LGB 55020 Decoder?

[Phil]

Hello

Just wondering about an L.G.B chip ref no 55020 if this is a reasonable chip to put in maybe a stainz or something like that?
It's an older version...

Could somebody tell me some things about it....?

Thanks
Phil...

 

[HBBahn]

It's like a 55021, but older technology. You'll find that the motor buzzes because the PWM frequency isn't very high, and there is no back EMF detection, so trains can run away downhill (I have a true head in hands experience of this).

 

[Zman]

You can download the instruction manual here;

http://www.champex-linden.de/download_lgb_bedienungsanleitungen/55020.pdf

 

[Sammler]

Were the LGB 55020 decoders as reliable as the newer decoders? The specs say that the motor output of the LGB 55020 can handle 1.5 amps compared to the LGB 55021's 1.2 amps.

 

[PhilP]

Were the LGB 55020 decoders as reliable as the newer decoders? The specs say that the motor output of the LGB 55020 can handle 1.5 amps compared to the LGB 55021's 1.2 amps.

I would not worry about the current rating..
The older 55020 only has a motor frequency of (from memory) 75Hz.. This means the motor tends to buzz (hum), and IMHO run a little hotter.
They also need to be register programmed, which is fine if you can get your head round it, and your equipment can do it!

 

[Zerogee]

If you've already got the 55020 going spare, or you're getting one VERY cheap (no more than £10-£20), then yes, they're still usable with the caveats already mentioned by previous posters. However a more modern chip will be better in many ways - and if you do buy a new one, then don't forget that a Massoth L is effectively the same as an LGB 55021 but much cheaper!

Jon.

 

[Sammler]

Thanks. The 55020 'buzzing' noise doesn't worry me, just as long as it's reliable.

I was originally thinking about getting the Massoth L though I've heard that out of the box they're configured for parallel Central Stations, not 'Serial' like the one I have.

I know that some retailers will program them for Serial /Parallel mode, though I wasn't sure what I could do it the decoder was ever factory reset by accident. I suppose I'd have to find someone with a parallel system who could re-program it for me.

 

[muns]

Thanks. The 55020 'buzzing' noise doesn't worry me, just as long as it's reliable.

I was originally thinking about getting the Massoth L though I've heard that out of the box they're configured for parallel Central Stations, not 'Serial' like the one I have.

I know that some retailers will program them for Serial /Parallel mode, though I wasn't sure what I could do it the decoder was ever factory reset by accident. I suppose I'd have to find someone with a parallel system who could re-program it for me.

You wouldn't need a parallel system to reprogram it. Also, you would only need to set it to P+S mode if you intended to use any of the features triggered by Fkey2 or greater.

 

[Sammler]

You wouldn't need a parallel system to reprogram it. Also, you would only need to set it to P+S mode if you intended to use any of the features triggered by Fkey2 or greater.

Thanks. Could I reprogram it with an LGB 55016 or Fleischmann Multimaus?

 

[muns]

Thanks. Could I reprogram it with an LGB 55016 or Fleischmann Multimaus?

The 55016 is capable of programming the short loco address.....

Programming the loco address
With the 55016 Loco Remote, you can program addresses 00 through 15 directly via the Central Station:

• Remove all other locos or items with function decoders from the tracks.
• Press and hold the emergency stop button on the remote.
• At the same time, briefly press the Reset button on the Central Station.
• The display on the remote shows P - - .
• Release the emergency stop button.
• Input the loco number: 00 to 15, with first generation Central Station: 00-07. If you select a loco address larger than ”15,” the display shows P - - again.
• If the loco has been programmed properly, it will move a very short distance.
• Press the emergency stop button again to resume operation.

 

[Sammler]

Thanks. Can the LGB 55016 be used to program Serial/Parallel mode?

 

[muns]

Thanks. Can the LGB 55016 be used to program Serial/Parallel mode?

The 55016 can only program the short loco address.

Any DCC system that has the ability to set CVs should be able to be used. The 55020 uses an older method of programming called "Register" programming. Some systems can perform this automatically for you. Basically to change a CV using register programming, you must first set CV6 to the CV number that you want to program, and then se CV5 to the value that you wish to store.

i.e. You wish to reduce the lighting voltage to use 5v....

First set CV 6 to 50 (CV50 controls the lighting voltage)
Then set CV 5 to 5 (CV50 should then be programmed to 5)

CV1 does not require to be programmed using the "Register" method and can be programmed directly.