Any recommendations for a DCC controller or purchase a Bachman set that comes with one.
You'll get as many recommendations on that question as their are DCC systems.
I've used a number of systems over the years, and finally settled on the NCE PowerCab. Easy to expand, easy to upgrade, and it fits my needs.
Len
I have Bachmann's E-Z Command controller (Which comes with their sets) and a NCE Powercab.
Bachmann's is much simpler to use, but the Powercab can do much much more.
If the only thing you plan to do is run 2 or 3 trains then the E-Z command should work for you, but if you want to reprogram your locomotives I would get the NCE.
(Bachmann's controller can change a locomotive's short address, change its normal direction of travel, and set up consists, but that's about it. The Powercab can change nearly any CV and even perform a factory reset of a decoder if it gets messed up)
Thank you!
i have been using a NCE powercab for 7 yrs now and it doesn;t get much simpler to use than that , you can expand it at your own pace as your layout grows. example add a booster and your power cab becomes a pro cab for more operators,up to 6 also i use a NCE switchkat to control my kato turnouts.there is also a yahoo group for help with any nce problem you may have to help you resolve same.most of my locos are bachmann steam along with some BL diesels some have sound and one can easily go in and change the cv.s.to change .as mentioned by others your choice will come down to what you are comfortable with. try to go to a hobby shop or a train club or train show as most mfg's have set ups their for demonstrations etc.do your own research and narrow it down to what you think will be needed,remembering that you may want to expand your layout and not have to put more money out when a good basic dcc system will carry you thru.
trust this info helps in you making a decision.
regards&later KEWATIN
Thank you!
I'm using a NCE unit also. My advice is to read the manuals on the ones that have the features(ability to change CV's or whatever ones you need) and compare them. If you belong to a club (or have one nearby) you may want to see what they use since they are close to help with problems( but they will probably only know on the system they use). NCE was easiest for me to understand, the price was right and it had features that Bachmann didn't.
Thank you.
I have the following DCC systems:
1. Bachmann EZ-Command (I have several of them)
2. Bachmann Dynamis
3. MRC Prodigy Express^2
4. MRC Prodigy Advance^2
5. NCE Powercab Starter Set
6. Digitrax Zephyr
I have not had an opportunity to try the NCE system yet unfortunately.
The EZ-Command would be a good purchase if you only want basic capabilities (no advanced programming) and can pick one up fairly cheaply. I would not pay more than about $50-$60 for an EZ-Command system. The Dynamis is fine if you can get the system for under $150 and has more programming capabilities but no read back without the pro box. I would actually look into the Dynamis Ultima from Bachmann UK if you want to go with Bachmann but want maximum functionality including support for PC interface. Kepp in mind the Dynamis uses infrared technology for the wireless controller. The MRC Prodigy Express is basically mostly equivalent to the Dynamis in capability but can be used with the Advance system if you upgrade down the line. Bachmann's EZ-Command controller is not compatible with a Dynamis system unfortunately. A good price for the Express would be under $160 or so. The Advance^2 is a nice system but the price tag of it is a bit of a down side; not a bad choice if money is not much of an object though. The NCE basic system actually seems to be a bit better than the MRC basic system (the Express) but the NCE system usually runs about $20-30 more. The Digitrax Zephyr is an ok system but is not portable unfortunately which is the main detriment and I think it has trouble programming Lenz decoders (makes Bachmann decoders) if I remember correctly.
The way I would approach this is first determine what capabilities and functionality I need/want and then determine what my budget is and try and get the system with the most features that I want that is within my budgeted amount. Alternatively I might just buy whatever system I could get at the best relative price for the features even if it isn't exactly what I want.
Thank you for your thorough reply
Just cur ACY Why so many different controllers?
Quote from: Joe323 on March 04, 2017, 05:39:09 PM
Just cur ACY Why so many different controllers?
I got several of them from a local hobby shop that went out of business.
Sorry I'm late to this party... I've been thinking of getting the Bachmann EZ Command DCC Controller, due to it's simplicity... I may upgrade in a few years, but honestly, the layout I'm planning would really only have two or three engines at any given time, plus, I have issues with my smart phone, so a complicated controller seems like it would be a bit of a frusteration to me.
I have been pricing them (from the train shop, Amazon, Bachmann, and eBay) and have found that it would be cheaper for me to just get the Echo Valley set... it comes with the EZ Command DCC Controller, plus more N/S EZ Track (w00t... I can always use more!) with the added bonus of a nice 2-6-0 engine with Southern markings (I've been collecting the Southern Crescent steam engines in green lately, and though it's black, it fits my layout either way! Plus, it looks a lot like the engine in Back to the Future, which, I do plan on making a Delorean with rail wheels to be pushed on my Old West set every so often... the engine used in the movie, was the Sierra #3... the same engine used in a LOT of movies and TV shows, as well as Petticoat Junction)
Looking at eBay, I keep seeing the Echo Valley sets coming up new in box for between $130, and $199... considering the controller by itself tends to pop up at about $150, or $250 if it is the controller and engine alone. Plus... getting that set will be my first ever DCC/Sound engine. (I have a DCC engine right now, as well as a DCC ready one, that I MIGHT put sound in someday)
So it seems to make sense to me to go that route, at least for my needs, but, like folks here have said, everyone's needs are different, and it just depends on what you have planned, and whether you're willing to upgrade in a few years or not.
When I changed over from Athern analog to 0n30 digital in this century I was recommended and bought a Lenz unit, the LZH100 with LH90 controller.
Lenz is for what I have heard the inventor and developer of DCC for the NMRA.
I don't know if it is sold in the USA but i recommend it for its sturdy German technology and housings.
No complaints at all.
Ton
I believe Lenz is the company Bachmann uses for a lot of their DCC Decoders... at least, that's what I keep seeing on postings where someone asks what model decoder is in <x> train...
Quote from: Warflight on April 06, 2017, 05:38:07 PM
I keep seeing the Echo Valley sets coming up new in box for between $130, and $199... considering the controller by itself tends to pop up at about $150, or $250 if it is the controller and engine alone. Plus... getting that set will be my first ever DCC/Sound engine. (I have a DCC engine right now, as well as a DCC ready one, that I MIGHT put sound in someday)
The controller in the set does not sell for $150, the Dynamis sells for about $150 but the one in the set (the basic controller) is only worth about $50 or so.
I want to know where you buy your supplies, because I can never seem to find prices that low on things. The local train shop is a bit expensive... Amazon sells the stuff, but at Bachmann catalogue prices, and the prices I listed are the cheapest I've been able to find on eBay, which are lower than Amazon. I would LOVE a $50 DCC controller!
An aside----
Quote from: Warflight on April 06, 2017, 07:10:26 PM
I believe Lenz is the company Bachmann uses for a lot of their DCC Decoders... at least, that's what I keep seeing on postings where someone asks what model decoder is in <x> train...
Bachmann manufactures most of the mobile (no sound) decoders factory installed in Bachmann HO locomotives using a Lenz design. It has old technology and very limited features compared to DCC mobile decoder available from other decoder manufacturers.
The locomotives with factory installed sound decoders are OEM decoders manufactured by SoundTraxx for Bachmann using Bachmann's specifications.
https://www.amazon.com/Bachmann-Trains-Command-Wireless-Infrared/dp/B000W2BAGE/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1491529049&sr=8-1&keywords=bachmann+dynamis
Dynamis on Amazon for $130-150.
The EZ Command may be either out of stock individually or it might be phased out soon so that might be affecting prices online. But I see it at flea markets and train shows for about $30 used or $50 new all the time.
Quote from: Hunt on April 06, 2017, 09:37:55 PM
An aside----
Bachmann manufactures most of the mobile (no sound) decoders factory installed in Bachmann HO locomotives using a Lenz design. It has old technology and very limited features compared to DCC mobile decoder available from other decoder manufacturers.
The locomotives with factory installed sound decoders are OEM decoders manufactured by SoundTraxx for Bachmann using Bachmann's specifications.
Ah, okay, cool! That I didn't know. I just kept hearing the name come up a lot in regards to Bachmann DCC trains. Good to know.
Quote from: ACY on April 06, 2017, 09:42:04 PM
https://www.amazon.com/Bachmann-Trains-Command-Wireless-Infrared/dp/B000W2BAGE/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1491529049&sr=8-1&keywords=bachmann+dynamis
Dynamis on Amazon for $130-150.
The EZ Command may be either out of stock individually or it might be phased out soon so that might be affecting prices online. But I see it at flea markets and train shows for about $30 used or $50 new all the time.
Okay, cool! Unfortunately, I have yet to find any model train stuff at any flea markets around here, but then, it's San Diego, after all... as for Model Train shows... I SO want to go to one, but haven't yet. Every time I hear about one locally, it's from two or three months ago. I should ask next time I see the S gauge club guys... I would ask at my local train shop, but... those guys just get weirder every time I go in (which, if I'm being honest, is half the fun of going in)
Until then, I guess I'm stuck with looking online. The Dynamis is cool and all, but it seems a bit complicated to me, which is why I want to start out with the EZ Command. Again, I can't even set the clock on the microwave...
EZ Command is not being "phased out"
Thank you for that information, I guess it just must be out of stock through most online retailers at the moment who are awaiting a new shipment.
Quote from: Yardmaster on April 06, 2017, 10:49:40 PM
EZ Command is not being "phased out"
FANTASTIC!
As a newbie to DCC, I like the idea of EZ Command. The more complicated the controller, the easier it is to break... plus, watching the Bachmann videos, it looks like it's pretty easy to use, and personally, I like the familiar throttle. Give me a dial to turn over buttons any day!
I'm taking note of all this, also. I want to move up from EZ Command to something with more amps. Dynamis should meet my needs but I'm open to checking out other systems.
Easy to use is important to me.
They actually sell a 5 amp power booster for the EZ Command... though, I don't know if it would be cheaper to buy a new controller or not.
But yeah... something can have all the features in the world, but, if you can't use them, or they are hard to figure out... well.
Warflight,
Folks who start with the mindset I can't do have difficulty using DCC.
It isn't really a "I can't do" so much as "Let's start with something simple".
I mean, if I'm building a layout that will have maybe two trains at most on it, does it do me any good to get something complicated, when simple will do? Maybe later, when my layout grows, and I'm used to using DCC, I'll upgrade. (I still want that dial for controlling my speed)
I've been researching what's available from NCE and MRC as well as Dynamis. I'm still very much in the learning stages when it comes to DCC systems and capabilities and there's a lot I'm hazy on. I do want wireless.
I've been comparing a lot of prices at various places.
For about $300, I can get 2.3 amp Dynamis with the 5 amp booster and Pro Box for another $264. That totals $564. I'm not sure if I would even need the Pro Box.
With MRC, I can get their Prodigy Advance Wireless which is 3.5 amp for $400 or their Prodigy Elite Wireless 10 amp for $433. I kind of like the looks of their cab better than NCE.
For NCE, The Power Cab Starter system at 2 amps is $120 and 5 amp booster at $169. Wireless cab upgrade from NCE is $97 and $128 for wireless base station. That $514 total.
Or, I can get the 5 amp PH-Pro-R wireless starter system for $490 and power supply for for $49 so that's $539.
It's a tough decision. I've seen good things said about Dynamis and MRC and NCE. With 5 amps, I know I won't have to worry about getting close to the system limit. 3.5 amps would probably be ok, but I don't know for sure about 2.3 amps. The 5 amps would give that piece of mind that I can't put a dollar value on. Since it's On30 and not HO, I don't know if there's more current needs with the locos.
I really don't plan on more than 3 locos. My 2-6-0, and buying a Heisler. I want to get a Porter for my little storage yard. All with sound.
I already have 5 DCC turnouts. I'm thinking 3-5 more. One or two for cars on the upper loop. Probably 3 for yard/station area.
This will all take a few months because I can only buy so much at a time (If I want to stay married ;)).
I don't have it set yet how I want to do the yard. I have a general idea, but I have to get some of my trestles built and do some figuring as to the room I'll have and an underpass under the trestle.
This is a new challenge for me because I've never worked with reverse loops before, never built a strictly DCC layout, never had a point to point layout, and never had to build this much trestle stuff.
That's why I like it - because of the challenge.