EVEN more exciting news about B-mann K4

[Lemosteam]

Ok so I was really hoping that Peteski would help me make up my mind...

So instead I reloaded the HD double header to YouTube! Speaking of Doppler, have a listen as they come out of the tunnel...

[basementcalling]

  I am a computer geek (over 30 years of geeking) and I think that the most popular DCC system out there has a very awkward user interface and poor manuals.  NCE is much more intuitive to use by all users.

You talking Digitrax or Microsoft?

I hate my Digitrax ignorance and confusion, but got a great deal on a set way back. I would be goin NCE or other user friendly starter set if starting out today.

[peteski]

You talking Digitrax or Microsoft?

Neither.   
I had about 10 years as electronic tech at Computervision/Prime Computer/Genicom. Then another 12 years working on Sun Microsystems hardware and OS (SunOS and Solaris tech support). Now I'm at Dell supporting iSCSI storage arrays and FluidFS.  I also had a PC business in the early 90s (building and selling custom PCs).  At home build and support my home PCs (hardware and software), and design/build electronic circuits (analog and microprocessor based).

As far as my DCC command station experience goes, I have worked with Digitrax, NCE, CVP, EasyDCC and have some experience with Lenz.

[peteski]

I was contemplating selling my Digitrax equipment that I obtained very inexpensively and was considering selling it.  The booster is 5amp.  When I started looking at the NCE, a very small 2 amp wall wart is what comes with the starter set.  a 5 amp booster is available for another $80.

I would think a 5 amp system would be needed even for a small layout, what with all these high draw sound locomotives coming out, I can't even get two Broadway Limited PA's to play nice on a DC layout-

The funny thing about sound decoders, the specs usually don't mention the max. current consumption of the decoder itself (just how much current it can supply to the motor and function outputs).

I have never measured sound decoder's current consumption either.  I don't expect it to be much more than 200-400mA (depending on the sound volume).  Strictly speculating here.  So then you add another 20mA for the headlight and about 200mA for the motor. I would guess that a sound decoder will on average not consume much more than 500mA.  friend of mine has the DCC RampMeter which can measure true DCC current - maybe I'll verify my guess someday.

Will you be running any illuminated cars (Polar Express)?    How much current do they consume and how many will you have on the layout?

How many sound decoder locos are you planning on running at the same time on your small layout?  I think that 5A booster would be more than sufficient for a small layout (unless it has a 20-stall roundhouse with 15 sound-equipped locos idling inside).

[Rich_S]

LOL Rrich where did I mention the hex numbers and that being a bad thing? 
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But we have strayed OT (as usual on TRW). 

Peteski de Snarkski, I love it  but back to the off topic, topic, what??? Anyway I was not saying you said that about hex numbers, I was saying I've had other people complain about the usage of hex numbers.  Also while we are off topic, I have to tell you I've been purchasing Dell personal computers since the mid 90's and love them. A little disappointed they keep adding peripherals to the MOBO, but that's another topic.

Now to try and get back on topic. I guess talking about DCC systems that will support all of the functions of the new Bachmann DCC sound equipped K4 is not too far off of topic?   
 

[Lemosteam]

The funny thing about sound decoders, the specs usually don't mention the max. current consumption of the decoder itself (just how much current it can supply to the motor and function outputs).

I have never measured sound decoder's current consumption either.  I don't expect it to be much more than 200-400mA (depending on the sound volume).  Strictly speculating here.  So then you add another 20mA for the headlight and about 200mA for the motor. I would guess that a sound decoder will on average not consume much more than 500mA.  friend of mine has the DCC RampMeter which can measure true DCC current - maybe I'll verify my guess someday.

Will you be running any illuminated cars (Polar Express)?    How much current do they consume and how many will you have on the layout?

How many sound decoder locos are you planning on running at the same time on your small layout?  I think that 5A booster would be more than sufficient for a small layout (unless it has a 20-stall roundhouse with 15 sound-equipped locos idling inside).

See that's my point- the $149 out of the box NCE may not be sufficient to run a small or medium layout with several sound equipped locomotives  so the price point jumps to $230+, likely more that what I can sell my digitrax equipment for.

Also both systems offer a USB interface, so doesn't that kind of make at least the hand held programming portion immaterial, so all one has to do is know how to run the loco they want from the handheld- right?  Digitrax is fairly simple in that respect.

I assume that computer software is yet another purchase for the USB interface?

[Philip H]

You don't need to bu software - JMRI is freeware and works across systems. If you want to run it on Digitrax, message @ed Kapuchinski and he can tell you how he does it.

[Kisatchie]

I had about 10 years as electronic tech at Computervision/Prime Computer/Genicom. Then another 12 years working on Sun Microsystems hardware and OS (SunOS and Solaris tech support). Now I'm at Dell supporting iSCSI storage arrays and FluidFS.  I also had a PC business in the early 90s (building and selling custom PCs).  At home build and support my home PCs (hardware and software), and design/build electronic circuits (analog and microprocessor based).

As far as my DCC command station experience goes, I have worked with Digitrax, NCE, CVP, EasyDCC and have some experience with Lenz.

I know how to turn my iMac on... 


Hmm... some days I have
to help Kiz do that...

[Ed Kapuscinski]

You don't need to bu software - JMRI is freeware and works across systems. If you want to run it on Digitrax, message @ed Kapuchinski and he can tell you how he does it.

Don't even need to PM me! I've got it on my website:
http://conrail1285.com/how-to-setup-jmri-a-pr3-a-digitrax-zephyr-xtra-and-a-mac/

[Bob Bufkin]

All I know is that the next time I see you, I want to you set up by Droid as a controller.

[Ed Kapuscinski]

Will do.

[delamaize]

You don't need to bu software - JMRI is freeware and works across systems. If you want to run it on Digitrax, message @ed Kapuchinski and he can tell you how he does it.

JMRI with a PR3 xtra is how I do my programming.
In addition, I have the PR3 xtra connected to my Digitrax Zephyr, and the laptop that is running JMRI connected to a wifi router, and I gained the ability to use my smart phone as a throttle. 

[Mike C]

 Back to the topic  . Picked up my K4 from the LHS today and right now it's running around the layout breaking in . As far as I'm concerned Bachmann has a winner here . Runs great , sounds good ( chuff is better than the Berk , I think the Berk sounds a bit mushy ) and looks really nice . ( I'll probably paint the cab roof and tender deck oxide color though ) . There is some small amount of wheel wobble on the middle driver, but it's barely noticeable . I'd definitely buy another one if I need it .

[Joetrain59]

Yes, good idea Mike about painting cab roof and tender deck. Have to see what I have in my paint boxes.
 Has anyone put Z 905's on one yet?
 Joe D

[reinhardtjh]

Spookshow's review is up now.

http://www.spookshow.net/loco/bachk4.html