Bachmann E-Z Command starter set

[brianthesnail96]

Hi all,

 

I have very limited DCC experience (played with a friend's Massoth G- scale set up, and a Roco Lokmaus) but am looking into using it on my next layout. This will be 00, using Peco code 75 track with electrofrog points. All locos will be recentish Bachmann or Hornby WR steam- small Praries, 56xx and 57xx etc etc. The layout will be small, either a traditional BLT or the end of a freight only branch, and I will only ever be moving one loco- most the time there will only be one engine on the layout. I do not want to run locos with sound or lights, or operate points/ signals etc via DCC- I've done this before and even on the very good Massoth system it's a faff to remember which point is on which number and which way it's set! I do however want to set acceleration/ deceleration to be more gradual than DC, and would like reasonable (bearing in mind I was happy with the performance of my Bachmann pannier on old Hornby code 100 points running with an ancient H&M unit) slow running.

 

I'm aware that the forum in general recommends buying one of the more expensive set- ups but I don't want to spend 3x as much as I have to to get a load of features that, realistically, I'll never use. Would the basic Bachmann system achieve what I want? I'm tempted by the set with the 56xx and coaches as I could use everything bar the track from that.

 

If not, what would provide what I require at a reasonable cost?

 

Many thanks,

 

Matt

[Mod5]

Matt,

 

I am sure others will be along soon to add their views but put simply. Yes. If all you want to do is run one or even a couple of locos then this will be fine. Good way to buy one as well and if it does wet your whistle for more you will always find a buyer with someone in the same position as you now.

 

good luck with it and don't forget to add your pictures when it is done.

[Nigelcliffe]

Far be it from me to say a Mod is wrong, but the answer is in my view, No. You should spend a bit more if you want quality control.

 

The EZ basic controller will not let you change the parameters (CVs) in the decoder for things like acceleration. So, on its own it cannot do what you have asked for.

 

Further, even if you have a friend (or buy more kit) to change the CVs, the E-Z issues commands in 28 steps which can often lead to a slight "notchy" feel in locomotive speed control, rather than the smooth progression that 128 offers (this will vary with chip installed in loco, and settings in the loco, but I failed to eleminate it completely with some models. This was after trying a variety of chips including some very expensive models, and I am experienced in fiddling with motor control CV's. Put the same loco onto 128 steps and all is fine. ).

 

 

 

Left-field low-cost suggestion....

If you have a phone which supports WiFi (ideally iPhone/iPod Touch or Android, but most WiFi capable smart-phones will do), and are willing to use a computer..... Then, download JMRI (its free), find out how to setup the components for using a phone as throttle (either WiThrottle server, or TCP/IP server, depending on phone type), You can get this far without spending any money to be sure the software is working. Finally, purchase a Sprog-II device (£60) to connect to the track. It will do all you have requested, including the simple easy to follow throttle - locos listed by name, functions listed by a text label, etc..

 

 

More conventional suggestions....

A decent controller will be £100 plus, sorry, that's the way it is. Suggest NCE or Digitrax Zephyr as two you should evaluate. The Bachmann Dynamis might do what you need, it gets mixed views, mostly on the reliability of its IR link.

 

 

 

- Nigel

[wollastonblue]

Matt,

 

I would suggest looking at the Hornby Select Unit, as it offers a little bit more than the EZ Command unit, such as more Loco addresses. I have been using one for nearly 3 years now, and I don't see a need to upgrade the system.

 

Although the sets offered with the Select maybe not what your looking for you can pick one up unboxed for a good price.

 

Hope this helps.

 

Alex

[Lady_Ava_Hay]

Nothing wrong with your choice but you will reach its limits very quickly and have to bin it to upgrade. Digitax Zephyr is my choice but NCE might be worth a look although the two loco stack will annoy you eventually.

 

If you really wnat to play with CV's and runa train then the SPROG is a very good choice but again you might find the computer interface a bit of a faff. I actually hate computer throttles.

 

Don't underestimate the power of DCC to enthrall and invest and, as in most things, you get what you pay for.

 

I agree with Nigel. Your initial post suggests that you want to adjust CV's so the Bachmann is a no-no and, if you want to dip your toe for the same money then the SPROG has it but it is more weighted to adjusting CV's than running a layout.

[brianthesnail96]

Cheers folks- plenty to think about there! I think we can discount the Bachmann one then, as I would like basic CV programming- I had also forgotten about the speed steps, the Lokmaus had the option to switch between 28 and 128 and it made a very noticeable difference to me.

 

I'm still using a Nokia 3310 so the smartphone option is out- while I'm quite happy to play with computers I like my phones to be phones! Interesting idea though. Also the CV programming will be a relatively minor priority compared to running trains!

 

The Select does seem a better bet than the Bachmann offering for the money- I should probably spend a bit more but as I said, I don't want to be spending money on gizmos I don't use- spending money on something that works better is a different kettle of fish.

[Brian]

Hi

You want to set CV for acceleration and deceleration and perhaps later match motors in locos to their decoder more closly to obtain smoother performance then you will need a DCC system that can set CVs.

 

Consider then..

Bachmann Dynamis. Around £90 or less.

NCE PowerCab. Around £135 or less.

 

Of the two the PowerCab will be the better purchase and not require anything else as the Dynamis does (ProBox) to be able to read back CVs.

I would avoid all basic DCC systems - EZ Command, Select etc. You will quickly tier of their limited control and lack of CV adjustments!

 

But in the end its a personal choice and what you can afford.

[corax67]

As a first foray into DCC I would highly recommend the NCE Powercab system - you are looking for the ability to set the throttle characteristics of locos and to do that you need to be able to read CV values.

 

None of the entry level systems such as Select, E-Z Command or Compact will do this for you and although I have a Dynamis myself (amongst other systems) they can be temperamental as many posts on this forum will attest and this can seriously put people off DCC.

 

I have recommended the Powercab to 2 friends recently and they are very happy with the results they are getting - even though they do still want my Lenz setup :-)

[ChrisB]

My father has a terminus to fiddle yard layout operated by an EZ Command. We often have 2 or 3 sound locos running at a time and others lurking with lights on. We've never managed to overload it but we did reach it's limits fairly quickly. It is basic and slightly cumbersome but it does work. I've also seen it used on a number of exhibition layouts.

 

As has been pointed out, however, you can't adjust CVs. In our case, we use my Powercab to do that. Perhaps you know someone who would be able to do the occasional bit of re-programming for you.

 

If it helps, we bought a pair of EZ Commands when we started out on the DCC route and mine didn't even get unwrapped before I decided I needed something more. It fetched £30 odd on Ebay so, if the set contains something else you want, it might still be a worthwhile route.

[Mod5]

Far be it from me to say a Mod is wrong, but the answer is in my view, No. You should spend a bit more if you want quality control.

 

Nigel

 

 

Nigel there is nothing wrong with expressing an opinion different to mine whether I am a Mod or not. In fact quite the contrary as now Matt has some different opinions to help him make his mind up. You will note I did say that others will be along soon. As I started with pretty much the same system I thought it was great for what it was - a starter system. Yes I pretty soon graduated to a NCE Powercab but nonetheless it did what I wanted for a while and in fact I know of a number of exhibition layouts run by a well respected modeller that still uses the Bachmann.

 

At least we now have the ball rolling and the different options are there to be considered.

[brianthesnail96]

Having had a rummage off my own back instead of letting you good people do all the legwork I've found an online manual for the Lokmaus II and I have to say that seems to tick all the boxes, and they sell very cheaply on eBay.de. As a bonus they are handheld, albeit not wireless. Anyone have any experience of these? I have played with one on a Roco H0e set, but only very briefly. Did set acceleration/ deceleration CV's and change the locos address though, so it must be pretty intuitive!

[traction]

I have the Ez-command on my Thomas & Friends layout, and it works great for that, it's ease of use makes it perfect for the kids to play with at exhibitions.

 

I also have the Powercab so CV's are not a problem.

 

I actually bought and built the MERG standalone programmer so I could program CV's, just another thought and option to go for.

Not sure if the programmer is still available though, but then you would have to join MERG then buy the kit, then build it, but it does work very well for programing.

 

The other alternative is to use the EZ-command on the layout then use buy and use the SPROG II with JMRI decoder pro, which will make adjusting the CV's dead easy.

 

As you have said the running of the trains is priority one, so having a length of track connected to the SPROG and using that to program CV's seems a good way to go.

 

Choices, choices, just so many of them, let us know which way you go.

 

Cheers

 

Ian

[johnb]

I've an NCE Powercab and am pretty pleased with it. I run a range of US locos of assorted ages and manufacturers with quite a wide selection of chips and have found that the ability to tinker with the CVs very useful. Particularly in trimming the volume of sound locos.

 

I also use it for exhibition running on a switching layout and it's easy to use and I like the single handed operation of the handset.

 

Yes the two loco stack can be a bit of a nuisance but now I ignore it completely and simply tap in the number. Easy on US locos as their numbers do not exceed four digits and most have them have their number writ large on the sides

 

I've had it for the best part of two years and I got it after looking at the market quite a bit and working with other systems on club layouts. It gives me all that I want at a reasonable price. Yes there are cheaper systems, but for me they are a bit restrictive. The Powercab gives a very good range of configuration options without going to the £300/£400 systems.

[corax67]

Didn't think of recommending the Roco systems as they are a bit of a beggar to get in the UK other than through occasional bits on eBay and tend to be bought by people who have run DCC for a while & got to know them by reputation.

 

I have a LokMaus II and 2 MultiMaus units too - the LokMaus gets used as a spare throttle for the MultiMaus system (my trusty exhibition backup) and sees service on my Lenz set from time to time.

 

Whilst it has a limited functionality as far as CV programming is concerned the CV's it does amend are the important ones for you being CV1 - 5 which are short address, start voltage, acceleration rate, deceleration rate and max voltage.

 

If you are happy to go overseas shopping then I would not hesitate to recommend Roco kit - it also has the advantage of commanding high second hand values on eBay should you wish to sell it on in the future.

[brianthesnail96]

Prodding eBay in a little more detail, I can get a complete Roco Lokmaus II set, brand new and posted from Germany, for £65. Since I only want basic CV programming, and will likely only be running one engine at once, it seems to do everything I want, with the option of adding another handset fairly cheaply in the future should I so wish- the layout will be too small for one person to run two locos, but two people would potentially be able to.

 

I think that's probably the way I'll go- I'm aware it's not in the same league as the Powercab but it is a s/h Pannier and rake of 16- tonners cheaper!

 

But keep the suggestions coming- and any further reviews of the Lokmaus welcomed!

[Nigelcliffe]

The Multimaus is considerably better than the LokMaus, so investigate your sources for a Multimaus prices.

Whilst the LocMaus probably covers the basics, it runs into problems over 2-digit handling of CV's. I cannot recall all the details, but many decoders have messy work-arounds to allow the LocMaus to program CV's with more than two digits.

[Ron Ron Ron]

I'll second what Nigel has said.

If thinking about Roco, the older LokMaus ll was superceded by the much better MultiMaus several years ago.

eBay prices for brand new examples, split from train sets, can be very attractive.

 

The downside is that like most basic systems, it can't read CV's.

However, a nice little bonus is the loco naming facility. You can select your loco by a name or 5 digit running number if you prefer, rather than punching in 4 digit addresses.

[brianthesnail96]

Multimaus sets seem to be about £30 more, so definitely a viable option- cheers! Being able to use loco numbers would be nice. Not being able to read CV's doesn't bother me in the slightest at the moment- I could always upgrade in a few year's time anyway.

[corax67]

If you are now weighing up Lokmaus v Multimaus then the latter is definitely the way to go. Much greater functionality in a more ergonomic handset with a far superior display, especially if there is only a £35 price difference, makes Multimaus the way to go.

 

You won't be disappointed with it.

[Ron Ron Ron]

Just as an example.......

eBay listings for MultiMaus - today 6/12/10

 

.

[smokebox]

Beware of these ebay listings.

 

Some are for the HANDSET ONLY..You obviously want the whole set.

[brianthesnail96]

Yup, I'd noticed that! Plenty on eBay.de at reasonable prices from sellers that take paypal and will post to the UK so I think that's the way I'll be going. Seems an ideal compromise between price and features, just what I was hoping for!- thanks for the advice all!

 

Now, to work out what chip to go for and how to fit it to a Bachmann small Prarie...

 

Ts folks

[Steven B]

The Bachmann E-Z Controller is a decent starting point and shouldn't be completely discounted. There were at least two layouts at the recent Hull exhibition that were using one without any problems.

 

I'd agree with many of the postings that the Digitrax Zepher or the NCE Power Cab is, overall, a better option but if you can live with the notchyness of the 28 speed step E-Z then when combined with a SPROG is a good, low cost solution (less than a PowerCab).

 

The problem with the likes of the Zepher and Power Cab is that to program CVs you need to know which CVs do what, and quite often need be able to set individual bits in the CV.

 

Using JMRI and a SPROG gives a much better user interface - much of the hardwork to work out which bits of which CVs need setting is done for you and programming speed curves is also a lot easier.

 

If I were you I'd get myself to the shop of one of the DCC specialists and have a play - they should all have the main systems available for you to play with. You can read a hundred different reviews but buying a DCC control system is much more subjective than a DC controller.

 

Happy modelling.

 

Steven B.

[corax67]

Now, to work out what chip to go for and how to fit it to a Bachmann small Prarie...

 

Depends how much you want to spend really - any of the small decoders fit nicely into the smokebox such as Gaugemaster DCC21, Lenz Mini Silver or Mini Gold, TCS M1, Zimo MX621 but they all have different characteristics (and prices). Generally though the more you pay the better you get.

[brenn]

Some advise please.

 

I making a small shunting plank and i'm intending to use a EZ command to power it with train-tech and Dapol signals but im not sure how to use the signals....do i need to alocate the signals 1 of the 10 loco addresses and do i need to use the functions to change them?

 

B