Lenz DCC

Model Railroader Layouts and layout building
1

just need some quick opinions on Lenz DCC

working on a large but not over large[:p] layout! DCC is next…

2

I have the bachmann system made by lenz. It has been great, and I run consists all the time. The Lenz systems looks like it can handle more engines, and have more features.

But I got mine for $43 so at that price I couldn’t pass it up.

Tim

3

Hey TIm thanks…
just don’t want to get a system that is either way over my head or I just don’t use all the features…
Mike

4

Mike what Lenz model are you looking at buying?

Ken.

5

maybe basic beginner or next level…

6

I started with the compact, it’s ok but a bit limited. I’d recommend set 90 knob throttle or set 100 pushbutton throttle both have 5amp command station. I now use the compact for the yard control.

Future hardware is built in for expanding xpressnet for track feed back etc.

http://www.lenz.com/index.htm

Ken

7

I use the set 100 upgraded from the set 90, wouldn’t use anything else. Unless I could afford a Zimo.

8

I use the set 100 and decoder pro a great combination, set 100 has capability to use all the BLI sound functions.

9

The NMRA’s DCC Standards and Recommended Practices are based on the Lenz DCC system technology because Bernd Lenz was one of the primary pushers for the development of standards, and his was the best one on the market at the time; however, there are different levels of systems available, and the cheapest is not going to have the features of the more expensive systems. The Atlas Master and Bachmann systems are low-end systems made by Lenz.

10

Lenz will do everything you want. But there are a few cavaets

  1. Operating the 90 and 100 model cabs is a bit complicated and not very user friendly
  2. Only the 100 cab can address all dcc functions

I think this is one of the reasons why people like Digitrax system so much. But I’ll stick with my Lenz because of NMRA compliance and that wonderfully easy XPress-Net

11

DigitalGriffin,

I’ve heard folks say good things about the XPress-Net, but most of the comments went way over my head. Could you in layman’s terms explain what exactly you feel is the advantage of XPress-Net?

thanks

Dave

12

Well as you probably know, the communication between the booster/command station and the track is standardized by NMRA.

However the language between feedback modules, cabs, and command stations is not standardized. Lenz uses a protocol called xpress-net. Digitrax uses a protocol called loco net. If a 3rd party manufacturer adheres to xpress-net then you can use their cab/feedback module/relay/booster etc… on a Lenz layout.

XPress Net seems a little simpler protocol to follow than Loconet (IMHO), so it should be easier to create add on modules/hardware that adhere to the XPress Net protocol.

13

digital,

OK, that makes sense to me. If I understand this correctly, then it would folow that as new things develope, Lenz’s loconet should be able to handle more before becoming overwhelemed.

Thanks. Someday I’m gonna make the plunge to DCC and then you guys are going to see millions of questions posted by me!! Of course I think if one were to read all the DCC posts on this forum, one would recieve probably the best DCC primer ever.

14

The big different is that Loconet is designed like an Ethernet network - it is a peer to peer protocol. If one can handle ‘more’ things it’s Loconet, not Xpressnet. There are other Xpressnet compatible device out there, yes. But there are also tons of Loconet devices too. See Team Digital, RR-CirKits, CML, and Logic Rail Technologies. And plenty of DIY projects - see Locobuffer, LocoIO, and EmbeddedLoconet. Digitrax gives away everything you need to write your own software or build devices that respond to Loconet commands.
The peer to peer thing is the biggie. It means all the brains are not in the central station. The DISADVANTAGE is the throttles cost more. The ADVANTAGE is that if new features are desired, they can be added without having to replace or upgrade all the old gear - just connect the new devices.
As a network guy, the distributed nature of Loconet is what sold me.

–Randy

15

It’s just a matter of personal opinion. Lenz uses the same words in their manual peer to peer communication etc Xpressnet is the fastest etc

It depends on who you talk to, what kind of cab you want, knob/pushbutton etc Lenz have both!!

I nearly had a Zephyr on the way when I went to our local train show and saw Lenz on special (I even have a local dealer of both Digitrax and Lenz) I got the starter set at the show, and have upgraded from Tony’s Train Ex. The US NZ exchange rate is good for me at the moment!!!

Ken.