looking for Lenz users

[rtesta]

see great things about Lenz ,Digi and others,
seems lenz and digi are comparable in quality, performance etc.
but it does seem digi is alot more popular, dont here alot of lenz feedback here?

any feedback on lenz? good cusromer support in the US?
which bus structure seems easier to use and more likely to be easily expandable, which bus structure supports faster communication?

any throttle preferances between lenz and digi?

any quality issues in either?

thanks!

[tstage]

Bob,

Welcome, newbie! Good to have you aboard! [:)]

Maybe it's just me but I'd appreciate a bit more clarification from you. When you say "digi", are you talking about a Lenz digital system? Or, are you talking about a Lenz decoder?

Bob, since you are a history buff. Lenz was the forerunner and developer of the current DCC model and movement. It actually started way back in the 40's with Lionel. But it wasn't until the 80's and the refinement and development of the DCC concept by Marklin Digital (whom Lenz worked for or was president of?) that DCC started to really take off.

Lenz eventually donated all his patents to the NMRA (National Model Railroading Association) so that DCC could be "standardized". (I think he was thinking that more money could be made in the manufacturing and selling of decoders and systems.) Actually, the DCC "signal" put out by all command stations is what is standardized by the NMRA so that any decoder can be used with any digital command system.

So, I guess the question is still: Are you wanting to know about DCC systems or decoders? BTW, a brief but good reference book on DCC basics is Lionel Strang's, "DCC Made Easy". Put out by Model Railroader Books, it's less than 50 pages long. It can be had on line or at your local hobby shop (LHS). It may provide some of the answers that you are looking for.

Bob, hopes that's helpful for you. Elaborate a bit more (for my sake) and we'll do our best to give you a hand with your questions.

Tom

P.S. I have Lenz decoders in both of my locomotives and they work great.

[Anonymous]

I've had a Lenz Compact DCC system for the past few months and it's been very reliable and easy to handle. I've also found their decoders to be excellent - make sure you get the ones with BEMF as they really improve the slow running of locos. I'm only using the Compact at the moment so can't comment on expanding the system though I plan to add one of the walkaround throttles in the future to allow me to get closer to the action when switching (stopping on uncoupling magnets is tricky when you're about 6ft away from them!) I've had no contact with Digitrax systems so can't comment on those either - Lenz has good reviews and (crucially) is available from my favoured online supplier over here (none of my LHS deal in DCC). Hope this is of use!

[tstage]

Bob,

I do know that the Digitrax Zephyr, even though it's considered a "starter" system, is expandable so that you can use it on larger layouts by just adding another booster or two. I think it would probably work well for your 20 x 20' layout.

Tom

[NZRMac]

I'm a Lenz user, started with the compact and have expanded with a cordless phone adaptor, and recently a set 100 5amp booster.

The set 100 is a pushbutton throttle and has all the programming options, I would prefer the LH90 throttle which is a knob and very easy to use (one hand).

I can't advise on customer service yet, haven't had a problem, but I get all my DCC stuff from Tony's Train Ex they have been fantastic to me considering I'm on the otherside of the world.

Ken.

[Anonymous]

I am a Lenz user. I have the Lenz 100 system, and purchased an additional throttle, which is the Lenz 90. Here is my take on the two of them. Both are high quality and very easy to use and program. If you are interested in Broadway Limited engines, you may have heard that they may be tempermental for programming due to the load they place on the DCC system. With most DCC systems, the solution for BLI engines is to purchase a $40 booster unit. The solution with the Lenz system is about 49 cents. With the Lenz system all you need is a 20 ohm resistor in one of the legs of the feed wire to the program track. As far as using the Lenz system, they are both straightforward. I initially purchased the 100 system, and found for switching duties the pushbutton controller was ok, but I thought I would be happier with the 90 series knob type controller. I was right. The 90 series throttle is VERY easy to use. It has a memory that stores 8 locomotive addresses that you are able to rotate through. The 100 throttle stores a lot of them, but will allow a quick swap between 2 engines. The readout displays on both the 90 and 100 systems are large and easy to read. As far as quality of the equipment... I am very impressed. Top quality. No BS. I have had one call to customer support that was superb. I had called about a programming issue with BLI engines, and they told me exactly what to do. Afterwards, the system programmed the BLI engines on the first try. I have no complaints, and if I were to purchase again. It would be another Lenz system.

[rtesta]

all thanks for the replies, regards to the folks overseas
Mr Stage, sorry for the bit of confusion but got lazy and abriviated digitrax, my fault
I do like the hisotry part and the role Lenz has played, this with the fact that they offer a 10yr warranty both seem classy to me, may not rate in the long run but it does draw ones attention.

also have read Lionels book, was worth the price but i'm still looking for more specifics.

as for Lenz, assume the resistor can go in either programing track lead, does it effect programing other decoders non BLI?

also, does the 100 throttle help or neccessary for setting CV's? is it worth getting then adding a 90 for convineience and the "kids" to play with or does it seem it will collect dust once the 90 arrives.

still going between Lenz and Digitrax, looking for somehting to sway my decision.
thanks again, bobt

[Anonymous]

Well, the resistors in the one lead of the programming track feed line will have no effect on any other decoder. It is just with the BLI equipment. When they are programmed with all of the bells and whistles so to speak, they have a tremendous amount of surge current. The resistors slows this down to make it manageable. The 100 controller has a lot more functions than the 90. I use the 100 to program my engines, and to run any that are not in the memory of my 90 controller. Your cheapest way to go is to purchase the 100 set and then the 90 controller separately. There is also a unit that will adapt a wireless telephone to be used as a walkaround throttle. Whatever you decide on, I would just get a system that you can expand into, instead of one that you will outgrow. Why spend the money twice, start with something nice!!

[rtesta]

Thanks Christov, i am thinking like you are, got to ask, any interference complications with the cordless phone, hate to think of my trains going nuts whenever my teenagers are on the house phone!
bobt

[NZRMac]

I use a digital phone for my layout, so no they are interference free, the base set and handset talk to each other.

I use Uniden phones.
Everything that Christov has said is spot on, a fantastic DCC system. The set 100 has the hardware installed for the future, train detection signalling etc.

http://www.lenz.com/products/index.htm

Ken.

[lyctus]

rtesta, I'm using Lenz DCC and can suggest joining the Lenz DCC Yahoo Group (go to Yahoo/Groups/Hobby/Trains and you'll find 'em there). Lotsa good traffic from some fairly knowledgable users. I researched and talked to users before plunging in. Get Set 100 to kick off with and like Christov and NZRMac says, you can even use a cordless phone to drive your trains,neat !

[Anonymous]

The cordless phone will NOT cause any problems with your existing home telephone, because it will not be connected to the phone system. The telephone handset is your transmitter, and the receiver base station is the receiver that will be tied into your lenz system. This will not be any problem with your existing phone system, because it is not connected to it. I think you are going to like the Lenz system.