I have an 8 year old Lenz system. I have not had any problems with my programming track till now. When a train goes on it, the power goes off on the track. I cannot program on this track either. I tried another track but the same thing happens. The main line runs fine. I think I should replace the switch, but if that fails, where do I go?
Is this a separate track, or do you have a siding on the layout that you run the engine on to for programming? When you say “replace the switch” do you mean a DPDT toggle or a turnout leading to programming track?
How long has it been since this worked correctly?
Do you get the PRG indication on the LH-100 throttle?
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If your program track is part of your layout, make sure it’s properly isolated AND on a DPDT switch.
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If you can not program on the program track (using standard program mode) then does the program track require a booster (ie: trying to program Sound unit decoder)
Remember you can only do one at a time…Either program on the program track, or run trains, but not BOTH at the same time.
To determine if the problem is with your programing track or the Set 100 disconnect your programing track and attach a seperate temporary programing track. Connect it to the terminals on the rear of the set 100 And see what that does when you press “F8 enter”. Let us know.
I have a Lenz 100 system.
My programming track is 2 feet in length and is completely separate from the layout, no switches, just joined by two wires to the black box terminals labelled as the programming track. This piece of track is about 18 inches from the layout. When I select programming on the handheld the programming track becomes live and the power goes off on the rest of the layout.
Isn’t that the way it is supposed to work?
I have used my system since 2005 and was advised never to have any link between the main and programming track.
Trevor
warjerry:
If your programming track has worked for eight years then it is hooked up properly. As a starting point, I would make sure that there is nothing on or under the programming track that might cause a short, but if it only happens when a locomotive is on the track that isn’t likely to be the case. Check it out anyhow just to eliminate any possibilities.
More likely I’m guessing that something has gone wrong with the electronics in your Lenz system. I would contact a Lenz retailer to see what services and warranties might be offered. I looked for the mfr’s website but I only found it in german.
http://www.lenz-elektronik.de/
Dave
Yes, that’s fine, and electrically it’s the best and safest way to do it.
But, it’s perfectly all right to have an isolated siding on your layout which can serve as a programming track in addition to any other operational job it might have. Just make sure the siding is isolated. Wire the siding through a DPDT toggle so that it can be connected to either the main track but or the programming outputs of the base station.
This works best for those of us who would rather not handle our detailed locomotives any more than necessary, particularly when adjusting CVs when you have to make multiple trips to the programming track to get them just right.
I too have the set 100 and my programming track seperate from the layout.