complete newbie ??

[baboiler]

I seached thru the forums and didn't find a direct answer to a couple questions I have. From the online research I have done I am leaning toward a Bachmann EZ Cammand setup. I understand you can run multiple engines. Can you inline wire 2 sepperate tracks and control trains on both tracks or do I have to have sepperate controllers? Quick note on what I want to eventually achieve. I want to have a set of side by side tracks (HO scale) going around the ceiling in my basement entertainment area. It is a rectangle shaped room that is around 20' x 12'. The research I have done the past week has taught me what an advanced hobby this is. I had no idea! There is actually so much out there it is hard for a newbie to decide which way to go. I would like to go DCC route so I can eventually get one of the more expensive engines with sound. I am looking to get a set up put together for the xmas tree this year as a warm up for the basement project. I realize these are very basic questions for most here but finding a good beginners guide has not been easy (even at our local library).I would greatly appreciate any answers I can get. I would also gladly take any advise on which manufacturers to look at or the best method for approaching this project.Thanks for your time.

 

[QRR Fan]

For the Bachmann EZ-Command here's a youtube video series:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JAin_nEMHlY

 

[Ken G Price]

If you did research then you would know not to get the EZ Command system.
It is the least expensive for a lot of reasons.
Mainly because it is very limited in being able to program the decoders.
It is not upgradable and not enough output if you ever wish to run sound decoders.

When I looked for my first DCC system it became apparent very soon the the EZ Command would not be the one to get.
You will find this is the majority opinion by a wide margin among the people on this forums and others,

 

[baboiler]

-Thanks for the link to youtube. I had watched that video previously.Good to see general operation of the EZ command. I am still unclear on the operation of 2 unattached tracks with one controller.

- I had not realized how poorly the EZ Command was thought off. What I have read so far had lead me to believe it was an ecceptable entry level DCC. I was under the understanding the EZ Command would funtion and operate with the DCC engines with sound. Is this incorrect?

I realize these are extremely basic question so I do appreciate the responces. I don't have a local hobby store close so I am searching for answers here. The closest is an hour or so away so I'd like to have some of my basic questions answered before I make the trip.

 

[Graff]

If I may share some thoughts.
The thing that is worth spending money on as a newbie in this hobby is the foundations and controls!
I think that if you use good quality track on a solid benchwork; then to use a good DCC system is just a natural step.
The "best" system is very hard to define...
I can recommend NCE's Power cab or the Digitrax Zephyr.
Both have great possibilities for later expansion, and may be used to full advantage with sound equipped locos.
I'm thinking about replacing my own DCC-system. The one I have today (Roco multimaus), is very good, but I want to use my Smartphone as a throttle, and therefore need a system with easier WiFi computer access.
So I'm thinking about a NCE or Zephyr as well....

 

[mnbaty]

When I switched to DCC I was all over the place deciding what to get. I ended up with the NCE Power Cab. It came down to it or the Digitrax Zephyr. I am very pleased with the NCE I was able to learn how it all works very fast. The EZ command scared me away after I did a bunch of research on it.

 

[CSX Robert]

...Can you inline wire 2 sepperate tracks and control trains on both tracks or do I have to have sepperate controllers?

Since no one else wants to answer this question I will. Yes, you can have separate tracks running off of one controller. Some people even have two layouts of different scales running off of one controller.

 

[baboiler]

Thank you for the answer and suggestions. Next 2 googles searches are NCE Power Cab and Digitrax Zephyr. Since I know nothing I was feeling more comfortable going all one brand (Bachmann track,engine,contollers ect.).Not understanding what all is compatable with each other I would be pretty sure everything was compatable that way. I guess one good thing is I'm not married to anything so everything is a possibility. Within what the treasury depatment (wife) deems acceptable that is.

 

[rdemattio91]

almost everything is made to work together. A bachmann dcc equipped loco will work with a digitrax and nce controller. Track, locos, and controllers can be interchanged. By the way, im not sure if u plan on using bachmann e z track but If you plan on using turnouts I suggest you stay away from ez track as their turnouts stink.

 

[BRS Hobbies]

The MRC Prodigy Express is also a really nice DCC starter set that is worth checking out. The thing that I like the most about the Express is the ease of use and it can be upgraded to all the features of the Advanced Squared. Here are the upgrade options for the Express -

1) All the newer Prodigy Express systems come with the Advanced A2 software. MRC has instructions to check to see if you have the latest software. The only thing is that you will need an Advance Squared handheld to check the software version number of an Express. If you don't have the latest V3 software, you can send your Express system to MRC to upgrade the software. This is done for a small fee so be sure to contact MRC before sending in your Express system.

2) The Prodigy Express system power can be upgraded from 1.6 amps to 2.5 amps by purchasing the Advanced Squared power supply which is part #1504.

3) You get all the additional features of the Advanced Squared (including controlling DCC turnouts) by purchasing either the Advance Squared Handheld or the MRC Express & Advanced Squared Computer Interface. You can still use the Prodigy Express Handheld as an extra throttle by purchasing either the #1501 extension plate or the #AD493 Y Harness.

Best regards,
Brian