I'm running Z scale. Is this a good or bad for DCC Control? Or what is best?
The Lenz DCC systems are 'quality' systems - although expensive in the US. Youi have special considerations here:
I think you have some research to do if you are serious about DCC.
Jim
Modeling BNSF and Milwaukee Road in SW Wisconsin
Digitrax has probably the best device for running Z scale on DCC. Their new UP6Z will drop the track voltage to safe levels for Z scale. The y seem to say it's for Digitrax systems only but the documentation also says that there is no loconet connection required to drop track voltage. Instructions do say that the input needs to be either 12 volts DCC or the 13 volt DCC ouput from a Zephyr. I'm guessing the unit may not like higher input voltages.
http://www.digitrax.com/static/apps/products/universal-panel-ir-radio-receivers/up6z/documents/UP6Z_opt.pdf
I've been using my Lenz Set-100 since 2005. It's been completely solid and reliable. It came with the LH-100 throttle. I bought an extra LH-90 throttle. I never use the LH-90, as it's awkward for programming and only holds 4 engines on its "stack." The LH-100, on the other hand, is very easy to use and holds 32 engines.
The Lenz system can be adjusted for output voltage. I'm not sure of the range, though. I use mine in HO scale.
Since you're new to this, I guess, you do NOT need to use the same brand of decoders for your engines as your base system. They are all interchangeable at that level. However, you DO have to use the same brand of throttles, so it's important to be happy with them.
It takes an iron man to play with a toy iron horse.
MisterBeasley,
I bought the Lenz LZV100 Digital Plus with LH90 came with it. I also bought the Magna force DCC Power Supply Class 2 SELV Transformer Input:120VAC 60Hz Output:15VAC, 5 Amps. I don't have any decoders in any of my Engines Yet. I tried to use it with my N scale Trains. I've had a hard time programing my Engines with the HL-90 like you said. So I guess I'll get the LH-100, since I have everything else. I'm not electronic type person and new to DCC. I've had the Unit about a year.I just got it out again and now looking for decoders for the Engines I have. I have two C&O GP-35's Micro Trains, two NS, SD70M AZL, and five steam Engines.
The lowest voltage a LenzLZV100 can be set to is 11V output. This is from page 15 of the manual.
http://www.lenzusa.com/1newsite1/Manuals/LZV100V36Manual.pdf
I don't know what voltage Z scale normally uses. I know I have run a set from a 9VDC transistor radio battery.
Other than that (if indeed that is an issue) the Lenz is a fine system. I've done software upgrades twice for basically the cost of postage. It was my first premium system and I still consider it my primary even though I now also own NCE, CVP, and Digitrax units.