Jerky Operation with EZ Command Plus

[Erik]

I am not new to the hobby, but I am new to DCC. I recently built my first layout in my house (I previously ran on my dad's DC layout). My layout uses exclusively EZ Track, primarily the silver roadbed with some black mixed in, with EZ Command Plus. I successfully assigned channels to turnouts and a DCC locomotive (Athearn). However, when I turn the throttle to run that locomotive, I have to continuously turn the throttle--most of the time; occasionally, it will run for a few seconds without constant turning of the throttle.

I am fairly certain this is not a bad EZ Command box because I actually returned the first one I got as defective based on this issue. This issue also arises on my secondary test/programming track, so I thought it was the box. However, my newest one also has the same issue, so I doubt I received two EZ Command boxes with identical defects. Any ideas what my problem could be?

A video of the problem:

If I need more power...then I'll need help because I bought a 5-amp booster, but I cannot decipher how to actually connect the booster to the tracks. Some threads indicate that I should be able to splice the wires that came with the booster to an EZ Track clip, but I have no idea how to do that, and I couldn't find a thread explaining how to actually do it.

[Len]

That's a lot of track on that layout. How many power feeders are you using?  Even with a 5 amp booster, just one is not enough for that much track.

Len

[Erik]

That's a lot of track on that layout. How many power feeders are you using?  Even with a 5 amp booster, just one is not enough for that much track.

Len

...just that one power pack with the intention of "upgrading" it to 5-amp once I figure out how to connect the 5-amp to the tracks.

[Ralph S]

After reviewing your video, it looks like rotating that knob so rapidly is producing intermittent connection to variable resistor for that knob.  Understand that that knob on the EZ Command Plus (44933) is called an infinity knob.  That is, you can turn it (like shown in the video) without hitting a stop.  By turning it rapidly disconnects occur.  The green indicator to the right of the knob shows the value of the voltage going to the track.  That green indicator should steadily increase power to the track.  The video shows that the green indicator is only increasing by 1 or 2 then reducing back to 1.

Since the EZ command plus power knob is (pardon my expression) "sensitive", move the knob slowly and watch how the green power indicator reacts.  Slow movement of the knob should reduce the intermittent loss of connection, thereby allowing the power to the tracks to increase.

Check out the Bachmann video to see how that green indicator should operate.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XZEmqDHEg78

The video isn't one of Bachmann's better ones, but it shows how moving the knob rapidly produces that what you are finding.  The next portion shows how the green indicator should be increasing with each slow rotation of the knob.

AS for the amount of track in the video, the Booster is (in my opinion) overkill.  With one locomotive it should operate quite well, with the exception of loose track connections, dirty tracks, or dirty loco wheels.


Hope this helps.

[Erik]

Thanks Ralph. I did try going slower, and I was able to get some sustained running (not shown in the video), but I never got more than one green light active. Sounds like next step is to clean the track. I did buy much of it used, so perhaps I should've done that in the first place. In the long term, I will need the 5-amp booster because I hope to run 2 trains (one on each mainline) with at least 2 locos each, and likely some lighted passenger cars. However, first I want to get the basics running.

[Ralph S]

Wow, I really like the videos.  One day I've got to learn how to create videos like yours.

This second video is concerning.  What should occur as you turn the control knob is the green LEDs should move upward on the turning of the knob.  The video definitely shows that is not occurring. 

There are variables that need to be removed in order to isolate an analyze the EZ command controller.  So, with that,
1- remove all locomotives from your track.
2-the EZ Command Plus connected to the track
3-Power up (turn on) the EZ command (press the power button)
4-Slowly turn the control knob and observe the green LED. 
5-Note, that the green LED lights should increase with no load on the track
Actually, it should increase/decrease whether or not there is a load (locomotive) on the track.
My understanding is that the green LEDs are to show the speed setting of the controller, which is supposedly a separate circuit from the track voltage.   

Lastly, before I become bearer of not-so-great news, try this:
Disconnect the track plug from the EZ Command Plus.  (No wires connected to the EZ command Plus except for the power supply)
1- Press the power button (on)
2- Turn the control knob.
3- If the green LEDs stay at 1 or 2, (or does not increase)
4- It's the EZ Command Plus.  I hope you purchased it new, since it's going to need to be returned under warranty.

This is a significant flaw in the new EZ Command Plus model.  The potentiometer (the control knob) is not making constant contact with its connection points, or internal loose solder/wiring.  Lastly, it could be frozen software (but turning the power off, should fix that issue supposedly).
 By all means, if you can get the Bachmann people to view your video, I'm sure once they see it, they will not hesitate in correcting this issue.   

This is the best I can do to support.  PS, your video is the best for troubleshooting.  Something I need to learn how to do.

By the way, I run 3 sometimes 4 DCC locomotives without a Booster, but I do have feeders about every 5 feet.

[Yard Master]

Hi Erik et al,

We tested two E-Z Command Plus units and were not able to replicate the issue. I think you may have unfortunately gotten two defective units. Did you get the replacement directly from Bachmann service, or from a dealer/online store?

Also, unlike the original E-Z Command, the Plus uses a digital potentiometer instead of an analog one, so I don't believe it is an electrical contact issue. Can't say for sure without having our repair techs inspect it.

Please contact the service department if you have any more questions.

https://shop.bachmanntrains.com/index.php?main_page=service