DCC controller recommendations

It's all very well having a web-site with all the answers - what we don't have is agreement as to what the (relevant) questions are!

Regards, Greg.P. NZ

In message , John Turner writes

The trouble is that there are only two DIN sockets on a LA152, and if you use one of them to connect to the LZV100, you then can only connect one hand-held controller to it.

I think the LZV100 should be reengineered with a RJ12 socket as well as the DIN socket and the LMAB sockets. Mind you, on my layout, where I have 8 LA152s I use 16/0.2 cable for the bus and connect each LA152 by means of the LMAB connections to the LMAB connections on the LZV100. This is because the bus length is getting on for 200 feet from the power station, and the 2-metre cables supplied with the LA152s aren't long enough :-) and the wire is too thin, which could result in voltage drop.

One thing to remember when using the LMAB connections is to ensure that any straggling bits of copper wire do not cause a short (here speaks the voice of experience). When stripping the ends of the wire, you might like to make sure the individual wires stay together with a small blob of solder.

I had the same requirements for a spare controller for non-DCC familiar guests to use. I settled on the relatively inexpensive Lenz LH30 Compact, connected to an Xpressnet card (LA152). Most people find the knob easier than the buttons on the LH100.

For 4-8 year olds I also have a separate set that uses a Roco controller, fantasitc value and a great alternative for a starter system. I don't know anything about the cordless systems but would be interested to learn how you get on.

"64Magnette" wrote

I don't see how having to scroll through a 0-99 address range to select a loco can be easier to use than the push button operation on an LH100. The push button throttles are also so easy to use on the latter.

John.

Is there? I'll go and look for that.

The Roco DCC system went for £70 - pretty good value I suspect, but I completely forgot about it and never placed a bid. I'll watch out for others though.

Going back to the original question and your reply, the LokMaus still looks like it fits the bill nicely if the wiring is straight forward.

Thanks Adrian

Yes, its an ancient XpressNet animation.

Way OTT price. £30 is reasonable for a LokMaus. £70 buys a brand new Lenz handset.

It would if the price were sensible.