European digital systems

[Anonymous]

I'm in the military stationed in Germany and I was wondering if anyone knew whether or not the European digital DCC is compatible with, say, an Atlas loco with a decoder installed. I know the ones imported are but are the systems all the same for the most part?
I'm considering purchasing a European starter DCC set but I want it to work with American locos too for when I return to the states. Thanks for any info! Andy

[lupo]

Andy, chek if the european system you want to buy conforms to NRMA standards,
I have a LENZ Digital Plus ( DCC) set, that is european but it is NMRA approved.

[moorep2]

I hope someone who has been looking at the topic can also assist me. I had an opportunity to purchase a new in the box, but discontinued model ROCO HO set with DCC.
My question is whether the ROCO DCC equipment will run a decoder say, on an ATLAS engine. How can I determine this - whether it meets NMRA standards for DCC? If so how can I find out? I found the ROCO USA site and e-mailed the question - but got an absolutely useless reply

[Anonymous]

Andy & Moorp2,

in Europe we have several systems.

If you want a DCC compatible system, DO NOT buy,

Marklin, Selectric or Fleishman FMZ.

The DCC systems in Europe are,

Lenz Digital plus
Lenz compact (this is called Atlas in the USA)
the Roco Maus (striped down Lenz system)
Zimo

we have also systems which we call "multi-protocol" systems.
this systems can operate several "protocols" like DCC and Marklin or Fleismann decoders.
those are

the Intellibox from Ulenbrock
and the Twin center of Fleishmann

Moorep2,

I think you referring to the Roco Loc-maus, the Loc-maus is DCC compatible, but has only an two digits loc-address and not be able to have double traction.

i recently started my interest in America railways, and noticed that on almost all trains are at least 2 locomotives. so your would miss something if you go for the Roco maus if you have an American Lay-out.
But if you run a layout with one engine in front of your trains, it’s a nice and cheap system.

especial with the modern locomotives who have the DCC plug on board it should be not problem to install a DCC loc-decoder.
Although i noticed some with American loco's the lights could have problems with the 18v power which DCC uses.

I personally have the Lenz D+ system and can adjust the CV-value for the lights, but i am not familiar with the Roco Loc-maus and not sure if its be able to do so to.

If you need any more info i can look around the web in Europe to see if i can find any in English. so far only seen German and Dutch though.

but hope this reply will help you anyway.
Krgds
Cor

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by lupo

Andy, chek if the european system you want to buy conforms to NRMA standards,
I have a LENZ Digital Plus ( DCC) set, that is european but it is NMRA approved.

I would like to add the wall outlets and voltage is different in Europe, so when you get to the U.S. you will need an adapter and be sure the units you buy have selectable voltage settings for the input or opperate on 110 - 120 volts.

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by moorep2

.... I had an opportunity to purchase a new in the box, but discontinued model ROCO HO set with DCC.
My question is whether the ROCO DCC equipment will run a decoder say, on an ATLAS engine. How can I determine this - whether it meets NMRA standards for DCC?

This is an excerpt from the Lenz web site

QUOTE:
In 1993 Lenz GmbH started the cooperation with the ROCO Company of Austria, designing and producing a new and successful starter set in DCC. And one year later the realization occurred in the co-operation of designing, and producing a multi-train control for LGB. Both ROCO and LGB are based on the DCC standard.

In 1996 we redesigned our command station and decoders to be able to earn the prestigious NMRA conformance warrant. We are the first manufacturer to ship a fully compliant DCC system with decoder. In 1996 Lenz GmbH also began cooperation with ConCor in the US. In 1998 we began producing for Atlas a decoder board for their SD-60 locomotive and we continue to product for ROCO more advanced products for DIGITAL is COOL line. We have recently expanded our OEM work with the Atlas Master DCC line in the US.

If you are still in doubt, contact Lenz
(click on underlined highlited words)

[lupo]

QUOTE: Originally posted by gsetter

QUOTE: Originally posted by lupo

Andy, chek if the european system you want to buy conforms to NRMA standards,
I have a LENZ Digital Plus ( DCC) set, that is european but it is NMRA approved.

I would like to add the wall outlets and voltage is different in Europe, so when you get to the U.S. you will need an adapter and be sure the units you buy have selectable voltage settings for the input or opperate on 110 - 120 volts.

I dont use the regular transformer because the LENZ system is modular it is easy to connect an AC transformer from Radio Shack
LENZ says in their "quick start users guide":

"for a quick start connect terminals U and V of the LZ100 and LV101 to a model railway transformer with a 14 - 18 VAC voltage, Eventually you will want TWO seperate transformers but for now a single transformer wil work fine For initial operation virtually any transformer with a current rating of greater than 13VA will work.To operate the maximum number of locomotives a transformer with a minimum capacity of 60VA should be used for the LV 100 and a 1.25 Amp 14 volt transformer such as the TR16 used for the LZ100."
so when going over to the states you could use any US 110-120V AC transformer, as long the output confirms LENZ specifications
for the power station LV101 they recommend:
(110v)
Digitrax PS515
Atlas Generator
MRC AH800 power Supply
Lionel Trainmaster PH1 (can power 2 LV101's
if you wi***o use a different transformer please note that it should be a model railroad transformer with a UL, GS or CE symbol
for the LZ100 they recommend the Lenz UL approved TR16 transformer, providing 16VA of power at 14 volts

IMHO!

[Anonymous]

Moorep2,

Found this link which is in English.

http://www.mackaymodels.co.uk/RocoDig.htm

[:)]

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by gsetter I would like to add the wall outlets and voltage is different in Europe,(...)

Our voltage isn't different, yours is [:)]

By the way, If you buy a Roco lokmaus please check that it is maus 2 and not 1, 1 may be cheaper but it isnt't NMRA approved as far as I know.

Roco has also anounced maus 3, which wel be something like Lenz LH100.

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by CoertSmit

QUOTE: Originally posted by gsetter I would like to add the wall outlets and voltage is different in Europe,(...)

Our voltage isn't different, yours is [:)]

Yea, ok, you're right, I guess. Depending on which side of the ditch you're on. [swg]
Anyway, am I right that the DCC systems for the European market are built to operate on a higher ac voltage and different cycle? I'm trying to help a friend in India start a layout and send him some old equipment.
Thanks
G

[lupo]

yes G,
the voltage overhere is 220 - 240 and it is 50 Hz, I recall that in the us it is 110-120V, 60 Hz,
in the lenz description I typed out in my post above they do not mention the cycles,\.
I am not sure if 50 or 60 Hz makes a different, I could not find anything in my manual, but because I bought it second hand maybe not all manuals were with it.
btw the lenz system I have is modular, with a separate low voltage AC input made by any transformer.wich is not included with the system. maybe for details you could send an e-mail to the manufacturer.
stay safe
Lupo