Hi, I'm setting up a new system and will install it wih a Lenz 100 system as basis. I want to get the set-up ready for full computer contral (in addition to local). I have been trying to get information on a full set-up (bit like Digitrax have on their site) but have only found piecemeal info on a Lenz system. Has anybody got a link to more expansive information? I'm particularly looking for info on the block set-up and detection. Thanks! Rene
Rene,
despite Lenz being the creator of DCC, Lenz DCC command stations are as rare as hen´s teeth outside of Europe.
I know that Lenz offers a LAN/USB Interface to link up with a computer, but I have not been able to find any product documentation in English.
Lenz has a distributor in the US, whom you may contact to get the correct answer:
American Hobby Distributors
Just click on the name!
I'm in the US and actually have a Lenz DCC system. Have had the oldest components for about 20 years now. Still works like a charm (and has had every upgrade possible). I even worked with the then US distributor on translating manuals for Lenz many years ago. That said, if I was in the market for a whole new system today, I'd probably not go with Lenz for the simple reason that it just seems so hard to get and availability in the US is so poor with components listed as "coming soon" for what seems like forever. Others also seem to offer more features than Lenz does (where the interest at some point veered more towards producing actual train models).
DCC is a mature technology now and there are several manufacturers that produce top quality products in that space.
Thanks for all your advise. I already have the set, so I'm committed and am able to read German. It seems they have all the bits available (abeit at a price!) to do what I want, but I'm not fully clear on how to tie it together. I can connect it to a computer (have the link) and am interested to get it set up with proper signals (auto braking for a red signal etc.).
I'll contact thr referred website. Again, thanks for the advise! Best regards, Rene
Another Lenz user here. Contact DCC Trains in Cincinnati, they can get you set up with all you need for what you are wanting to do with your Lenz system.
http://www.dcctrain.com/shop/
Hi thanks for that. I'm not looking to buy more bits, I want to see a complete description on how it all works together first :-) . Thanks, Rene