The Dynamis E-Z Command set includes three main components: a command base with receiver, a wireless handheld controller, and a 2.3-amp power supply.
Easy to install. To set up the Dynamis all I had to do was connect the power supply to the command base and then connect the command base to the track. The back of the command base has three jacks: one for the power supply, one for the supplied wire that connects the base to terminal sections of Bachmann E-Z track, and one for a screw terminal. A plug-in screw terminal comes with the set to connect power leads to non-Bachmann track.
The wireless controller requires four AAA batteries, which are included. A gray on/off switch is located on the controller’s bottom edge. The controller was on for more than 24 hours before I had to replace the batteries.
When setting up and operating the Dynamis, you should keep in mind that the infrared link between the handheld and the command base requires a line of sight, just like a television remote control. The controller must be pointed toward the front of the infrared receiver on top of the command base. The receiver uses several sensors arrayed in a 180-degree arc to pick up and send signals.
The signal will be lost if a solid object, such as a wall or another operator, moves between the controller and the receiver.
With a clear line of sight between the controller and receiver, I operated trains from across our workshop, about 25 feet away. Operation was less reliable toward the extreme edges of the receiver’s 180-degree reception arc.
The set is designed for control with one wireless controller. I did run trains with an additional handheld from another set. The controllers can interfere with each other when used simultaneously.
You can upgrade the command station with the Dynamis Pro Box. This product lets you control the system with up to four wireless controllers and several tethered throttles. You can also use additional receivers to expand wireless coverage on larger layouts.
The system supports up to 21 control functions per locomotive. The left side of the controller has a headlight on/off button (Function 0), 10 alphanumeric keys (allowing access to functions 1 to 10), and a shift key for functions 11 to 20.
You also use these keys to enter locomotive addresses and names. For example, I added a Santa Fe FP45 to my roster with address 107 and the name SF FP45 107.
The right side of the controller has a stop button, direction button, and a joystick that moves up and down and side to side. Along with controlling locomotive speed, the joystick is used to scroll through menus and rosters.
The center of the controller has an LCD screen and four buttons underneath it. These buttons are used to access the icons that appear above them on the screen, such as a notebook for entering programming mode.
The leftmost button under the screen toggles between locomotive and accessory mode. I used accessory mode to trigger and program an E-Z track DCC-equipped turnout.
Two-way communication. The controller receives constant updates from the command base. A signal indicator in the upper right corner of the controller’s LCD screen shows the signal strength, much like a cell phone’s display. The screen displays the assigned locomotive’s address, its direction, and what speed step it’s on. A speed indicator bar on the right of the screen also moves up or down in conjunction with the throttle.
The menu screens effectively walk you through each task from changing a locomotive’s address to programming configuration variables (CVs) to setting up a consist. The Dynamis supports locomotive decoders that allow advanced consisting.
You can also program locomotives on the main (also called ops mode programming). This feature lets you program a locomotive without a programming track. (Your locomotive’s DCC decoder must have CV19 to support ops mode programming.)
However, in ops mode on the Dynamis you can change only a locomotive’s short address (1 to 127). For a locomotive’s long address (0001 to 9999) you will need to use a programming track that’s isolated from the rest of the layout, or else you’ll inadvertently change all the locomotives on your layout to that new address.
Fun to operate. I had a lot of fun running locomotives on my HO scale E-Z track test layout using the Dynamis system. I programmed locomotive addresses and CVs and set up consists.
Hal Miller, the editor of Model Retailer magazine, a sister publication of Model Railroader, also tested the system on his O scale layout by running a single-motor, DCC-and-sound equipped diesel. More than one O scale locomotive can max out the 2.3-amp power supply. Bachmann E-Z Command 5-amp power boosters can be used with the Dynamis system.
Easy-to-use programming options, a well thought out wireless throttle, and a line of products that expand the system, make the Bachmann Dynamis a great choice for both newcomers to the hobby and other modelers looking to add DCC to their model railroads.
Price: $300.00
Manufacturer:
Bachmann Industries Inc.
1400 E. Erie St.
Philadelphia, PA 19124
www.bachmanntrains.com
Description: two-way infrared wireless Digital Command Control system
Access to 21 functions
Backlit LCD screen
Cab lanyard
Control up to 40 locomotives or 40 consists of up to 5 locomotives each
Expandable modular design
Four AAA batteries included
9,999 locomotive addresses
Supports 14, 28, or 128 speed steps
2.3-amp power supply
I used it on my ho scale layout for over 2 years, and very pleased with it. I am thinking to buy the 36508 probox extention to be able to read CV and have PC connection
Am I correct in reading that you were able to edit CVs with the unit? Can you read CV settings from the decoders?
I've had my Dynamis system for about 3 months now, running my small N-scale modular layout and an HO John Allen Timesaver switching game at model railroad shows. I've been very pleased with the unit. After many hours of use, I am only now having to change the 4 AAA batteries in the wireless controller. I've had no problem programming the engines and very much like the ability to program understandable names for the engines, such as "SOO GP9TT 2550." Adding or removing engines from a consist is very easy. The wireless IR has worked well for me, largely because the IR signals bounce off walls relatively easily so I haven't really had a problem with losing control. I've set the controller to continue running at the last setting even if it does lose signal (the default is to stop all trains if the controller and base don't communicate for 30 seconds), but I don't think the problem would have occurred for me anyway. Running n-scale, the 2.3 amp power has been more than enough. The controller is easy to use one- or two-handed. It "feels" good in the hand. I think it is a great system for the price.
I have decided to go from DC to DCC and was ready to go with Digitrix, but now??? Any comments?
I've tried several DCC systems, and have come to really like the Dynamis. The wireless freedom is great, and I've been programming locos, where other DCC units were unable to. My main gripe is that the display is sometimes hard to read, as the basic font is a bit thin. Best quality, user friendly menus that are easy to navigate. I actually was pleasantly surprised, once I had my Dynamis setup and appreicated the versatility of it. It's a keeper for me.
With all the new DCC systems out there and this Bachmann system give you a lot of bang for the buck this old codger (72)is about to give up and go DCC. I'm hoping there is no problems with the IR over radio.
The Dynamis is a good DCC system for any level model railroader. I was looking at the MRC Prodigy Wireless, but when Bachmann released their wireless system for less, it was reasonable. The Dynamis is great for basic layouts!
The rating of all DCC systems in terms of how many engines or consisted engines they can run–MUST be looked at in light of how many amps the unit can deliver, and the amp draw of the locomotives. Modern HO equipment might draw .25 amps per engine. Some quick math based on .25 engine amps, and the 2.3 Amps available would suggest that about 9 engines would peak out the power available. And that is 9 modern engines, older engines draw a lot more power. So to say 40 engines or 40 x 5 engines–well where are those AMPS coming from?
Control is the operative word.
I believe that 40 engines or 40 consists of up to 5 engines each refers to the 'stack' of addresses that the system will remember for quick recall.
I've been using the Dynamis about 6 months now and love it, of course the price I paid on Ebay Germany of around 100 dollars helps loving it a lot. Only setback for me is that the Pro Box add on is so expensive in comparison, going price around 300 dollars, and you need it to readback cv's and connect to PC. So to start your way in DCC I fully recomend it , if you want to expand quickly or want to start of with the big system I would say get a Digitrax, MRC, Lenz or NCE system.
I just hope I come across a Pro Box on Ebay for the ridiculous low price I got the initial system.
I understand that there is a seperate add on power booster unit to add 5 AMPS. No idea about cost.
What about auto polarity reverse for loops, is that available, or will a another vendors product have to be used or can be used?
I'm interested in the units for outside F scale (gauge 1), and wonder about sunlight interference with the infra red controller.
I purchased the Dynamis system last Christmas for use on my special "Christmas layout", and I was very pleased how easily the system can be used. Even my wife could take it and run the train right away (she is not familiar with model railroad controls!)
The only thing I am missing is the possibility of attaching the infrared receiver apart from the unit.
I am about to start railway modelling again after 25 years and i am readuing as much as i can about DCC before "plunging in at the deep end", so any advice will be gratefully appreciated.
many thanks
richard