Hello all,
Some great points have been discussed.
As a Bachmann Dynamis user on a 4'x8' pike I am satisfied with my decision.
I am a Lone Wolf modeler with no connections to clubs or other layouts. This is important because I don't have to worry about compatibility of my DCC control system to others or learning the "logic" of other DCC systems.
Because the Dynamis is Infra Red communication (IR) the controller needs to be within the line of sight with the receiver.
This is no problem for me as I mounted the receiver above the pike on the wall. The pike is a walk-around on three sides so the controller can always communicate with the receiver.
I also purchased the 5a booster. This allows me to run more than one receiver and up to 4 controllers. I only use one controller and one receiver.
At 5a this gives me plenty of power to run a 4-unit consist on the mainline while simultaneously running a 3-unit consist on the coal unloading platform, a cow & calf consist for making up trains and a 45- and 70-ton switchers.
When adding the 5a booster to the system the programming track function is lost. However...I came up with a work around and Franken-built a cable that now allows a programming track; which is supported by the booster and controller.
For many this issue of losing the programming track is a deal breaker and they look toward other DCC systems.
The controller itself feels more like a video game controller than a traditional throttle. It uses AAA batteries.
The batteries last about 12- to 18-hours of continuous use. I bought several sets of rechargeable batteries and simply cycle through them as needed.
Finally, yes this is a dead-end system which is no longer manufactured. This is a plus and a minus.
On the plus side I purchased the entire system for less than $200.00 on eBay. The controller and receiver were NIB and the booster was "slightly used" and came with the warranty card in the original packaging.
On the minus side this is a good as it will get. Yes, I can add another booster, but why on a 4'x8' pike this is all the power I need. I can add more controllers; which I am considering, but with one unit I can control multiple consists and single engines.
And, it is no longer manufactured. For now, it is still supported but I don't know how long Bachmann will be able to provide support for this system.
The controller supports programming on the main, a programming track (see explanation above) and DCC turnout control, along with simple and advanced consisting (depending on the decoder(s) used).
I use Bachmann, TCS and Digitrax decoders with no compatibility issues.
A separate programming track using JMRI and a Digitrax PR3 linked to my Mac gives me even more programming options.
Many will deride my choice.
how long will this system last, who knows?
But for me it works and works well.
I hope this helps.
