’s DCC components depends on the components, how you are going to using them and when they were made. So I suggest you ask each of the component manufacturers if there are any caveats to using one of their components with another’s. Some manufacturers will not give you an answer.

I am not aware of a significant issue to using Digitrax’s latest power manager with CVP’s command station or power booster (stay within the ratings).

With the exception of selecting a decoder, I suggest one use the same brand components as the command station until one has a very good understanding of the electronics involved.

Quote from: Jim Banner on April 13, 2007, 01:18:41 AM
...
I will leave the discussion of Tony's Power Shields to someone who has actually used them.  I have no idea how these devices test for shorts or the speeds that may be involved.   

Over-current Trip Time Adjustment uses manual jumpers to set  40, 60, 100 or 190 milliseconds.

More information is far beyond my usual reply word count. 

So for more details start with
http://www.tonystrains.com/technews/powershield_icb.htm

Quote from: jsmvmd on April 12, 2007, 12:18:07 PM
Hunt and Jim,

Not knowing anything about electronics or wiring, what is the worst case that could happen with improper wiring of this beastie?

Thanks in advance.

Best, Jack

Jack,
Using too small AWG wire in a circuit can result in fire. Not saying that will happen with mixing these components.

From Dave’s testing, he now knows, as he is using the components, he seems to be OK by his feel for heat testing.

Dave’s question about using the original red power to track wires from the 5-Amp booster is a good common sense question because,
  •  Dave stated the power to track wires provided with the 5-amp Booster appears to be a larger AWG wire. If true, there is a reason.
  •  Bachmann rates the output of the E-Z Command Control Center as one amp. From testing,  I know the unit is capable of just under 1.5 amps output to the track.  I don’t know how much over the 1.5 Amps and for what time frame the power red wire, its female plug and the rail connect components are designed to safely carry.

Quote from: SteamGene on April 12, 2007, 03:40:00 PM
Having sat at the feet of my ftf guru today, I will buy a Digitrax PM-42, which allows me to run a buss wire to four power districts.  I believe there is also one for only two.  Only the command station is needed.

Gene,
You seem to be confused (maybe it is with terminology). The Digitrax PM-42 will allow you to create 4 power sub-districts within a power district; not 4 power districts.

Also, you can only have one DCC command station (unless using the new ECoS digital command station). Are you confusing command station for a power station? Lenz refers to their DCC power booster as a power station.

Jerry,
On the other hand, using your example ---- based on a curve fit to MIL-STD-975 --- a single copper 22 AWG wire at 20 degrees C (68 degrees F) the Ampacity is calculated to be 4.2 Amps.

But this alone may be misleading as it does not take all the components and their material between the Bachmann power booster and the rail of HO E-Z Track Terminal Rerailer into consideration. So I don’t think such info negates the need for Bachmann to answer the question asked.   

Quote from: GN.2-6-8-0 on April 09, 2007, 12:26:41 PM
Does anyone by chance remember her extention number?

click on the Service/Parts link above.

You did not state what locomotive you have.

If it is one of the Bachmann non-sound DCC On Board (decoder equipped) then
You can set
CV 2 â€" Starting Voltage to a value of 1 to 31, the factory default is 10
CV 3 â€" Acceleration  to a value of 1 to 255, factory default is 1
CV 4 â€" Deceleration to a value of 1 to 255, factory default is 1
CV 5 â€" Maximum Voltage is not supported by the Bachmann decoder

Jerry,
A layout using DCC can be just one power district.

The need for power districts is not based on the size of a layout but on
• controlling how much of your layout is shutdown when a short circuit occurs
• providing sufficient power to a section of the layout based on maximum power draw in that section

The following PDF link may help you understand the concept of using power districts and how it differs from the old way of  DC Cab Control using multiple DC power packs and wired blocks of track.
http://www.tonystrains.com/download/MRR-PowerDist.pdf

It is truly unfortunate that much of what is posted here and a few other places by some of the large-scale model railroading R/C group is adversarial in tone and theme. A lot of opinions sadly are blunt threats.

Why can not the R/C members state their requirements and concerns in a constructive manner to a manufacturer without the slurs and attempt at intimidation?   

Yes, I have some large-scale trains that I enjoy.

FYI ---- Bridget is the current Bachmann Customer Service Manager in Philadelphia, PA  U.S.A.