I have recently decided to move from Bachmann EZ-Track to Atlas Code 83 because roadbed track looks bad, Bachmann doesn't make enough variety in their track, and because Atlas is a whole lot cheaper. But anyway, I was looking at how the Atlas terminal track looks and it's connection to the speed controller is different from Bachmann. Is there anyway I can use EZ-Command with Atlas track? If not, is there any DCC system that is easy to use that works with Atlas track?
Thanks
Yes, you can use the E-Z Command with Atlas track why don't you just soldier the wires to the rails. What you would need to do is cut the wires right before the connector and then separate them, so you could soldier them. There is also a connector that Bachmann makes that goes from an E-Z Command, Dynamis, or Booster to conventional track (anything but E-Z track). I bet if you contact Bachmann's parts department, they should be able to get you the wire you need.
Here's a pic of the Atlas Terminal tracks (True-Track)
(http://www.walthers.com/prodimage/79899790/78383322127257.gif)
(Code 83/100 sectional track)
(http://www.walthers.com/prodimage/79899790/78383322121343.gif)
Thanks ABC.
Another question: How do the remote switches work with Atlas? With Bachmann track is was going to be set up like this:
(http://i277.photobucket.com/albums/kk49/trainsrock96/101_0953.jpg)
With the DC powerpack powering the turnout switches. And the DCC (EZ-Command) powering the trains.
So do you guys have any ideas on how to work this? Because I have no idea how Atlas track works.
You would power your Atlas turnouts off of your extra power-pack just like in your diagram.
Oh.. so they are like the Bachmann ones? They all have seperate little switches that connect together to be plugged into the Accessory slot on the DC powerpack?
Yep
the biggest difference you will find with atlas components is that everything has screw terminals, instead of plugging in. otherwise, everything would appear to be the same.
also, you can use the atlas layout planning software to design your layout, it is a free download at their website.
http://www.atlasrr.com
note also that atlas makes terminal rail joiners, with the wires already soldered to them. all you have to do is connect the other end of the wires to your dcc unit.
Quote from: jward on February 09, 2010, 07:13:23 PM
note also that atlas makes terminal rail joiners, with the wires already soldered to them. all you have to do is connect the other end of the wires to your dcc unit.
Yes, but how would one go about attaching the other end to the E-Z Command because it has a special plug.
ABC, you said it yourself that Bachmann makes a connector from the EZ-Command to conventional track.
The easiest way to connect would be to cut your DCC to track cable before the Plug seperate the wires and crimp fork connectors to the wires to connect to the track terminals.John II
Quote from: trainsrock on February 09, 2010, 07:31:56 PM
ABC, you said it yourself that Bachmann makes a connector from the EZ-Command to conventional track.
They do, but I was saying by just using the Atlas wires like JWard suggested.
Quote from: Jhanecker2 on February 09, 2010, 07:49:42 PM
The easiest way to connect would be to cut your DCC to track cable before the Plug seperate the wires and crimp fork connectors to the wires to connect to the track terminals.John II
I was talking about the other direction going to the E-Z Command.
Any DCC system will work with Atlas track.
As far as your connection goes, cut the plug off the the end that connects to the track and soder the wires to the rail joiners. Or you can buy rail joiners that already have wires on them and splice them into the wire connection to your DCC system.
Bruce
I think I'm going to order the connector that ABC mentioned that connects the EZ-Command to conventional track (atlas)