I got the chance to play with the new Dynamis.
I like the look of the unit and the "wireless" capability appealed to me. The unit was very easy to use and it gets a thumbs up except

1. Wireless is by infrared remote ( like a tv remote control). If direct line of sight with the receiver is broken then problems can arise. This will be partially solved if Bachmann get the extra receivers which can be purchased for use with the pro system to increase coverage, but it is not wireless in the way bluetooth or the way a wireless computer network is.

2. The unit I have used suffered runaways twice when being reset from emergancy stop. I am still investigating this. Is this a problem with the unit I tested or is it a generic problem with the Dynamis. I would be grateful if anyone has any experience. If this turns out to be a problem with the dynamis then I will not be recommending it to anyone, If its just the unit I have been using then Bachmann will be able to repair or replace.
I am awaiting a reply from Bachmann on this but if anyone has any experience let me know. Please.

I did not realise the Dynamis was infra-red, I assumed it was radio. I am pleased I did not go for it as I have seen an American system in use some years ago using infra-red and the controllers had to be kept more or less pointed at a receiver. When using a remote hand unit, the temptation is to point it at the loco, as you would a tv set.

andersley wrote:

..................................... When using a remote hand unit, the temptation is to point it at the loco, as you would a tv set.

That is exactly what was happening the other night. People were pointing the controller at the loco rather than at the base station and wondering why it wasn't doing what they were telling it. If you have enough receivers then you will get round this problem but if it had been trully wireless then it wouldn't have been a problem in the first place.

I am totally new to DCC and considering purchasing the Backman Dynamis System.

There info suggests it has a very powerful infra red which does NOT need direct line of sight. Easily bouncing the signal from walls up to 5 meters away.

Are you saying this is not the case?

As I know nothing about DCC and want to get the right system the comments above have caused some concern.

I operate 7mm on a small branch line, one thing I cannot afford is to have any run-a-ways. In this scale there is potential for serious damage and not much room to stop a run-a-way.

jazz wrote:

I am totally new to DCC and considering purchasing the Backman Dynamis System. There info suggests it has a very powerful infra red which does NOT need direct line of sight. Easily bouncing the signal from walls up to 5 meters away. Are you saying this is not the case?

My comments were posted after using the system and were how I found it.
With only one reciever I found that the handheld did not need to be pointed exactly towards the receiver but there certainly were dead areas. Because of the nature of IR ,It will depend on the geography of whatever room the system is used in, What coverage you get. As I stated earlier this will be addressed with the pro system by adding extra receivers but would never have arisen in the first place if the system was trully wireless.
It would be a great system if you could guarantee reception but IR does not fulfill this. I would also expect the state of the batteries in the handheld to have some effect but I haven't used the system long enough to confirm this. I am not against the dynamis but I do think it should be used with caution. If you are really interested in this system then contact a local retailer to see if you can get a demonstration. With all DCC systems the easiest way to find out what is suitable to you is to get your hands on different systems and play with them. Had you been closer to me you could have come along to my club and had a play with some of our systems. I still personally recommend the lenz system.

I see your point. (It's a pity I am not closer to you to try it.) As I live here in the sticks there is no outlet where I could try a system, just as everyones layout I have access to is none DCC. (So I will have to go on reviews & recommendations, I guess)

I am reading everyones thoughts and will then make a better informed decision. Thanks Ken.

Jazz I was having a think about the dynamis and as this only is rated at 3 amps for now, with an O gauge layout you might find it lacking in power depending on how many locos you are concidering using and if they have sound or smoke generators fitted. Although this power rating will be upgradeable in the future you may find it lacking for now. Just another pitfall to look out for.

d6841 wrote:

Jazz I was having a think about the dynamis and as this only is rated at 3 amps for now, with an O gauge layout you might find it lacking in power depending on how many locos you are concidering using and if they have sound or smoke generators fitted. Although this power rating will be upgradeable in the future you may find it lacking for now. Just another pitfall to look out for.

Hi, I have a modest layout, a 19' long simple fiddle yard to teminus. One loco in steam at a time. The motors are Mashima 1833 and small Cannon drawing between 0.75 and 1.4 amps. No smoke ect but I will install sound chips to some and maybe lights as well with DCC.

Regards Ken