I got the Digital Commander starter set with the FT-A and GP40 Sante Fe engines. I had speed conrol for mabey the first minute with each engine and now I got almost nothing. Forward and reverse work. I can turn the lights on and off but starting --- poor, poor, poor. Stoping --- that is not happening. I need to kill power with the red stop button. Their is no fine tuning. There is mabey some throttle response but it is on its own time scale.
Both engines work when the track is switched back to DC and my DC engine works, though slightly slower and on a slight delay, when run on the DCC.
I tried disconnecting the capacitors in the FT-A but even then the issues persist.
So what is going on? What options do I have to fix these issues?
Thanks.
I jugjest returing it and getting the Digitrax Zephyr, I have one, and it works really well! I love it.
Alex
Trouble is, no matter what people or the manufacturers say, DCC is not plug and play. From the troubles I read even experienced modellers having with DCC, you need to become a DCC expert in order to get it to run properly and just to even understand the directions.
Nope, it's not plug and play like DC is.
Quote from: rains train on February 05, 2008, 06:53:11 PM
I jugjest returing it and getting the Digitrax Zephyr, I have one, and it works really well! I love it.
Alex
Mabey. Not sure of the logistics of a return. I got the set online. I am using most of the track and of course the rolling stock that came with it.
Quote from: rogertra on February 05, 2008, 07:02:58 PM
Trouble is, no matter what people or the manufacturers say, DCC is not plug and play. From the troubles I read even experienced modellers having with DCC, you need to become a DCC expert in order to get it to run properly and just to even understand the directions.
Nope, it's not plug and play like DC is.
It sure seems straight forward enough. I followed the directs and then when thing did not work as described, started looking for help online.
Well, just adding in my opinion, the Zephyr is really easy to use, took me no time at all to plug it and and start running, and I know NOTHING about stuff like this.....seeing as I'm only 13.
Alex
That Digitrax is sounding alot better to me Rains.
I have definetly ruled out my trains as the issue. Somethings up with the DCC controller. I got my trains running almost perfect by giving the controller a shake. They do not stay runninng good for long though and the poort speed control issues creep back in requiring more and more shaking to get the trains to respond correctly.
Is the DCC controllers under warrenty like the trains are?
I'm pretty sure. I could get you a video or some pictures of the Zephyr if you like.
Alex
I'll testify for the Zephyr. I have one also and I too love it!
So thats me and Jake, both saying it's good. I can still get thosectures, or a video. It really is a fantastic piece!
Alex
Here is one:
(http://i220.photobucket.com/albums/dd300/rains7777777/zephyr3.jpg?t=1202265454)
Just say the word and I'll get ya more. :)
Alex
Thanks Alex. I'll do a little research online and look into it. My Bachmann DCC controller should be under warrenty for 90 days from purchase. So I will give that a shot as well.
Alrighty, I can help you out with anything you wanna know about the Zephyr! Hope that I helped/can help!
Alex
Naxos, E-Z Command does work. Your particular unit sounds like it might be faulty, in which case a trip back to Bachmann would be in order. Depending on who you bought it from on line, it may cost a few bucks to have it repaired.
As someone who owns both an E-Z Command and a Zephyr, perhaps I can offer you some insight into their relative strengths and weaknesses. The Zephyr is more versatile, particularly in terms of what it can program. On the other hand, it has a steeper, longer learning curve and costs more. The E-Z Command is quick and easy to learn and is easier to switch between locomotives when operating multiple locomotives with the single built in throttle. On the other hand, its lower current output limits it to about 3 trains compared to the Zephyr's limit of about 5. If you want to run trains with a buddy, an extra throttle for the Zephyr is cheaper, and if you have a suitable dc power pack sitting around, the extra throttle is free. Bottom line, if you just want to run a train or two or three by yourself, the E-Z Command is a great way to go. If you want to run several trains along with several of your buddies, the Zephyr is a better way to go. And if you want to tinker with your locomotives, squeezing out the best possible performance, the Zephyr is the only way to go.
I highly agree with Jim, I know of the "using an extra DC throttle",but I haven't tried it yet, and I only have 2 locos, but they are both easy to run with the Zephyr, on a scale of 1 to 10 I would give it an 11. I haven't tried the EZ command, but I have heard teible ratings from some people who have used it. Try to return it and invest in a Zephyr, you WILL NOT regret it!
Alex
My first EZ command went out shortly after I got it. I sent it to Bachmann,they sent me a new one. Haven't had any problems since.
Considering I only paid $79 for it, and about $4 for the shipping to Bachmann, I am very pleased with it.
Yampa Bob
My EZ Command is running just fine It is great for running 2 or 3 trains by yourself and it is as close to plug and play as one could get. The only complaint that I have is the lack of power . In order to increase the power I scrapped the power supply that came with it ( 1 amp ) and replaced it with a Digitrax 3 amp power supply. I can now run 2 loco's with sound whereas before it ws only 1 loco with sound and 2 loco's without sound.I have thought of replacing it but I run my layout by myself so I do not need more than what I have. 8)
Quote from: grumpy on February 06, 2008, 12:41:12 AM
My EZ Command is running just fine It is great for running 2 or 3 trains by yourself and it is as close to plug and play as one could get. The only complaint that I have is the lack of power . In order to increase the power I scrapped the power supply that came with it ( 1 amp ) and replaced it with a Digitrax 3 amp power supply. I can now run 2 loco's with sound whereas before it ws only 1 loco with sound and 2 loco's without sound.I have thought of replacing it but I run my layout by myself so I do not need more than what I have. 8)
I'll give Bachmann a call and return the DCC controller. From some feedback I have recieved it sounds like a reostat issue.
How long you been running with a 3 amp PS? Any problems?
Get a new one if you wish, but the better way to go is Digitrax. If your willing to pay a bit more, you'll be very happy you did.
Alex
If you wish too you can probably send it back to Bachmann in exchange for a new one. Digitraxx, Lenz, or another more advanced system will probably work better than your EZ Command. Before you make a big investment, I'd send the EZ Command to bachmann and see if the problem persists with the new one they send you. If so its probably a locomotive problem.
Naxos
I have been running my EZCommand with the 3 amp power supply for about 6 months with no problems.
Don
I have had absolutely no problems with my EZ Command. I don't have a layout, so it is just fine for me, setting it and running some trains for a few days and then take apart. Now when I build nyself a layout, I will probably get an MRC prodigy DCC system. From all the pictures I've seen of it, it looks easier to use than the Zepher.
Also, we tend to hear more negative feedback about things because people want to get it working again. We don't hear about it working because no one is asking questions about it because it works.
The basic usage (running a train...or a few) is extremely easy with the Zephyr, click loco, the loco's number, then the loco button again and you have that loco. Start running it and click loco again (Note: click loco while the other train is running) then type in the other loco's number and turn the speed control down for the other loco. (notice that that loco will not stop) then hit loco again and you have a second loco ready to go. It is very easy to use.
Alex
With the EZ command, run your loco, while it is running, push a different loco number and you are ready to run a second loco.
Sour, that is basicly what I just said in my dragged out explination. The Zephyr is very much better than the EZ command in my opinion. It runs more trains as well. Everyone I know thinks the same thing. Once again, that is just my opinion.
Alex
<loco>
<1>
<2>
<3>
<4>
<loco>
I count that as six key strokes, vs. 1 for the E-Z Command.
Zephyr is better in some areas.
E-Z Command is better in others.
Alex, I am glad you like your Zephyr. I really like mine too. Almost as much as I like my DCS200 with radio throttles. But I do not overlook the usefulness of the E-Z Command.
Type
loco
loco's number
loco
You have the loco.
Alex
Good Morning All,
Funny thing about DCC......you can have it for years, in my case, about 6 years or so, and still be learning. To that extent, let me offer something that you, Naxos, need to check into. I believe, if your engine or engines are equipped with dual mode decoders, one that offer the possibility of running with DC or DCC controls, there is a CV, control variable, that needs to have a certain numerical valve set so that the engine/s will only respond to DCC. This may help with your problem.
I suggest that you go to www.yahoogroups.com and join one of the DCC groups and then ask your questions there to help solve your problem.
Ifyou have a problem with your unit the best thing to do is to take it back to where you purchased it and have them return it to Bachman, or return it to Bachman yourself. Why fool with it Bachman has a great warranty .
Don ???