LGB 55028 Decoder....New products 2014

[Brixham]

I was looking at the LGB New Items 2014 catalogue, and spotted a new ( to me ) MTS decoder 55028. Looking at the spec, it seems to be a full blown proper DCC device, not restricted to 23 locos, and 14/28 speed steps. It's able to have the full range of DCC addresses ( up to 10239...although normally only up to 9999 is useable...a PC is required for the last 240 ), and accepts 128 speed steps. Also seems to have Marklin's digital system MFX.

With the advent of this full spec decoder, will there be a full spec MTS coming soon? Or have LGB had to redesign their decoders, and it ( should ) cost nothing extra to have a full address range, or speed steps..all done in software.

I also noticed that almost all the new rolling stock products for 2014 have metal wheels as standard.

Malcolm

 

[stockers]

Interesting. They have been putting this sort of decoder in the factory fitted for years so the technology was there. My Spreewald, with a date code for 2005, has been on address 33 for years. Presumably this was all Massoth technology and once a decoder is developed and in production the unit cost is very low - so it begs the question - 'What took them so long?'
Anyway, if rumours are to believed, Marklin are not as in love with Massoth as mych as the original LGB where - so maybe this is Marklin taking things forward with thier own kit..

 

[muns]

I think you will find that the picture in the LGB catalogue/new items brochure is misleading. If you read the text, it indicates that you can use the new decoder in the Allegra and that you need an adapter 55529) to fit it in older locomotives.

It can be installed in all LGB locomotives and powered unit starting in 2014 and it can be installed in the 20220 Allegra. These are units with one or two motors. This decoder can be installed in earlier locomotives and powered units provided that you also use the 55529 interface connector adapter.

 

[PhilP]

Scheduled for release August 2014!

Reading the blurb.. I would guess this will be a 28 pin board (a la Allegra etc.) with a ?10 pin? connection to allow the 10 way connector to be used.
Pure conjecture, will have to wait for the official release..

 

[PhilP]

I thought the current LGB decoders, whether factory fitted or after market fit weren't really limited in respect of address number or speed steps and they were all virtually NMRA compliant give or take.

Isn't it the case that the MTS system (II or III) limits addresses (1 - 22 + "0") and 14 speed steps ?

Correct.. The limits are more 'historical', and do tend to be limitations of the earlier MTS systems.. A little like serial commands.