DCC controller recommendations

Roco LocoMaus. Fits all your needs - simple, rotary control knob, cheap ! I am pretty certain they talk Xpress-Net, which is the Lenz protocol, so should just plug-in as an additional controller.

Usually come with their own base-station, but just put that to one side. Most are bright red (LocoMaus II), but there are some grey versions if bothered about the "James the Red Engine" colours.

Wireless will be considerably more expensive !

- Nigel

Small correction, its officially "Roco LokMaus", you'll find more with that search term !

Or the more advanced Multimaus.Both will work with Lenz systems as they are made by Lenz. The Lokmaus 2 only does 2 digit addressing,if that is a problem for you go for the Multimaus.

Neil.

That looks just the ticket. 2 digit addressing could be a little irritating, so it would depend on the price difference between the LokMaus and MultiMouse. Unfortunately, I haven't found a UK supplier. There's a full system with two LokMaus(es) on Ebay at the moment, but that's it as far as I can see.

Any suggestions where I could get one?

Adrian

I think the older LokMaus is no longer made, so its probably EBay. An awful lot were sold in "trainsets" a few years ago as a cheap entry level DCC system (much like the Bachmann basic 10-loco box). Most will come as complete controllers with base-unit. Don't over-bid ! I think you also need to change the plug on the end of the lead to match the XpressNet sockets.

The MultiMaus is still available (instructions in English on the Roco website if you dig long enough), but I wonder if a Lenz rotary knob handset LH90 would be a better option; its £62 from Digitrains.co.uk (and I guess similar price from other UK shops).

- Nigel

Thanks for the advice Nigel. I'll keep my eyes out on ebay - as I said, there's currently a set on there with a couple of days to go - 3 bids @ ~£10 at the moment. My base unit only has one socket for a controller - currently occupied with the LH100. I presume I need to wire a new socket to the screw connections, or chop off the plug and wire a LokMausII direct.

I'll see if I can get hold of one then no doubt I'll be back for advice on how to connect it up...

Thanks again.

Adrian

"Adrian" wrote

No Adrian, get a Lenz LA152 XpressNet bus adapter (about £15) and plug that into your Set 100. This provides two or three separate outputs for hand controllers.

See Lenz website for details.

John.

Complete agreement with John's advice.

Look up what you need to change on the Roco plug; it would be very silly to buy a LokMaus for ~£25, then short circuit your Lenz system ! If its not clear what needs doing, spend more on the Lenz LH90 which will plug directly into the XpressNet adaptor which John mentioned.

Another cheap option might be a Hornby basic controller. I believe they are also XpressNet, though know nothing else about them.

- Nigel

"Nigel Cliffe" wrote

I'd want to be certain they were compatible before going along that route.

John.

John

Do you have these in stock if I decide I need one? My son, after a long period of apathy towards the layout, seems to be interested again, so we could do with another controller.

I presume that if I got an LH90 I would still need the adaptor.

I'll drop you an email about availability.

Adrian

John / Nigel

Thanks for all the advice. I have the tools to crimp RJ11 connectors (as used on the Lenz LH100), but I'd want to be very sure I had the right pin-out before connecting to the Lenz box. I rather like my DCC system (as supplied by Mr Turner) and wouldn't want to put it at risk.

Adrian

"Adrian" wrote

The LA152 adapter comes complete with the appropriate 'piece of wire' to connect it direct to your Set 100 - any additional XpressNet compatible controllers (including the LH100 hand controller which came with your Set

John.

"Adrian" wrote

Yes - they £14.80.

John.

Lenz website has documentation and pinouts for their XpressNet products.

- Nigel

In message , John Turner writes

Are you sure? The 'piece of wire' has a RJ12 plug on both ends, but the LZV100 (the Set 100 command/power station) does not have a RJ12 socket.

Unless you connect the LMAB contacts on the LZV100 and the LA152, you will need a cable with a male DIN plug on one and a RJ12 plug at the other, or one with male DIN plugs on both ends.

The instructions, though lengthy show how it should be used.

The LA152 provides interface between Lenz command stations and multiple handsets.

I think Lenz' intention is that DIN is used to attach the throttles, and RJ12 is either for layout hook-up or for legacy connections.

The command station can be attached to using bare wire connectors, or its DIN socket.

The LA152 is essentially a cluster of DIN, RJ12 and bare-wire connections on a tidy faceplate.

If DIY'ing sockets, the above manuals have the relevant information about pin-outs and termination.

- Nigel

"Jane Sullivan" wrote

No I'm not sure now you mention it. I don't have a Set 100 to hand (not been available from the importers for a little while) and can't check, but my own Set 01 is as you say.

John.

Now why did I think the LZV100 had an RJ connector. Must have imagined it.

So what's on the end of the LokMausII cable? If it's an RJ12, will it connect directly to Lenz's LA152? I'm more or less convinced that sticking with the Lenz bits is probably safer.

Adrian

The LA152 has both DIN and RJ12? sockets.

John.