meiningen8
Registered
All the people I know that use digital control use either Massoth or LGB MTS. I know there are alternatives from the likes of Zimo ESU NCE et al but what are they like and how do they compare. Thank you in anticipation.
alternatives
- Thread starter meiningen8
- Start date
As you say, there are many variations..
The LGB/MTS system has some limitations as to the number of functions you can control. It also has a 'novel' way of programming CV's. - This is due to the age of the system, and it having to be backward compatible with the earlier serial equipment.
The Massoth system has become the 'de facto' standard, as Massoth have (historically) been the supplier of choice for LGB electronics. - This has now changed, with Marklin now 'owning' the LGB brand.
There is supposedly a brand-new Marklin digital system coming out later this year.. Amongst other things, it promises no more needing to have an address for a loco. - I presume it will use a system similar to Ethernet MAC addresses, which are unique to each device?? The system will then interrogate the loco to find out what it is, and what it can do. *I expect this system to be VERY expensive!*
Personally, I have a Digitrax system (inherited from my Father). This has limitations on how many functions I can control. It also appears not to 'speak' quite the same dialect of DCC as Massoth decoders / LGB trains expect. - I have trouble with certain functions 'latching' rather than being a 'momentary' action.
I find certain things behave 'strangely' with my Digitrax, but work as documented when I put it on a track with a Massoth system.
I cannot comment on other systems, but someone else will be along in a minute!
The LGB/MTS system has some limitations as to the number of functions you can control. It also has a 'novel' way of programming CV's. - This is due to the age of the system, and it having to be backward compatible with the earlier serial equipment.
The Massoth system has become the 'de facto' standard, as Massoth have (historically) been the supplier of choice for LGB electronics. - This has now changed, with Marklin now 'owning' the LGB brand.
There is supposedly a brand-new Marklin digital system coming out later this year.. Amongst other things, it promises no more needing to have an address for a loco. - I presume it will use a system similar to Ethernet MAC addresses, which are unique to each device?? The system will then interrogate the loco to find out what it is, and what it can do. *I expect this system to be VERY expensive!*
Personally, I have a Digitrax system (inherited from my Father). This has limitations on how many functions I can control. It also appears not to 'speak' quite the same dialect of DCC as Massoth decoders / LGB trains expect. - I have trouble with certain functions 'latching' rather than being a 'momentary' action.
I find certain things behave 'strangely' with my Digitrax, but work as documented when I put it on a track with a Massoth system.
I cannot comment on other systems, but someone else will be along in a minute!
ntpntpntp
Registered
I'm an NCE user, running a 10 amp Power Pro system. The design has been around for many years now (with a few firmware updates), but still considered by many to be a capable system and user-friendly compared to others of the same era. Personally I like the design of the full-spec hand-held throttles, I find them comfortable and easy to use. There are also simplified throttles for when you just want to drive another train. No problem to interface with JMRI software for programming and layout control. I also use one of their MiniPanel modules as an interface to a traditional stud-and-probe mimic diagram control panel for points.
I'd say one drawback with NCE is that the radio-wireless throttles are not legal in the UK, and that's one feature in favour of something like Massoth for garden use. I've run the layout wirelessly outdoors using JMRI and a small netbook pc over my home wifi network, but to be honest mostly I just sit outdoors with my throttle and control panel on the arm of a chair, with a single long umbilical bus cable (a modified telephone extension lead) back to the command station indoors in my conservatory.
I'd say one drawback with NCE is that the radio-wireless throttles are not legal in the UK, and that's one feature in favour of something like Massoth for garden use. I've run the layout wirelessly outdoors using JMRI and a small netbook pc over my home wifi network, but to be honest mostly I just sit outdoors with my throttle and control panel on the arm of a chair, with a single long umbilical bus cable (a modified telephone extension lead) back to the command station indoors in my conservatory.
Graham ASH
Fn3 Logging & Mining
Hi Magnus
I run a Lenz digital system and have done for about 10 years. I started with a Lenz 100 and have added a Lenz 90 system (as backup) and I also have a points operation module plus other bits and pieces.
My Lenz 100 is a 5amps system, and as I run only Bachmann and Accucraft locos I can operate well within the 5 amps boundary I have. I could however add my Lenz 90 to my Lenz 100 , which would give me a 10 amps system, but I dont need that at the moment.
My Lenz 100 does everything I want it to do, it isnt quirky, and operates all my locos that have sound without any problems. I can run 3 locos at a time without tripping the system.
My Lenz points module operates 5 points and again theres no problems with it..
Cost wise, I added a Tr150 Lenz Transformer to each of my sets at £50 each, my Lenz 100 coast me brand new about £250, my Lenz 90 again new was about £230. Now you will have to fork out around £300 for a Lenz 100, but thats it. My Lenz does everything that I need and Ive run locos such as LGb Beyer Garratts and Sumpter Mallets all with sound and with no fuss.
Compared to other DCC units , costing about £1,000 they are brilliant, effective and have no problems in running a railroad
Graham
I run a Lenz digital system and have done for about 10 years. I started with a Lenz 100 and have added a Lenz 90 system (as backup) and I also have a points operation module plus other bits and pieces.
My Lenz 100 is a 5amps system, and as I run only Bachmann and Accucraft locos I can operate well within the 5 amps boundary I have. I could however add my Lenz 90 to my Lenz 100 , which would give me a 10 amps system, but I dont need that at the moment.
My Lenz 100 does everything I want it to do, it isnt quirky, and operates all my locos that have sound without any problems. I can run 3 locos at a time without tripping the system.
My Lenz points module operates 5 points and again theres no problems with it..
Cost wise, I added a Tr150 Lenz Transformer to each of my sets at £50 each, my Lenz 100 coast me brand new about £250, my Lenz 90 again new was about £230. Now you will have to fork out around £300 for a Lenz 100, but thats it. My Lenz does everything that I need and Ive run locos such as LGb Beyer Garratts and Sumpter Mallets all with sound and with no fuss.
Compared to other DCC units , costing about £1,000 they are brilliant, effective and have no problems in running a railroad
Graham
I am using Massoth. To be Frank when operating my Railway as a Real Railway there is little choice. Wire Free RC and a near limitless amount of different Locomotive CV's available. I did get great results from my LGB RC setup, but Massoth is so much better and I do not begrudge the money spent to change. The only problem that I do have is that it will not program All of the functions on some LGB Locomotives. My most pressing need is to be able to limit all Locomotives to Max Speed of Scale 40 KPH. I will probably have to break out my Old PC and the now redundant LGB Kit to get the odd Locomotive sorted. Hells teeth messing with Windows again. To a Mac man this is worse than pulling teeth.
Of course once Massoth get the DRC300 sorted I will be going all Battery. If you are just starting out give Battery serious consideration. There has been a very good thread on this in the last week or so.
JonD
Of course once Massoth get the DRC300 sorted I will be going all Battery. If you are just starting out give Battery serious consideration. There has been a very good thread on this in the last week or so.
JonD
Cliff George
Registered
Another vote for Lenz. As Graham says its is economical compared to other options and does everything it needs to. I've never had any problem programming any decoders.
It is easy to extend. It is possible to go from 5 to 10 amps without resorting to power districts. The system is readily available.
One current lack is wireless throttles, although the Massoth ones can be used. I use the old XPA system that allows cordless phones to be used but that is not currently in production. Lenz systems work well with just about any train control software, with all features supported.
It is easy to extend. It is possible to go from 5 to 10 amps without resorting to power districts. The system is readily available.
One current lack is wireless throttles, although the Massoth ones can be used. I use the old XPA system that allows cordless phones to be used but that is not currently in production. Lenz systems work well with just about any train control software, with all features supported.
shropshire lad
Registered
Lenz here too. Very cost effective set up. I use Massoth Navigators wirelesssly with it outside as well as phones and tablets via the pc interface.
Loco
Registered
Another alternative is the Piko digital central, which is made by Massoth but less expensive than Massoth's digital central due to some limitations: 5 Ampere, not possible to update firmware, no RS232/USB PC-connection, only one port for accessories.
Märklin has released an upgraded version of their Central Station 2 (CS2 article no. 60215) with 5A and an update for LGB. The CS2 can automatically recognize locomotives with mfx-decoders (which don't have to have a programmed loco adresses). Märklin will most likely move away from the LGB MTS3 digital system with components (which is made by Massoth) in the future and adapt their own system (CS2 or future CS3) and develope accessories like feedback system/turnout decoders/track contacts suitable for garden use. We have already seen new loco decoders for LGB made by Märklin...
Märklin has released an upgraded version of their Central Station 2 (CS2 article no. 60215) with 5A and an update for LGB. The CS2 can automatically recognize locomotives with mfx-decoders (which don't have to have a programmed loco adresses). Märklin will most likely move away from the LGB MTS3 digital system with components (which is made by Massoth) in the future and adapt their own system (CS2 or future CS3) and develope accessories like feedback system/turnout decoders/track contacts suitable for garden use. We have already seen new loco decoders for LGB made by Märklin...
I use the Zimo system and have found it very easy to program/reprogram decoders.
All addresses are direct reads and then instantly writable with out changing modes.
I also have the MTS I and IIP systems as I test locos for others. The 55000 only cost me $25.00 US dollars and came with a mouse and cables.
The 55005 was twice that amount and was defective, I replaced a burnt 4 dollar chip and it works just fine.
I never use these MTS units to program, the Zimo is much easier to use for programming as is the LGB computer interface (55045).
All addresses are direct reads and then instantly writable with out changing modes.
I also have the MTS I and IIP systems as I test locos for others. The 55000 only cost me $25.00 US dollars and came with a mouse and cables.
The 55005 was twice that amount and was defective, I replaced a burnt 4 dollar chip and it works just fine.
I never use these MTS units to program, the Zimo is much easier to use for programming as is the LGB computer interface (55045).