mrmel0

Again, barely a novice to this hobby, my end goal on my project is to have one of my grandsons operate one engine, while another grandson operates another locomotive at the same time - is that possible?

I’m using EZ Command on EZ track, I’m not aware how that can be done with just the EZ Command WITHOUT passing the EZ Command module back-n-forth. 
 

Indulge me please. #1) How can I do that - one grandson operating 1 loco as our other grandson operates another?

More importantly: #2) Can I simply hook up an NCE cab to my easy track? The EZ Command to one of the terminals, and solder the leads of the NCE cab to another of the terminals of the EZ track? One grandson operating his loco via the EZ Command, the other using the NCE cab at the same time?

Thanks in advance.

Reply 0
marcfo68

. . .

No you can not do that as this would put  2 DCC signals on same layout and under certain conditions double the voltage and blow all decoders and possibly one or both Command Station.

Bachmann used to offer a Companion walk-around throttle but it was discontinued circa 2015.  Dumb part is they still sell the connector panel.

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Probably the best option for you is wifi based throttles via cell phone or ipod. These are the cheapest route to multiple throttles.  I have 3 ipods for throttles for the grand-kids. They do not care if there is no "big knob" to play with.

But your EZ Command system is a very limiting factor as to your options. 

You would be best served by a Powercab. And, of late, a company has also put out a long missing WiFi interface for the NCE systems. This negates the need for the likes of JMRI/WiThrottle server. 

On the other hand Digitrax has offered a WiFi interface for some time now as has MRC.  NCE are simply behind on the times.

Marc

Reply 0
lexon

NCE

NCE Has wireless also. Go look at what NCE sells.

Rich

Reply 0
Russ Bellinis

Decoders generally will work with anybodies system

except as the article in the current issue of MRH points out some decoders require extra plug ins for extra "bells & whistles."  Everything else is proprietary.  Most wireless systems will work with Wifi, but you can not mix throttles or command stations from different manufacturers.

Reply 0
Michael Rozeboom

Never Connect Two Boosters to the Same Track Segment

Connecting two boosters to the same track segment (in parallel) is guaranteed to destroy both boosters quickly. Even if it were possible, nothing would work as the DCC signal would be garbled, and either your locomotives would do nothing or take off like a rocket.  

Looks like your Bachman unit is a dead end.  So you need to consider using your NCE system and adding a second throttle. Unless you have a Pro Cab already, that option involves getting a booster and a second throttle/cab.

Or you need to get some form of wireless connection to the NCE unit, either one of those new third party WiFi devices for NCE, or a computer with JMRI connected to your DCC system. 

 

 

 

Reply 0
Backshophoss

EZ Command is a VERY BASIC STARTER DCC system

IT's not expandable,you cannot program or,consist decoders

Will not accept 4 digit addresses,will barely power a circle of track.

NCE is an expandable DCC system with options

All decoders will work on any DCC system

EZ- COMMAND(AKA EZ -CRUD) is a stand alone system,DO NOT  CONNECT TO ANY OTHER DCC SYSTEM

Reply 0
AlexW

Time for an upgrade

I started off with EZ-Command as well many years ago, and it's junk. You can't do anything with it. So I ended up junking that and moving to a Digitrax Zephyr. The current iteration of the Zephyr (DCS52) has a built-in USB interface, so with an old computer and some old Android/iPhones, you've got a wireless walk-around DCC system for $185. The PowerCab isn't bad, but it's not nearly as expandable as the Zephyr. If you're in a club or know other modelers in the area, I'd recommend getting whatever they have so that they can help you set it up or you can use throttles on each other's layouts.

In terms of being "behind the times", NCE is basically selling the Wangrow SystemONE from 1993, and Digitrax is selling a stretched version of their throttle from 1994. The future is WiThrottle and LCC, but the TCS command station isn't out yet.

Back to the OP's question, I'd also stop buying EZ-Track, I did that too, and it's overpriced junk. It's fun for a while until it isn't and you find you can't do much with it. Building a small layout with flex track and regular turnouts is cheaper and offers a lot more options.

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Modeling the modern era freelanced G&W Connecticut Northern

Reply 0
barr_ceo

Sectional track with roadbed

If you really want this kind of track in N or HO, then your best bet is Kato Unitrack. It’s easy to use and darn near bulletproof. It’s not cheap,but worth the price and readily available in both N and HO. It also has a  MUCH broader selection of track geometry than the EZ Track does. It is NOT compatible with EZ Track, but I consider that a good thing, actually. There is no conversion piece available to adapt Bachman track to other brands of track with roadbed attached.

Your other option would be Tomix in N scale, but it’s more difficult to find in the US, even though it’s actually the best seller in Japan. Kato does make a “ conversion” piece to go between Kato and Tomix track that also works between Kato and Atlas snap or flex track.

Kato Unitrack is also the standard for T-Trak modules, which is a great way to get kids started on making a “real”model railroad with scenery in N scale. A single T-Trak module is just a tiny bit larger than a piece of 8 ½ x 11 printer paper, so it’s something that can be done by kids in a weekend under normal conditions... and might make a good art project while they’re “out of school”, I build my modules these days using black foam board for the frames and one inch foam for the top, assembled with hot glue. No power tools necessary!

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