I'm inquiring about something that I don't have a lot of information on. In about 2001, I was going gangbusters on an HO layout in the top of my garage. I decided that DCC would be a great idea and ordered a Lenz Set 01. I also ordered a spare controller and the Xpress net adapter, a few decoders and various other items to make this all work. Then things changed and the whole thing has set virtually untouched since then.
Long story short: I'm now retired and have decided to restart my project. I have done a little research and discovered that the Lenz Set 01 has been upgraded and that Lenz can upgrade (maybe?) my set for a nominal fee. So here's my question: should I proceed with the Set 01 and become more familiar with DCC in general without the expense of the upgrade (which may not even be possible), or go for the upgrade. Or is my stuff so far outdated that i need to start all over
I've been spending a lot of time on this forum researching DCC issues and think I'm prepared to proceed, just wanted some opinions.
Thanks in advance. Joe
Welcome aboard!
I have a Lenz Set 100. From the manual I found online, the Set 01 has the same LH-100 throttle that I have, but a different command station. It should be just fine. For now, you shouldn't need to upgrade it.
This is probably a good system to start with, at least. Lenz is the "original" DCC system, because they developed the specifications and then released them for everyone to use. Based on their track record, I would expect everything you have to be fully compatable with today's Lenz equipment. My Lenz system has served me well for years.
The manual lists the old address for Lenz USA in Chelmsford, MA. I think she retired, and someone else is now handling that. You can find the new address online.
It takes an iron man to play with a toy iron horse.
That was the direction that I was leaning. Thanks for your comments.
Joe
A Lenz Set-100 was my 2nd DCC system and I still consider it my primary. Lenz has been great about updating the control unit and the throttles through the years. Mostly they have charged $10 for each upgrade.
I would think for the most part it should work just fine even without upgrading it. If I were you I think I would just start using it as is. Then consider the upgrade when/if you start running into problems, lack of features, or compatiblity issues (like with the RP 9.3.x decoder transmission stuff).
I would agree with the other posters. The Lenz set 01 and set 100 are basically the same. One has a separate booster while the other has an integrated booster usually 3 amp. They are great systems that are easily upgraded and added to. Our club has 3 complete Lenz systems. One on the permanent layout, one on the Portable layout and one for programing and testing that doubles as a spare when the other systems are down for maintenance and upgrades.
The latest version of the upgrade has some stuff that you will probably not use very much. The upgrade brings 28 functions for the latest sound decoders and it has 12 recall slots instead of the older 6 or 4 from earlier versions. It also has Railcom enabled for bi directional decoder talk. Railcom has had some issues with some manufactures decoders. Our clubs systems had to have Railcom disabled due to to many problems with older decoders.
The downside of the Lenz systems is the lack or wireless throttles but CVP has come to the rescue. They have a wireless base system that plugs into the Lenz system and offers throttles that can be used. It works very good and no matter how many wireless throttles you have it only takes a single Lenz throttle address to work.
Debby had retired last year. She was great. She upgraded our LH90 throttles at train shows and knew all about the Lenz systems. AHD is the servicing company in North America now. We get our upgrade chips and Lenz supplies from Train Tech LLC. Gary is wonderful to deal with. He just repaired one of our command stations that had some issues and the cost was very reasonable. The LH100 throttles and command stations are upgraded with a simple chip change that you can do at home. The LH90 throttles have to be sent in for upgrades.
Here is AHDs link
http://www.amhobby.com/index.html
Here is Train Techs link if you need it.
http://www.traintekllc.com/
Have fun.
Pete
I pray every day I break even, Cause I can really use the money!
I started with nothing and still have most of it left!
locoi1sa Debby had retired last year. She was great.
One thing that I don't think anyone addressed was the mobile decoders. If any of them are not yet installed (and maybe even if they are), you may want to look into updating them with newer versions. The manufacturers are always upgrading them with more and/or better functions, better running characteristics, etc.
Interesting. When I ordered the Lenz system, I also ordered two Lenz decoders: LE102XF-MP and LF102SF-WH ... and five Train Control Systems (TCS) TH141 decoders to get me started on converting some Athearn Locos. I don't know what the current status of any of these are as far as updating to newer versions. They are still in the original packaging, never been opened.
Where would I start, contact with the manufacturers?
Thanks.
Joe HO Fan Interesting. When I ordered the Lenz system, I also ordered two Lenz decoders: LE102XF-MP and LF102SF-WH ... and five Train Control Systems (TCS) TH141 decoders to get me started on converting some Athearn Locos. I don't know what the current status of any of these are as far as updating to newer versions. They are still in the original packaging, never been opened. Where would I start, contact with the manufacturers? Thanks.
Just to get a baseline idea of the differences, I'd start with the by checking the specs of the older decoders either on the instructions that came with them or on the manufacturer's Web pages. Then I'd use those same Web pages to see what their current-production decoders have to offer, and compare the two.
There's probably also a Lenz Yahoo! group, and maybe one for TSC as well, and that would be the next place I'd go. I don't follow either Lenz or TCS very closely, but both the Digitrax and NCE Yahoo! groups, which I do follow, have lots of knowledgeable people who can often supply info or experiences about older products vs. the newer ones. I'm sure the folks on the Lenz Yahoo! group could supply the same kind of info and advice, and if there's a TCS Yahoo! group, they probably could as well.
Actual user input from the Yahoo! groups, or other forums, will tell you a lot. After all, if a decoder has, let's say for example, poor running characteristics, the manufacturer isn't going to include that in their published specs.
There is no upgrade program for decoders. TCS had a trade in program a couple years ago but not any more. The Lenz decoders you listed have not changed much. Back EMF motor control and smaller sizes is the latest. TCS has grown to be one of the best decoders on the market. They continually improve their products on each version that comes out.
Even though decoders are continuing to evolve there is really no reason to change them out if you are happy with the way the locomotive performs. I have 10 year old decoders running with newer decoders all the time. I find that instead of upgrading decoders it is better to upgrade the locomotive itself. Better detailed and better running locomotives are coming out all the time. I have just about retired all my Athearn blue box locos for better running locos. They don't get shoved into the trash but instead become parts depots and scenery items. I have put the trucks of BB F units on Proto 2K locomotives. I also had a BB SD9 that had Earnst super gears for really slow speed on a Proto SD7 with sound used for switching heavy industries and is the best running diesel in my fleet. Flywheels from retired locos have gone into re-motored brass locos. Changing the BB locos to DCC is very frustrating sometimes. From having to change the iron wheels to nickle silver to tuning up the motors and isolating the bottom brush from the hot frame to engineering a lighting system is time consuming.