Can anyone tell me if it is possible to connect 2 EZ Command Plus Controllers to the same layout but at different places on the layout but not to each other? Thanks
Why do you want to do that? Run two Trains at once? The EZ command is not really designed for that, that's what more advanced systems are made for, to have two handheld cabs independently running two Trains through one power connection with the track. The EZ command "plus" might be a different story though.
I'm no electrician, but I think that if you put two EZ commands feeding power to the same track, I'm very certain you're going to have electrical issues, I'll let someone more astute elucidate, but my sense says no that's not possible without damage.
I do have the plus controller and I was wondering if I connected two of them to two different locations on the same layout would that create a problem. Thanks for responding.
I'm not certain but I wouldn't risk it until someone knows more says it is ok
If you do this, both EZ COmmands must be isolated from each other. If you are running two loops of track with no crossovers between then then yes, you can. Just connect one to each loop.
If you are connecting them to different parts of the same layout aka zones or power districts, then it's more complicated. The system I use (not Bachmann) allows the second command station to be set up as an autoreversing booster. I am not sure if the EZ COmmand has this capability but I suspect it doesn;t. If it doesn't then no you can't use them to power different zones. here's why:
Think of DCC as an AC power source. Different AC power sources will probably be out of phase with each other, and the different instantaneous polarity and voltage difference will short them out if there is a conncection between them. An autoreverser senses the phase difference and changes the phase to match the other zone every time a train or other object bridges the boundary between the zones so that both zones match. This is a must if you are going to have different zones on your layout. If the EZ Command does not support this, then two of them cannot be used.
We used to have a resident expert, Hunt, who could tell you anything technical you wanted to know about the EZ Command. He hasn't been around lately. It's a shame because he could give you a definitive answer.
Two controllers being out of phase is a good enough reason to not try to use them together on the same track.
Is it possible to connect two-EZ Command Plus Controllers to the same layout but at different places on the layout but not to each other?
This is a resounding answer of "NO" There is a high possibility of damaging either or both the Decoder and/or DCC controller. For additional information on this topic see the following topic> (click on topic to go directly to the topic).
2 DCC controllers (https://www.bachmanntrains.com/home-usa/board/index.php/topic,39556.0.htm)
Hopefully this will answer and clarify your question.
Thank you for all
Of the responses and I will definitely NOT being connecting two to the same layout!
What you need is a system that has one power supply to the track but allows multiple cabs to participate.