Buying a New DCC Controller for the New Layout 2020. What did i get ?

[@Teesbrough]

Now I’ve accumulated far more locos than I’d originally anticipated I’m realising I probably need to go for DCC rather than continue with Analogue. Although your video here is a couple of years old already it is the most straightforward, watchable and, thanks to its simplicity, most useful video I’ve found on which DCC system to buy. When I then see your most recent videos I’m overwhelmed at the progress you’ve made in such a short time and the professionalism of your modelling. Hope all went well with your Dissertation and, if and when you find time again, look forward to seeing how your layouts progress.

[@fircombehallrailwayoogauge1430]

Knocking off £30 was very good of them - however you come across as a decent chap, so you deserve it! I have come late to your channel so a lot of catching up to do with your channel. It is lovely to see an engineer who can actually make something!

[@Handygrandad]

i am getting back into the hobby after a long break, things have changed dramatically, nice to get a younger persons view on the current controllers on offer, good luck with your project.

[@HorsehayRailwayModeller]

Thank you

[@ianhinde8870]

Good choice and a great buy, I went through the elink, dynamis route and ended up with the Lenz system around 5 years ago and I haven’t once regretted the choice. Mines in the loft and works every time first time with no issues, as you say it’s well built and bullet proof.

[@ingor.522]

Hi David, me I did nearly the same experience than yourself in the past by changing from DC Layout into DCC controlled Layout,but for myself I do use DCC only for driving my trains, the switching I do electric mechanical analog or absolutely mechnaical controlled by levers, only with self build pure mechanical interlocking registers of different types. The Lenz System is a litzle old system but still working as the best available system, their handhelds are looking very antique like the JMRI ones of the USA. Lenz did created some for Atlas and of course JMRI. The older Roco/GFN (Fleischmann) Multimouse System with the Booster 10764 has the problem that the as Master connected Multimouse (MM) is together the command Station, never du unplug the Master MM. For walking around use a second as Slave connected MM in other colour. The old Roco/GFN DCC system has not the possibility to read out CVs of your Decoders. But if you'll using a command station what can read out the CVs, the MM is a great handheld throttle for other systems like on Lenz system, too. It requires a RJ12 Western Digital Connector plug with 4 or 6 wires inside. 6 wires if you want programming your decoders, 4 wires if you want drive locos, only. In same way the NCE System is working with its Power Cab, the flat 6 pin wire is for programming the loco decoders and together with the leftside panel connector, the master connector, the NCE powrr cab works togetheg with its booster as command station, it has got similarities to the old roco system but with less amerage ro rhe track but with the possibility of reading out CVs of thr decoders and of course a much easier programming of loco consists via their handheld throttles than the Roco/GFN MMs. All Roco/GFN digital sysrems do have the possibilities to make all three kind of consists, but you need to know it, how you can programming it easily. The Menue of the MM does not have the point to create or kill consits, but it works, believe me. Why not looking for the new Digikeijs DR 5000 Multibus Commsnd Station. It will give you the best and maybe a cheap start into all other DCC systems. The popular Roco DCC system signal will be created, too if you will use it. You'll have a possibility to connect a PC or Laptop via Interface or using WiFi or via WLAN of its own wireless Antenna with its allready integrated router. Well the price in € is around 220 € how much it will be in £ Stetling I don't know. More cheaper are the Roco/GFN z21 Start, z21 or the big Z21 Command Station family. The z21 Start and a router and the WLAN Code (sold separately) or the z21 with router and Code inclusively can be used to run cable wired MM or WLAN MM handheld throttles or even your android or apple smartphones or tablets, even all you can use onto the Digikeijs DR 5000, too. Me I do use a z21 Start from Roco without the WLAN router and without thr WLAN Code, so I can use a PC or Laptop to download the maintenace tool and to upgrade the handhelds of the MM to its latest version. Older Roco Boosters could be used as Boosters onto this new z21 System, too if needed. The roco track amperage and the DCC output power depends onto the transformer or the power supply you are using, normally the Amperage is around 2 A but could be higher up to 3.2 A by using a 54 Watts power supply. The track voltage is around 21 V. The voltage can be reduced by using a changable power supply for incoming voltage, than the output voltage will be -1.2 V than the input voltage. The NCE Power Cab using 13.8 V track power by 2.5 Amps. If you want higher Amps than you should use the pro cab system with the SB5 Booster wich gives you 5 Amps max. The price is by around additional $ 250 to the basic system of the NCE Power Cab. Your Lenz Digital Plus system is a well working system, but upgrades you only can get by sending your commsnd station to the Lenz factory at Gießen in Germany.

[@kevnlinz1]

Very useful this. I'm just starting and looking into DCC control, thanks for this 👍

[@andyt741]

very wise sir you are, very informative and honest, i am considering dcc for my current dc layout, thankyou

[@richardholmwood1468]

Thank you, a very informative video, i'm looking at the DCC route for my N gauge layout, Digitrax is my preferred system but like you the price is the main factor.

[@EmperorsPath]

only just stumbled across your channel, it looks like you're a fellow Portsmouth person assuming that that was Fratton you were at, at the beginning of your video! I'll play catch-up on the rest of your videos now, I look forward to seeing your work!

[@The_Big_Controller]

Great choice, I have a couple of sets. Like you say bulletproof 👍

[@kite7214]

Hi David. I'm going back over your older videos. Great purchase at £120. I have an LZV200 with LH101, but just bought a second handset - an LH100 direct from Lenz, refurbished, for £45, which was a good price. I have LS100's and LS150's, LB101's and will get Traincontroller on its 3 months free trial shortly. Stay safe mate, Keith

[@HorsehayRailwayModeller]

Hi Keith, I was just wondering how you purchased direct from lenz. I need to upgrade my system to 3.6, but I can't find a UK supplier of the chip, and don't want to pay for someone to slot a chip into a pcb socket when I could do it myself.

[@kite7214]

@@HorsehayRailwayModeller And I went for iTrain in the end. Keith

[@MrVinnyh]

Just subscribed to your channel, I am just starting to build a 3'x1' n gauge layout (which fits into a xmas wrapping paper plastic storage box) on a 40'x6'4'' narrow boat! I did bid on a few Lenz systems (flea bay) and watched many reviews, the Lenz was always my second choice, but for me what I rely wanted was the Digitrax DSC 52 as I wanted the old style controller with the modern functions, also from past miss adventures with both Bachmann & Gaugemaster I was not going to be happy to return to their systems, work for others but not me! In fact the Bachmann departed out of the window, then into a dustbin it was that bad

[@HorsehayRailwayModeller]

Thanks for subscribing, I've had many of the cheaper controllers over the years and now ive had the lenz system for a year I am still Very happy. Like with most German engineered products its reliable and bulletproof, if not a little frustrating at times. If you want modern functions I think the digitrax will serve you well as lenz are a little stuck in the past as far as controlling newer dcc sound locos etc.

[@andersgullberg]

I did had Lenz SET 101 but did sold it. I decides to get Märklin system CS3 and did just bought also Märklins MS2. They are nice system but expensive and sometimes there is problems by use DCC. Today i did regret when i did sold my Lenz. If Lenz just could change to more fun system i welcome it. For years ago Lenz did announced that in the new system there should also be possible by name digital functions output by use sound decoder. But nothing happened. Second problem with the Lenz...it is not possible to use Mac computer and Iphone/Ipad to connect USB interface in the system LZV200.

[@pureflakmonkey3368]

I bought a Lenz system second hand from some who passed away. I have no idea how to add locomotives or anything lol.

[@franklinmint7394]

😆 you'll get it sorted 👍

[@pureflakmonkey3368]

@@franklinmint7394 I did get it somewhat sorted. It's a mix of Lenz, Massoth, and Piko. I'd like to have the LH200, but what I have works. It's a 15amp power pack, so it should be sufficient.

[@franklinmint7394]

@@pureflakmonkey3368 sounds good ,should be plenty 👍

[@adrianhawkins7908]

Is it plug and play or does it need a transformer? The transformers seem expensive.

[@HorsehayRailwayModeller]

The transformer is sold seperately so you can choose 3A or 5A depending on the size of your layout. Quite often they are sold on ebay with transormers. infact ive seen a few combos with everything you need listed recently.

[@adrianhawkins7908]

@@HorsehayRailwayModeller Thank you, I'll look out for a combo.

[@HorsehayRailwayModeller]

@@adrianhawkins7908 not sure if your'e still looking but a few more sets have appered on fleabay... one titled "Lenz Set 100 DCC & TR150 Transformer" doesnt look bad

[@adrianhawkins7908]

@@HorsehayRailwayModeller Thanks very much, I'll take a look.