Hate to bring up an old thread, but I saw the thread that talked about the MRC PA/PE and Digitrax Sets. I have used the Digitrax and I like it, BUT, I am in the market for a new system and I think I’m going with the LENZ Set-100 (more features at lower cost) and I was wondering if I could get some feedback on this system…??? Anyone using it?
Somone on the old post said LENZ was junk…why??
I have a Lenz 100 and I’m very happy with it. I also bought a Lenz-90 throttle, the one with the big analog speed wheel. It works fine, too, but after using both throttles I almost always use the 100. The 90 only has an 8-locomotive stack, and the key sequences are far more simple and intuitive on the 100.
I installed a control bus with 6 stations around my layout. I’ve also got 2 Tony’s reverser units. These were straightforward add-ons to the Lenz system, and they have worked perfectly as well.
The Lenz system requires a programming track, by the way. Not a big deal, but you can’t do everything on the main like with some other systems.
Also take a look at the new NCE PowerCab system, I’ve seen street prices a low as $140 on this system.
Based on using a lot of different systems, the NCE user interface is about as friendly as it gets. Lenz’s user interface is not the greatest, and Digitrax hasn’t gotten super high marks the user-friendly department either.
The Lenz and Digitrax units are fine systems, you’ll just need to keep the manual handy since these systems don’t step you through executing commands like the NCE system does. Or with Lenz and Digitrax, you can also make yourself a “cheat sheet” that has notes on how to do the various commands.
I’ve found with the NCE system, you seldom need the manual, using the system is so simple and obvious. The handheld has lots of buttons, but they are all grouped into logical groupings and have clearly labeled functions.
The reason I would shy away from Lenz is other companies have better tech support in the US. Also, people seem to have a lot of trouble with Bachmann(made by Lenz) I know, not the best reference. Also the Atlas was made by Lenz and I believe Atlas does not sell it any more. Just not the best track record for my money.
I got to operate on a layout using Lenz last weekend in Chicago. Great system, super simple and easy to use.
As a Digitrax user, I found your “more features at lower cost” statement interesting. Which Digitrax system are you currently using? Both the Super Chief and Zephyr support virtually every DCC feature that has ever been thought up, and Digitrax has a whole slew of features that are Digitrax specific and not currently used by other manufacturers as far as I know.
Jeff
The Lenz 100 is a 5-amp system. As I recall, it was the lowest price of any of the 5-amp systems I looked at. It controls something like 13 functions, which beats many other systems by a few. You can also power it from an old AC transformer instead of having to buy a special power supply for it. I think Lenz also has the best warantee of any of the major players.
Having said that, I realize now that the Lenz was probably overkill for my 5x12 foot layout. A 2 1/2 amp Zephyr would probably have done the job just as well. I’m happy with the Lenz, though, so I look on it as a lesson learned. Of course, if the wife decides one day that I need a bigger layout, then I’ll be glad for the extra power.
Lenz is not junk! I’ve used their email support twice with some general DCC questions (not problems) and got good response. In it’s time, the Atlas system (made by Lenz) was excellent. I still use it as an add-on to my Lenz Set-100. As a DCC novice I have no problems at all with their documention…simple step-by-step instructions that are easy to follow. The Lenz-100 throttle works really well and their wireless option is so convenient…just go where you want without having to plug in. Lenz is a fine product with the best warranty…and will not become obsolete any time soon.
Another consideration though is availability of local input and advice. Do you have an LHS or other people that can assist you with Lenz questions? It’s really helpful to have someone that you can talk to. For example, I was told locally not to use Lenz reverse loop controllers as they are not electronic. The ones from Tony’s are the way to go. There are a lot of very good DCC systems available and you just have to weigh all factors that are important to you.
Jerry
Yes, the Lenz is my primary system and also our club’s. It is an excellent system, easy to expand, easy to hook to the compture. All the “software” upgrades have been free from Lenz, because they don’t want anyone to be running on an “old” system. My primary negative has been the documentation. While all the information is there, but it is not (in my opinion) organized well. The other issue I’ve had is that my system was speaking German for a few months before I read enough on how to change it to English. This is probably because I purchased mine directly from them instead of going through normal American sales channels.
I also have a Digitrax Zephyr and a couple MRC DCC systems.
Someone must have had a bone to pick. I would not say any of the DCC systems (Zimo, CVP, Digitrax, Lenz, NCE, or even MRC, Atlas, and Bachmann) are junk. Now decoders on the other hand there are some definite dogs out there.
I like the lenz for price but because it will be a while before I need 5 amps I went with the NCE powercab. I read the manuals for just about everything, it may scare you a bit, but I feel the NCE may be the easiest to get up and running yet still be able to expand. If I want the 5 amps I can just spend a bit more and get the powerhouse pro box ($155 alone). Yes the main throtle must be plugged in at all times but This will be no problem as I will only have three outlets on the layout and the main throtle will be in the center and will reach across the rest of the layout.
I’m all for Lenz set 100 etc all very easy to use, and love their decoders got the motor cv’s all working last night WOW what a smooth loco!!
Ken.
MisterBeasley,
Just about any DCC system can be powered with an old AC power supply.
Also, Digitrax was the first to support F0-F12 (13 functions), and NCE last summer upgraded theirs to handle up to F12. The new Prodigy Advance supports even more functions (up to F25 IIRC).
Lenz does currently offer the cheapest 5 amp system with the Set-90 over the Super Empire Builder from Digitrax. And they do have their impressive “goof proof” warranty.
Paul A. Cutler III
Weather Or No Go New Haven
Yeah, my research is probably a bit out of date. I should have mentioned that I bought my Lenz system in the middle of 2005, and I haven’t kept up with added features and price changes for DCC systems since then.
All the more reason to be part of this forum, right?
I’ve had absolutely NO problems with Lenz support. In matter of fact, they have been very forthcoming about future updates. There is also a Lenz group on yahoo which is very helpful.
The Bachmann system is designed for newbies that don’t want to deal with the hassle of a bunch of wires and buttons. It’s more than adequate for beginners providing there is a small layout. There’s also a limitation on the number of locos (10 I believe, not all operating at once!). There’s also a limitation for locos that have sound past function 9. It is also limited in it’s expansion capabilities. (ie: No walk around cab or booster districts…so you’re limited to about 1 amp)
However digitraxx seems to be the favorite (I have no hard information on this other than responses here) and they have a very nice catalog of supporting products. In terms of add-ons, I only consider feedback boards and boosters a necessity. All three companies have these in spades. Reversers, Circuit breakers, block detection, and stationary decoder support are supported by all the major players and these parts are usually interchangeable as they operate on the standardized DCC side of things.
BTW: I know of no system that does NOT have a programming track. One is required for programming loco addresses at the very least.
I have to give Lenz US support a big thumbs up as well. [tup]
I had a Gold decoder that refused to program on my EasyDCC system, so I sent it in to have Lenz look at it. Debbie Ames herself checked it out and determined the decoder was bad. In short order I had a free replacement decoder and things work great!
DigitalGriffin,
You can get away without having a programming track IF your system supports Ops mode programming (programming on the main) and IF your decoders support Ops mode programming. Even addresses can be changed on the main.
But since it’s so easy to set up a programming track with the ability to read back decoder info, it’s no biggie.
Paul A. Cutler III
Weather Or No Go New Haven
The short answer is that all the manufacturers that you mention are excellent and put out fine products. Some questions to ask yourself might be: 1. What are my friends and others in my area using? Makes a difference if you go to a friends house and he or she says, “bring your own throttle…”. 2. Which system will best fit my layout and how I want to operate? and 3. Which system will be most comfortable for me to use (how the thottle looks and feels).
There really is no “best” system. I use digitrax (Super Chief Radio) and love it. One reason for choosing it was that most everyone into DCC that I know is also using Digitrax.
Yes, this is a very big point. It is really nice to have only one “traveling” throttle instead of one for each different layout you operate on. In my three operating groups I am down to only two throttles (CVP Railcommand wireless, and a Lenz). Ten years ago I had to have about six.
Does anyone have opinion on the support for NCE?
And what might that be?
Regards,
Art
Zimo Agency of North America
http://www.mrsonline.net/