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Discussion Boards => General Discussion => Topic started by: who?me on July 04, 2025, 08:37:22 AM

Title: Combining DCC controllers
Post by: who?me on July 04, 2025, 08:37:22 AM
I have one Bachmann DCC EZ Command Plus system.  Now I want to run 4 DCC locomotives, and I "know" I can do that. But I want a two man operating system: One person running 2 programmed trains and the other person running the other 2 programed trains....too crowded using one controller...so my question is can I buy another Bachmann DCC EZ Command Plus system and connect the two to the complete track layout?  All 4 trains going everywhere controlled by 2 people at the same time.  Any problems?  Wiring both system to the complete track layout, running all 4 at the same time by 2 different people. Programming 2 trains on different numbers on the two controllers.  Or should I ask Elon Musk to connect them????
Title: Re: Combining DCC controllers
Post by: Len on July 04, 2025, 11:16:11 AM
Will not work for a host of reasons discussed recently in another thread. For two person operation you need a DCC system that allows addistional throttles to be added to the base system. Bachmann used to offer an add-on throttle for the EZ-Command system, but it is no longer available except from secondary sources.

Which will mean switching to a non-Bachmann DCC system. There are several starter systems on the market that allow this, while also giving additional access to making CV changes. A quick search on the net using key words 'DCC starter system add on throttle' should bring up most of them.

Len
Title: Re: Combining DCC controllers
Post by: who?me on July 05, 2025, 08:39:59 AM
OK...rethinking track plan for 2 operators:  2 track layouts for 2 locomotives with one DCC Bachmann command system  for one operator. Then a second track layout for 2 locomotives with ANOTHER, a SECOND DCC BaCHMANN command system for a second operator.   TWO SEPARATE INDEPENDENT TRACK LAYOUTS, NOT CONNECTED IN ANY WAY TO EACH OTHER....EXCEPT SIDE BY SIDE ON THE SAME PLATFORM.
Title: Re: Combining DCC controllers
Post by: jward on July 05, 2025, 11:11:03 AM
You do understand it would be cheaper to replace the command station with one that does what you originally wanted don't you? There are systems out there that will allow the use of DC controllers as a second or third throttle, or that will allow the use of a cell phone or tablet as a controller.
Title: Re: Combining DCC controllers
Post by: Ralph S on July 06, 2025, 10:22:26 AM
testing
Title: Re: Combining DCC controllers
Post by: Ralph S on July 06, 2025, 12:29:02 PM
The first two replies are exactly correct.
Quote...rethinking track plan for 2 operators:  2 track layouts for 2 locomotives with one DCC Bachmann command system for one operator. Then a second track layout for 2 locomotives with ANOTHER, a SECOND DCC Bachmann command system for a second operator.   TWO SEPARATE INDEPENDENT TRACK LAYOUTS, NOT CONNECTED IN ANY WAY TO EACH OTHER....EXCEPT SIDE BY SIDE ON THE SAME PLATFORM.
Bachmann did not foresee the future of two control stations operated by two independent individual controllers.   Bachmann did start into that realm of controllers but alas, I believe their marketing dept. screwed it all up.

Now, from your second reply, (see quote above) you are correct.  That is, if you have 2 individual DCC controllers (EZ Command controllers) each controller on electrically separated track where one controller controls its own track and the other controlling its own track, again electrically separated (i.e. tracks and EZ command controllers are physically separated), this will work.

Of course, having a system where you can have independent controllers would be great.  I'm still waiting for Bachmann to get on board with two separate controllers that they had in the past.  And yes, I'm still using the old controllers shown in the link.
If you want more info on old Bachmann EZ command controllers- click on this link. 

2 DCC Controllers


Hope this helps clarify Bachmann's latest operations for EZ command controllers

 (https://www.bachmanntrains.com/home-usa/board/index.php/topic,39556.0.htm%5B/url)