Lenz/MTS 3 compatibility

Anglian

Anglian

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Morning all. A simple question from a simple fellow.
I've just finger slipped and I've just bought an LGB 2030E steeple cab because I like them. It is apparently fitted with:
Quote:
a Lenz Gold Maxi decoder and Lenz Power 1 stay alive capacitor. Separate connections have been made to the motor and pick up bus bars to enable this conversion

My question is, will this be compatible with my MTS III setup?

Thanks for any time spent.
Trevor
 
Trevor, I don’t see why not. MTS III, though with limitations, is DCC, as is the Lenz. If your system only supports 14 speed steps you would likely need to set that on the decoder. Otherwise I think you’ll be fine.
 
Hi James. Thanks for the prompt reply. I am pleased with the answer as I thought that I had bought too hastily and would have to do a change to either another decoder or battery. The loco was a good price, so I reacted quickly when I saw it up for sale.
Setting on the decoder? That brings another query, namely, how? Remember, simple questions in my case require simple answers.
Best wishes,
Trevor
 
Good afternoon Trevor. What handset are you using? The 55015 works with a programming insert. Alternatively there's a module you can plug into a PC/laptop.
 
ebay mike said:
Good afternoon Trevor. What handset are you using? The 55015 works with a programming insert. Alternatively there's a module you can plug into a PC/laptop.
Click to expand...
I have such a programming module if you are looking for one Trev? LGB 55045 and 55060. I also have the MTS PC software on a CD.

PM me if you are interested....
 
Probably first job is to get the engine and see if it works. Has the seller told you what address it’s on? You might not need to do any programming at all if you’re lucky!
If you do, it sounds like, as ever, the expertise on the forum will guide you through it. I don’t know the MTS system, so I’d have to bow out of that.
 
Hello Gizzy and thanks. The simple answer is, I don't know. Whatever would be needed will in all probability only be required for this one specific job. I know from reading through many threads over the last three years, the great depth of knowledge and interest many fellow modeller possess with regard to digital electronics, but I have to confess that my interest would be mainly confined to building a layout and running trains. I might be missing out but what I need in his case is a quick fix. I have put successfully wired up my layout and have put decoders into engines, but that would be the height of it.
Given the above, I would need advice on what would be the best option to ensure my new purchase will get to run after it arrives.
Sorry this is long winded, but I thought you would like to know what you are dealing with.
Best wishes,
Trevor
 
Thanks James. Your answer came in the middle of typing. As you say, hopefully there might not be a problem. I really hope so, given my ignorance of all matters electronic.
Trevor
 
Anglian said:
Hi Mike.
It's a 55016P.
Trevor
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Hi Trevor. I think you might need one of these if there is any reprogramming to be done. Let me know how you get on as I can probably lend you the necessary gear (and the instructions to go with it!!!)
55015.jpg
 
Thanks Mike. I'll let you know as soon as I do. A very kind offer for which many thanks, should I need to take you up on it.
Trevor
 
Evening all.
One red box arrived this afternoon containing a very tidy steeple cab LGB 2030 E.
The seller had very kindly included a letter explaining disassembly as well as the Lenz booklet. He states that the loco address has been reset to the factory default of 3, the CV29 values being 1+1+1+0+0+0+0 = 3.
Excellent! I will sit down over the winter and dedicate time to unravelling these mysteries.
Until then, can I run this engine, or is it going to sit on an isolated siding looking pretty?
Your kind intervention will be greatly appreciated.
Trevor
 
Anglian said:
Evening all.
One red box arrived this afternoon containing a very tidy steeple cab LGB 2030 E.
The seller had very kindly included a letter explaining disassembly as well as the Lenz booklet. He states that the loco address has been reset to the factory default of 3, the CV29 values being 1+1+1+0+0+0+0 = 3.
Excellent! I will sit down over the winter and dedicate time to unravelling these mysteries.
Until then, can I run this engine, or is it going to sit on an isolated siding looking pretty?
Your kind intervention will be greatly appreciated.
Trevor
Click to expand...
Hi Trevor. Most decoder equipped locos can also work on Analogue. They should detect the track voltage and function appropriately.
 
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Trevor, I see no reason why you should not run your loco on your line with your MTS system. Call up address 3 on your controller and see what occurs. Only issue would be if you have another loco on address 3 already - in that case don’t have them both on the track at the same time. Do report back what happens - and post a picture of your new purchase!
 
Anglian said:
Evening all.
One red box arrived this afternoon containing a very tidy steeple cab LGB 2030 E.
The seller had very kindly included a letter explaining disassembly as well as the Lenz booklet. He states that the loco address has been reset to the factory default of 3, the CV29 values being 1+1+1+0+0+0+0 = 3.
Excellent! I will sit down over the winter and dedicate time to unravelling these mysteries.
Until then, can I run this engine, or is it going to sit on an isolated siding looking pretty?
Your kind intervention will be greatly appreciated.
Trevor
Click to expand...
Hi Trevor
CV 29 does not contain the address, it is the configuration variable. A value of 3 in CV 29 means reverse the default direction and select 28 speed steps, but if you arrived at that value by adding up the bits it may be something else. Can you provide the decimal value? If it is a short address, which it probably, is it will be in CV 1. Hope this helps.
 
Afternoon all.
IT RUNS!!
I entered address 3 and it ran beautifully. At some point I will read through the Lenz manual and see how I can get the lights to work on 9 on the handset.
Given that the price I paid was extremely reasonable for a dcc, well looked after boxed engine and moreover one I always wanted, I am very pleased.
Thank you to all those who contributed to this thread. When I have read up about the intricacies of dcc, have no doubt that I will return!

IMG_20210804_141652.jpgIMG_20210804_144422.jpg
 
Smashing news Trevor. It looks very good on your line. Excellent investment!!
 
jimmielx said:
Smashing news Trevor. It looks very good on your line. Excellent investment!!
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Thanks Jimmie. Your post was the spur to run it as I was worried about the dreaded blue smoke. This will not be the last you hear from me. Absolute bonus buy.
Trevor
 
Trevor, having had a quick look at the manual, and assuming that the decoder has been reset as you were told I would expect any lights that have been connected to the decoder to work on functions 0-6 (buttons 9 and 1-6 on the handset). Button 9 would control any directional lighting. buttons 1-6 would control any additional lighting. So do check those functions and see if they do anything. If so,then it’s possible to reprogram the decoder so that the lights are operated by button 9 as you want. However if nothing happens on any of F0-6 then it’s likely that any lights on the loco would need wiring up first.

EDITED AS MENTIONED BELOW
 
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