Bachmann Online Forum

Discussion Boards => General Discussion => Topic started by: cdat1963 on June 25, 2016, 05:27:37 PM

Title: Ez Command DCC
Post by: cdat1963 on June 25, 2016, 05:27:37 PM
  I have a double track oval with a crossover. I am not really the best at wiring, wondering how difficult it will be to use Ez Command to run two tracks? Do I need one for each separate track? Anyone know or know where to get instructions simple enough to let a rookie like me do it?
  Thanks in advance
Title: Re: Ez Command DCC
Post by: jward on June 25, 2016, 08:09:13 PM
you'd only need one dcc command station such as ez command.
Title: Re: Ez Command DCC
Post by: cdat1963 on June 26, 2016, 10:47:40 AM
I forgot to say that it is blocked at the crossover and I am using two power packs, will I still only need one?
Title: Re: Ez Command DCC
Post by: Flare on June 26, 2016, 02:06:24 PM
Assuming your layout looks something like this:

(http://www.rokuhan.com/english/news/assets_c/2016/05/IMG_82745-thumb-300x200-8497.jpg)

Using a single DCC controller will eliminate the need for block control.  Connect all the power feeders to the same DCC track output and it will work.
Title: Re: Ez Command DCC
Post by: cdat1963 on June 26, 2016, 02:20:32 PM
Thank You!
Title: Re: Ez Command DCC
Post by: jward on June 26, 2016, 09:31:20 PM
or.....

leave the block control wiring in place and connect the ez command in place of one of the power packs, assuming you are using true block control. this would have the advantage of allowing you to use the block switches to turn off one of the tracks when not in use. ez command has very limited current capacity, and dcc locomotives draw current from the system even when not running. the ability to turn off power to one or more of the locomotives lessens the load on the system, which is particularly useful when running high current draw locomotives (such as ones with a sound decoder) on a system of such limited capacity.

if you have each power pack connected directly to a separate track without block control switches, you will have to connect each loop separately to the ez command.

Title: Re: Ez Command DCC
Post by: Flare on June 26, 2016, 10:36:48 PM
Quote from: jward on June 26, 2016, 09:31:20 PM
or.....

leave the block control wiring in place and connect the ez command in place of one of the power packs, assuming you are using true block control. this would have the advantage of allowing you to use the block switches to turn off one of the tracks when not in use. ez command has very limited current capacity, and dcc locomotives draw current from the system even when not running. the ability to turn off power to one or more of the locomotives lessens the load on the system, which is particularly useful when running high current draw locomotives (such as ones with a sound decoder) on a system of such limited capacity.

if you have each power pack connected directly to a separate track without block control switches, you will have to connect each loop separately to the ez command.



I had a feeling you'd say something like that...


As I said, DCC eliminates the NEED for block control, but some still prefer it.

If you're using DCC to simplify control, Bachmann does make a booster in case you find yourself needing more power;  Though with your layout I doubt you'll have more than two trains at a time?

I can run two non-sound trains on my layout just fine without a booster.