EZ Command Controller Stopped Working

[atansley]

Anybody experience their Ez Command Controller to stop working? All connections are in place and has worked previously.

[trainman203]

Faulty plug, or power wire?

[Bnsffan]

Have the same issue. Power plug works, no lights come on on the command station. Any one have any idea of how to troubleshoot these things?

[trainman203]

I don't believe anyone troubleshoots the easy command.  They aren't really designed to be opened up. Plus, they're relatively inexpensive and it surely would be less drama and heartache to just buy a new one.

Did anyone ever call the Bachmann Service department to see what they said.  They might replace it for you. That is if you haven't tried to open it up and fool with it.

[Terry Toenges]

The one time I had a problem with my E-Z Command, it was the power wire had broken. I had to buy a new wire.

[Bnsffan]

Well that's no good. Mine is second hand so I shave any warranty. Guess I will have to see what else I can figure out.

[trainman203]

I'd take this as an opportunity to buy a more advanced system with which you can modify your control values to get better operation, select the sounds you prefer, adjust volumes, and be able to handle more than 10 locomotive addresses.  If you search, you could probably find one of the several beginner DCC systems available for not a whole lot more money than a new EZ command.

There may be a little apprehension in acquiring a more complex system.  One of them gives the best advice I ever heard, hook it up to a loop away from the layout first to learn on before you start disconnecting the layout. Of course, in this case you don't have anything operating the layout at this time so you connect to the new one right up to it.

Fooling with this faulty and inexpensive EZ unit somewhat is akin to whipping a dead horse. My advice: Upgrade to a new and better horse.

[duker1246]

My grandson's DCC EZ Command Plus controller has also stopped working. Lights come on but nothing happens. Engine does not light up or move or have sound. Worked fine a few days ago. In DC mode, engine lights up and motor revs up but still no movement. I will try changing out the red power wire. Any other suggestions?

[jward]

It sounds like you have two seperate issues here. The first, the EZ COmmand, I cannot help with as I am not that familiar with the system. But the fact that you can hear the locomotive run on DC but there is no movement tells me that something is slipping inside the locomotive. I assume it is a diesel, as steam locomotives are set up differently.

A diesel is set up with a central motor powering trucks at each end through a drive shaft with worm on each end of the motor. We know the motor is turning but that power is not being transmitted to one or both trucks. If the worm isn't turning it will lock up the truck it is attached to. One locked up truck will prevent the locomotive from moving even if the wheels are turning on the other truck.

Turn the locomotive over. Using a 9 volt battery, the kind with the snap in terminals, touch the battery to the wheels on one truck and observe the wheels. They should all turn. If they don't you know where the problem is. It will either be something jamming the gears on theat truck, or a universal slipping on either the motor or worm shaft.

[Ralph S]

This is an interesting issue.  But first, it requires what model of Bachmann's DCC controller is mentioned in this topic.

From what I've heard about, the Bachmann (model 44933) which is the Command Plus model, this may be an issue.  This controller is known to have an infinity type knob (resistor) model.  In that, you have to rotate the knob several times before the resistor/resistance provides the power to the circuit to power the locomotives.   Understand, I do not have this model controller (i.e., power supply) (at least not yet).   

My DCC Bachmann controllers (model 44901) uses the variable resistor which has a stop point at the stop and full throttle position. 

After reading the responses here, I believe that those infinity resistor type knobs are having issues with its position with regards to applying power to the track.
I have a Dodge Van with its radio knob that has that same type of infinity knob.  I have to turn that knob so many times before I can turn up or turn down the volume of that radio.  The radio still works but it is an annoyance having to rotate that knob so many times.

I fear that the newer Bachmann controllers (Command Plus) are experiencing that same issue.

Again, if the controller knob can continuously turn without a stop point, it's an infinity knob.
If you ask how to fix it!  Well, I'm still contemplating that.

[Old Rusty]

is there a way to fix the Plus speed control switch.  Will advance to level 1, a very slow speed.
My better DCC engines will work at the slow speed.  I don't want to reinvent the wheel.  There must be a way to fix this problem.  anyone....