how to program sound with e-z command control system

[jk777]

i have the e-z command control system and have just purchased a new blueline engine installed the decoder and am trying to program all the sounds.  the e-z command manual does not have any info about sound programing, is there another conponent that i need to add to make things work?

do i need to scrap the e-z command control and purchase a different dcc control ?

HELP

[WoundedBear]

You need to scrap the EZC.....I bought one and regret it......it works ok, but it is limited in it;s capabilities.

Maybe the new Dynamis system will fare better.

Sid

[djp]

Yessir you just answered your question. Forget about EZ command doing anything but lights and direction. It is a very basic system. I have it myself. I hear the new EZ command is pretty good. Have to wait and see how it works out.

[SteamGene]

I'm not even sure you can control your variable sounds with EZ-Command.  It is limited to ten locomotives, their speed, and, so I've been just told, their lights.  That's it. 
Gene

[Jake]

^Well, after having an E-Z Command system if you have a pre programed sound engine, (or if you fully programed it on a buddy's layout that has a real DCC system) you can controll functions such as the bell whistle, etc. But yes, you should scap the E-Z Command, it is merely a child-aimed "wanna be DCC" system. My recommendation would be a Digitrax Zephyr. It is similar to the E-Z command as far as being an all-in-one module, and being budget freindly, but that us where the similarites end. I will not explain the other features of it as I dont want to aggrivate bachmann any more than a probably have by now. But you can get mor info on it at the Digitrax website.

[Jim Banner]

By all means upgrade to a more comprehensive system if you need it and are ready for it.  But be prepared for a much steeper learning curve.  Think calculator vs. computer.  It is easy to learn to use a four-banger calculator but all it does is +, -, * and /.  A computer does many more things, including things that you will never use, but it takes much longer to learn to operate.

If you take Jake's advice and buy a comprehensive system like the Zephyr, consider keeping your E-Z Command as well, at least for the first year or two.  While it lacks many of the programming features, the E-Z Command has the best of all the systems for switching a single throttle between multiple trains.   

[djp]

Hi Jim, could you elaborate on your last sentence? I have the EZ command and the only real problem i have with it is the switching of throttles. As sometimes i forget the throttle position of one train or the other and when i switch it either goes tearing down the track or grinds itself to a standstill. . Would appreciate if you could enlighten me to the method you use. Thanks.

[Jim Banner]

Perhaps I should have said "easiest of all" in that it takes but one button press to switch from train A to train B.  Compare this to the Zephyr which may take up to 8 button presses.

As to what method I use, it depends on the layout.  I use an E-Z Command on a small, portable H0 demo layout with three trains run two at a time.  If the trains jerk a bit, so be it.  At least I can quickly switch control to avoid collisions on this crowded layout, even while talking to an audience.  On my home layouts, I use Digitrax with one throttle per train.  I consider this a necessity for operating sessions.

[djp]

Well, looks like i am not the only EZ command guy who has a train jerking a bit when changing the control button. Well i will have to hold on to it till i can upgrade to something more advanced.