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Bachmann EZ Command - Up in smoke


Dubmatix
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Hi all

Just wondered if anyone else has experienced any problems with EZ Command units going up in smoke? I have had two do this to me in the last 6 months, with only the odd operating session...maybe a couple of hours evey couple of months.

I am an electronic engineer so i have popped the hood and discovered the 5v regulator had blown causing the microcontroller chip (the PIC micro) to see the full rectified 24Vdc. With a maximum supply of 5.5V, the 24V causes it to blow. The final blown state leaves the poor old PIC with 24VDC on every leg!

Anyway it has always worked well in the house but it could be the extended 24AC lines from the adapter in the house are picking up high frequency noise and causing the reg to oscillate and cook...a known problem that can be overcome with the appropriate capacitors around the reg.

Just be aware that extending these cables may cause problems.

Not very impressed and as my first was out of warranty and my second i bought new but off an internet site, i decided to try Bachmann customer support who were unwilling to offer a replacement FOC but could sell me a board for £30. Useful to know if this happens to you and cheaper than a replacement EZC ..i think i need more functionality anyway so I think i'll call it a day with them and go for NCE power cab instead...

John

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I think that Bachmann makes wonderful locos, coaches, wagons etc but when it comes to controlling your trains and your using DCC then I'd recommend using a DCC control specialist. After all in the days when DC was all we had, Hammett and Morgan or H&M who as far as I know didn't make trains and scenery were a preferred choice in DC control. Although I use NCE and have never received an upgrade to supposedly make it better. My system does not run slower as I don't interact with anyone one else on the net with my NCE system or use a computer to run everything. I've said it once and no doubt I'll say it again and again PLEASE get yourselves proper good quality DCC systems and DON'T buy second hand DCC systems on ebay or new ones on the net for that matter. Also DON'T MIX and MATCH. There is no best quality DCC system, but there is a good quality DCC system that's perfect for you. But you need to try before you buy. How many of you would part with thousands of Pounds, Dollars or Euros to buy a car without ever laying eyes on it only to find it's a lemon the first time you drive it or within a short time falls to bits.

Roy.

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