My Lenz LH100 controller/throttle is starting to act funky. I'm going to look at a few lengthy YouTube videos on repairing the LH100 but if that doesn't work out, I will need to order a replacement.
My first problem is finding a dealer in the US. Tony's Trains used to deal in Lenz but now their website no longer lists any Lenz products. My google searches have turned up several sites that also seem not to carry Lenz anymore. Does anyone know what authorized Lenz dealers there are in the US.
My second problem is that even on ebay there are no listings for LH100s new or used. I see listings for the LH101 which looks to be an upgrade from the LH100 which had a push button throttle. The LH101 has a knob which to me is preferable. I'm guessing the LH101 is a replacement for the LH100 but I'd like to confirm that before ordering one since I'll be spending over $200 for one.
Hello All,
Have you checked out this site...
Eurolokshop
Hope this helps.
"Uhh...I didn’t know it was 'impossible' I just made it work...sorry"
I am also a Lenz user, and have been for years. Unfortunately, my Lenz throttles are showing signs of age, too.
I have a pair of CVP radio frequency throttes. CVP makes throttles for several different manufacturers, including Lenz. I like the freedom of an untethered throttle, but it doesn't give me the option of programming decoders. I also have one of the older LH90 hand-helds, which has fewer buttons for functions and has a rotating dial for speed control. I greatly prefer the pushbuttons to the dial. I find the dial inconvenient when switching locomotives, and seldom use this throttle.
I would call Tony's trains and ask if they can get you another LH100, or if they still support Lenz. They may not advertise it. That would be low-volume work.
Keep us posted on your progress.
It takes an iron man to play with a toy iron horse.
John.
You can give Lichfield Station a call too. They still stock some Lenz equipment. I still have my LH90 throttle from the former club I was in. I loved using it for controlling and was the best throttle to use for switching. Haven't used it in over a decade. I'm not sure if the LH100 is still available.
Pete.
MisterBeasley I am also a Lenz user, and have been for years. Unfortunately, my Lenz throttles are showing signs of age, too. I have a pair of CVP radio frequency throttes. CVP makes throttles for several different manufacturers, including Lenz. I like the freedom of an untethered throttle, but it doesn't give me the option of programming decoders. I also have one of the older LH90 hand-helds, which has fewer buttons for functions and has a rotating dial for speed control. I greatly prefer the pushbuttons to the dial. I find the dial inconvenient when switching locomotives, and seldom use this throttle. I would call Tony's trains and ask if they can get you another LH100, or if they still support Lenz. They may not advertise it. That would be low-volume work. Keep us posted on your progress.
I have the CVP throttles too but I need the LH100 for programming and that is where I am running into spordadic problems. I've dropped the LH100 a few too many times and I think it has taken its toll. I only use the LH100 as a throttle for yard switching. The LH101 looks like it is an adequate replacement but I need to be sure it is compatible with the system.
As for Tony's, their products web page has a filter for manufacturers and the don't even list Lenz anymore. It does no good to call them because everybody is working from home now and all you do is leave a message and wait several days for them to get back to you.
wrench567 John. You can give Lichfield Station a call too. They still stock some Lenz equipment. I still have my LH90 throttle from the former club I was in. I loved using it for controlling and was the best throttle to use for switching. Haven't used it in over a decade. I'm not sure if the LH100 is still available. Pete.
My guess is your are right about the LH100. It looks like the LH101 has replaced it an it has a knob for a throttle instead of push buttons for acceleration and deceleration. Other than that, it looks like it has all the other function keys as the LH100.
John-NYBW My Lenz LH100 controller/throttle is starting to act funky. I'm going to look at a few lengthy YouTube videos on repairing the LH100 but if that doesn't work out, I will need to order a replacement.
Lenz are bulletproof and they wrote the DCC working standard (as well as created DCC) That said, they haven't advanced much since I got back into the hobby 18 years ago. There are much easier sets to use now a days for less money. I paid nearly $500 for my set 100. That money could replace a pretty large sized layout these days.BUT if you have your heart set on Lenz, or have a large investment, I would opt for one of the 3rd party options including JMRI with WiThrottle. It will certainly be more user friendly then what Lenz offers in handhelds.
Don - Specializing in layout DC->DCC conversions
Modeling C&O transition era and steel industries There's Nothing Like Big Steam!
My LH100 failed once because the cable to the control bus failed at the throttle end. I removed it, clipped about a half inch off, and re-attached it. It's worked ever since.
Now, some of the pushbuttons have gotten wonky. I might try opening up the case and spraying in some contact cleaner.
DigitalGriffin John-NYBW My Lenz LH100 controller/throttle is starting to act funky. I'm going to look at a few lengthy YouTube videos on repairing the LH100 but if that doesn't work out, I will need to order a replacement. I used to own lenz as well. I even wrote a RS232 driver for it which handles their full command set. Lenz are bulletproof and they wrote the DCC working standard (as well as created DCC) That said, they haven't advanced much since I got back into the hobby 18 years ago. There are much easier sets to use now a days for less money. I paid nearly $500 for my set 100. That money could replace a pretty large sized layout these days.BUT if you have your heart set on Lenz, or have a large investment, I would opt for one of the 3rd party options including JMRI with WiThrottle. It will certainly be more user friendly then what Lenz offers in handhelds.
I used to own lenz as well. I even wrote a RS232 driver for it which handles their full command set.
It would cost way to much to consider switching to a whole new system. I don't think Lenz is user unfriendly at all. I think the problems I have having with it have to do with the long tethered cord which I sometimes step on or it gets yanked out of my hand if I stray too far. It has taken far too many nosedives onto the cement floor of my basement and that may well have contributed to the electrnoic problems I'm having now. I see the new LH101 has a coiled cord which I think is a much better idea and should make it less prone to being dropped onto the floor.
MisterBeasley My LH100 failed once because the cable to the control bus failed at the throttle end. I removed it, clipped about a half inch off, and re-attached it. It's worked ever since. Now, some of the pushbuttons have gotten wonky. I might try opening up the case and spraying in some contact cleaner.
I've reached the point where I am spending way too much of my time trying to fix things that are broken. I would estimate 75% of my time this past winter has been spent trying to rescue damaged goods. From now one, if I can't fix it in 15 minutes, it's going in the trash. I've gotten about 18 years out of the LH100. It's time to move on.
The Eurolokshop lists LH100 throttles. They are priced at $262.02. They are located in NY. Might be worth a call. Buy one and send yours in for repair.
Lenz has been a good system and has outlived other DCC pioneers like Wangro, CVP and others. They never really jumped on the 28 function bandwagon like others have. My former club used it with great success. The club layout had automatic brake modules on the major station trackage that would automatically stop at station and timed the stop. Then automatically move out again. We also had a streetcar line that was hands off stop and reverse.
Get used to the RIP track. The gremlins never rest. We all have issues and sometimes it seems like nothing gets done. I used to say "I hope I break even. I can really use the money". Sometimes I just look at the workbench cluttered with projects started and set aside to repair something else and so on. I'll spend some time and clean and regroup and usually look at priorities. It's kind of like the wife's honey do list. Never gets any smaller and never says thank you.
I can get a new LH101 on ebay for $237 with free shipping. That makes more sense than buying an LH100. Not only is it cheaper but it is an upgrade. I have an offer to buy one from another vendor for even less but am waiting to see if the offer has been accepted.
I don't see the sense in buying a new one and sending the old one in to be fixed. I only need one.
When the word ''Lenz'' is mentioned my ears perk.
Since 1-15-01 up to 1-29-11, I have been happy with my Lenz Set 02 DCC system.
One or two items have been sent back to Deb and Stan Ames (no longer doing repaires) in the past for repair or upgrades. I learned long ago how to replace the DIN plugs (from Radio Shack) and the RJ 11 phone plugs.
My LH100 V-3.1 has been out of service (unpluged from the system) for maybe four years now. It started to act weird.
I have been using five of the LH90 V-3.6 (I love the RED readout numbers) around the layout with great success.
All my LH090's have been modified, a fat rubber band around the plastic knob so my thumb/fingers do not slip on the knob (the plastic knob should have a rubber inbedded collar around it), red heat shrink tube on the direction bat switch, velcro on the back of the unit (loop) and on the facia (hook) and a small brass round head screw* in the side of the knob at the line, that way I do not need to look at the knob to know where the line is at for speed.
The latest 1-29-11 Command & Power station is an LZV100 V-3.6
I have only seen a Lenz products only table with a girl setting behind it once at a train show (Timonium) way too long ago.
I'm really put out with Lenz not promoting or expanding there products here in the US of A. It being the good product it is, would only get better.
Oh the ''V'' above = Version.
The last place I was told about for Lenz products was in N.Y.
*In the picture below you can see the brass screw in the side of the round knob. When turning the knob CW when the screw and white line lines up with the RED mark on the unit's body the loco starts to move, like wise when you turn the knob CCW the loco will slow down and when the screw gets to the RED mark there will be no current going to the motor. I hope this makes some sort of sense.
Long story short, I may be looking for a LH100 also.
Lenz has abandoned the North American market. The company itself has been sold as well.
There is a North American service center, Accessory Pathways. He provides service and Lenz DCC products.
PC101 When the word ''Lenz'' is mentioned my ears perk. Since 1-15-01 up to 1-29-11, I have been happy with my Lenz Set 02 DCC system. One or two items have been sent back to Deb and Stan Ames (no longer doing repaires) in the past for repair or upgrades. I learned long ago how to replace the DIN plugs (from Radio Shack) and the RJ 11 phone plugs. My LH100 V-3.1 has been out of service (unpluged from the system) for maybe four years now. It started to act weird. I have been using five of the LH90 V-3.6 (I love the RED readout numbers) around the layout with great success. All my LH090's have been modified, a fat rubber band around the plastic knob so my thumb/fingers do not slip on the knob (the plastic knob should have a rubber inbedded collar around it), red heat shrink tube on the direction bat switch, velcro on the back of the unit (loop) and on the facia (hook) and a small brass round head screw* in the side of the knob at the line, that way I do not need to look at the knob to know where the line is at for speed. The latest 1-29-11 Command & Power station is an LZV100 V-3.6 I have only seen a Lenz products only table with a girl setting behind it once at a train show (Timonium) way too long ago. I'm really put out with Lenz not promoting or expanding there products here in the US of A. It being the good product it is, would only get better. Oh the ''V'' above = Version. The last place I was told about for Lenz products was in N.Y. *In the picture below you can see the brass screw in the side of the round knob. When turning the knob CW when the screw and white line lines up with the RED mark on the unit's body the loco starts to move, like wise when you turn the knob CCW the loco will slow down and when the screw gets to the RED mark there will be no current going to the motor. I hope this makes some sort of sense. Long story short, I may be looking for a LH100 also.
Is the LH90 compatible with an LV100 and does it have full funtionality? IOW, can it program on the main?
Acting weird pretty much describes what my LH100 has been doing the past year and it is only getting worse. Probably largely my fault because of several hard drops on my concrete basement floor.
I think you are going to have a hard time finding a replacement LH100 unless you want to settle for a used one on ebay. I think the LH101 is the replacement and an upgrade from the LH100. It has a rotary throttle instead of a push button one. What I really like is that it has a coiled cord which I think is going to make it less likely I step on it and have it yanked from my hand and drop to the floor. I have a message in to an ebay vendor asking if it is compatible with the LV100.
The LH90 is compatible with any Lenz system. It can program but is a real PIA because of the lack of buttons and limited screen readouts. The LH100 was a whole lot better at programming. Do you have the computer interface? That would open up a whole new world for you. Decoder Pro is easy and an added plus is a saved roster of decoder equipped locomotives. With the computer interface there is also a chance to aquire third party throttles like the TCS wireless.
My former club had the CVP wireless and the cordless phone interface where you can use a cordless house phone as a throttle. Limited functionality but as an engineers throttle they were not too bad.
If you shoot me a PM I could mail you my LH90 to try out. I haven't used it in over a decade. It was upgraded with the newest firmware at the time I stopped using it. It was capable for 28 functions instead of the 8 before the upgrade. You will have to download the manual free online.
wrench567 The LH90 is compatible with any Lenz system. It can program but is a real PIA because of the lack of buttons and limited screen readouts. The LH100 was a whole lot better at programming. Do you have the computer interface? That would open up a whole new world for you. Decoder Pro is easy and an added plus is a saved roster of decoder equipped locomotives. With the computer interface there is also a chance to aquire third party throttles like the TCS wireless. My former club had the CVP wireless and the cordless phone interface where you can use a cordless house phone as a throttle. Limited functionality but as an engineers throttle they were not too bad. If you shoot me a PM I could mail you my LH90 to try out. I haven't used it in over a decade. It was upgraded with the newest firmware at the time I stopped using it. It was capable for 28 functions instead of the 8 before the upgrade. You will have to download the manual free online. Pete.
I have found an ebay vendor that deals in Lenz equipment. It is Iron Planet Hobbies. I don't know if this is also a brick and mortar store.
I don't do a lot of CV programming so even if it is cumbersome, that will not be a big deal. I'm also looking at the LH01 which as far as I have been able to determine is compatible with the LVZ100 and the manual indicates it has all the functions.
The last time I tried to send a PM, it didn't work. When I go to the Messages menu, I don't see an option for sending a message.
The thing to remember about DCC equipment compatibility between mfg is this: An equipment mfg (ie Lenz, Digitrax) will always make their new products backwards compatible with the old*. Otherwise they are shooting themselves in the foot twice. 1) The cost of developing and supporting a new standard is insane compared to updating an older one. 2) They are alienating their existing customer base who don't have the funds, or will to redo their entire system.
*That said, ROM updates are sometimes required, and full functionality might not be available without other upgrades. (Like an IR Transmit/receive base for full wireless duplex)
You can shoot me an email. Wrench567 at G mail. If you want to try it. It is upgraded to version 3.6. I think that is the last North American upgrade. Debbie from Lenz North America did the upgrade just before Tony's took over Lenz service.
Concerning support, you might wish to contact Mainline Hobby Supply. I just looked at their website and it appears that they have a Lenz product for sale.
maxman Concerning support, you might wish to contact Mainline Hobby Supply. I just looked at their website and it appears that they have a Lenz product for sale.
The Owner of MHS at Blue Ridge Summit, Pa. uses a Lenz System on his home HO-scale layout. He sold me my Lenz system on 1-15-2001.
I would think that you would want to pay attention on which ''VERSION'' (softwear upgrade) the product is if buying new old stock or used.
All the new replacement throttle/controllers I have looked at on ebay indicate they are compatible with the LVZ100 station version 3.6. The problem is I don't know what version I have and don't know how to find out. I lost the original manual years ago and have been relying on the online manual since but that won't tell me what version of the LVZ100 I have. I'm thinking a new one would probably work with what I have but it's a roll of the dice if I buy a new one. The original LH100 has deteriorated to the point it is no longer functional.
John-NYBW All the new replacement throttle/controllers I have looked at on ebay indicate they are compatible with the LVZ100 station version 3.6. The problem is I don't know what version I have and don't know how to find out. I lost the original manual years ago and have been relying on the online manual since but that won't tell me what version of the LVZ100 I have. I'm thinking a new one would probably work with what I have but it's a roll of the dice if I buy a new one. The original LH100 has deteriorated to the point it is no longer functional.
John-NYBW, Just to be clear here, above you are saying ''LVZ100'', could it be a ''LZV100''?
Here is what I can add about my LZV100 Command/Power Station, the Opperations Manual is labled ''June 2008", I bought it on 1-29-2011 and it is ''VERSION 3.6".
A how-to find out the Version number is on page 15, Chapter 7, section 7.2 ''LV102 Reset and Version Number''. Yes a LV102 is built inside of the LZV100.
(*) The LH90 requires Digital plus system version 3.0 or greater. The LH90 cannot be used with devices which use older software version.
(*) In the LH90 Engineer's Throttle manual dated June 2008 Version 3.6. Page 22, Chapter 8, section 8.1, The LH90 has a ''Service Mode'' and a ''Operations Mode'', Service Mode needs a dedicated section of track and Operation Mode is anywhere on the layout (you can not/do not want to change the address in Operation mode).
I'm afraid you will need a functional throttle to read the version number of the throttle and command station. Your LH100 may be functional enough to read the command station. Any Lenz manual can be found easily online in PDF form. In the LH90 manual under section 13.1 is the instructions on changing the throttle address and calling up the version number of the throttle and command station. Among other settings.
My former club had a problem once with the Lenz system. It turned out the stack was full and needing a clean out. You can also do a reset. I know you have an LZV100. Ours was a separate LZ100 with a separate LV100 booster. We also had two more LZ200 boosters. Each one had to have a grounding wire to each unit. Without the ground wire there was weird behavior with voltage spikes between blocks. If a train crossed from one block to another some of the cheaper decoders would get scrambled with odd CV changes. Grounding each component cured it.
wrench567 John. I'm afraid you will need a functional throttle to read the version number of the throttle and command station. Your LH100 may be functional enough to read the command station. Any Lenz manual can be found easily online in PDF form. In the LH90 manual under section 13.1 is the instructions on changing the throttle address and calling up the version number of the throttle and command station. Among other settings. My former club had a problem once with the Lenz system. It turned out the stack was full and needing a clean out. You can also do a reset. I know you have an LZV100. Ours was a separate LZ100 with a separate LV100 booster. We also had two more LZ200 boosters. Each one had to have a grounding wire to each unit. Without the ground wire there was weird behavior with voltage spikes between blocks. If a train crossed from one block to another some of the cheaper decoders would get scrambled with odd CV changes. Grounding each component cured it. Pete.
Good tip. I learned my command station is version 3.5, not 3.6. The question then becomes how compatible are the newer controllers with this version. Would I just lose a few minor functions or would I be unable to run trains and program locos with it.
I found this old thread. It sounds like someone was dealing with similar issues 11 years ago.
help with lenz handheld throttle - Model Railroader Magazine - Model Railroading, Model Trains, Reviews, Track Plans, and Forums
UPDATE: When I pasted the above into my post, it showed up as a clickable link but now it appears as non-clickable.
@John-NYBW, I added to my above post with some more infomation. (*)
@John-NEBW, here's a idea you may want to try.
First picture shows the Velco ''hook" (it's jaggy) stuck on a clear plastic/lexen??? pad with 4 tapered head wood screws going into the face board located at a strategically placed location on the layout. If mounting on fascia (thin wood), use tapered head bolts with a washer and nut behind the thin wood fascia or use a backing board behind the fascia with the wood screws. When using tapered head screws/bolts in the counter sunk holes in the plastic/lexen, do not make the screws/bolts too tight or the plastic/lexen will split at the holes.
The second picture showes the Velco ''loop'' (it's very soft) on the back of my LH90.
On the back of my LH90's I have these yellow lables (made with a Brothers P-Touch lable maker), this one shows ''Cab #3" this ID's the unit also the Version # ''V-3.5'' and the date of purchase. All of my Lenz handheld units and command/power station have the Identifcation lables.
To remove the LH90's from the face board or facia "DOCKING" location, just grasp the LH90 at it's bottom and pull towards you and swing up, It comes off so nicely and and chances of going floor bound is next to none.
You can even push the buttons and turn the knob with it "DOCKED" in place. I sure this is all pretty much "old news" but here it is anyways.
Yes, I know I got off the track of "Lenz Dealers in the U.S." , Oh well. But John-NYBW did mention something about dropping his LH100 in his post.
Edit: Hey Lenz LH90 guys, want to see something neat? Look at the RED number display with your naked eye, then look at it though a Digital Camara lens, the numbers are "scrolling". Of course it must be pluged in and turned on.
The 3.5 to 3.6 upgrade was raising the number of addresses in the recall stack and additional throttle addresses and a couple of other functions. Nothing to affect programming. Like someone else said. Backwards compatible will always be considered in upgrades. When I upgraded my nearly twenty year old Power Cab everything else still worked normally. When my camera drone was at it's upgrade potential, they came out with a whole new model with better camera and on board computing power. My old drone still functions like new but there will not be any more factory support for it. DCC manufacturers do the same. Loksound Ecos system offered a generous trade in when their first system didn't pan out. I've heard some say they got what they paid for the old console dual throttle for the newer walk around system.
Just wondering if you tried the LH90 yet? I sent you an email.
Yes, I did. So far it has worked well, better than my LH100. I'm still going through a learning curve and haven't tried modifying the CVs yet.
I dropped a check in the mailbox to reimburse you for the postage but missed the last pick up time. Still you should get it by the end of the week.
Thanks again.