Thinking about buying a Massoth control system

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Ashey

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I've been thinking of buying a Massoth set up for some time. I have at leat two locos with Massoth sound which are too loud.

Can any one tell me how easy (and how) it is to alter CVs using the Massoth Dimax and main station?

Any advice and guidance would be much appreciated before I make a big decision to buy.

Thanks - Ashey
 
Re:Thinking about buying a Massoth control system

Tis easy Ashley,

You can alter CVs either on a "programming track" or "on the Main".

Using the Navigator, you select the programming option and enter the CV number you want to read/write, and if writing the value you want to set it to.
 
Re:Thinking about buying a Massoth control system

i can honestly say , useing a massoth navigature to program cv is easyer than typeing this out, and possably quicker..:bigsmile:
 
Re:Thinking about buying a Massoth control system

But if the only thing you want to do is to change a few CV's then take the loco to a mates house, or a dealer, and do it there. Thats much cheaper than buying a whole new DCC system just to program CVs.

You can get devices which just program CVs. I don't have any experience but there is a thing called a SPROG. It's probably cheaper than getting a complete new system.

On the other hand maybe you don't just want to program CVs.
 
Re:Thinking about buying a Massoth control system

Many thanks for your replies that is very helpful.

Can I ask a follow up? I note that it is the Dimax handset that the display and CV programming is carried out with. The Dimax can be used with an MTS III central station. Does that option allow progrmming of the CVs or is the functionality restricted?

Apart from CV changes I would also like to access the sounds over and above 8/9 on the MTS system for Champex and Massoth sound units.

Thanks once again - Ashey
 
Re:Thinking about buying a Massoth control system

MTS 111 won't allow access to higher F NUMBERS.
The sprog is supposed to be very good
 
Re:Thinking about buying a Massoth control system

Ashey said:
Apart from CV changes I would also like to access the sounds over and above 8/9 on the MTS system for Champex and Massoth sound units.
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If you can program all CVs and the sound units support function mapping, then potentially you can move the sounds to a function number you can control, just by CV programming. It does depend if you have any spare functions in the 8/9 range?
 
Re:Thinking about buying a Massoth control system

Ashey think if you take the plunge you will like it. everything is in one hand controller unlike MTS. It's a dear bit of kit but worth it. Hope you get it quicker han Gordon got his(3 months)
 
Re:Thinking about buying a Massoth control system

Philbahn said:
Ashey think if you take the plunge you will like it. everything is in one hand controller unlike MTS.
(snip)
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For those of us who can;t make head or tail of the Massoth Navigator manual, what functions are on the Navigator that aren't on the LGB Universal Controller? I know consisting with full flexiblity (forward/ reverse option) is missing on Massoth's from a previous thread, but can't see additional functions.

I'll accept you can set up a Navigator to control two things (two locos or 1 loco plus 1 point/switch simultaneously), though I don't have the necessary dexterity! :crying:
 
Re:Thinking about buying a Massoth control system

i found the naviagture, alot easyer to use ,than lgbs hand set.. its far, far easyier to change points, set up a route(run off point changers) operate 2 trains ,ie in full control, not fliping from 1-1.. simutanuisly, and its easyer to program chips with, it alows for a larger number off loco adresses on mts3.. it has more switch decoda daress, it alows you to name a loco, and add a piture to go with it, no more trying to remember its number, just scroll through the pitures, sectet, click ok.. its definanly a lot more intuative to use. if in dougt, try to borrow, or vist were ones used..
 
Re:Thinking about buying a Massoth control system

mike said:
i can honestly say , useing a massoth navigature to program cv is easyer than typeing this out, and possably quicker..:bigsmile:
Click to expand...

Not a digital user myself but have witnessed Mike changing the volume settings on one of Mels locos using the Navigator and it literally took seconds to do.
 
Re:Thinking about buying a Massoth control system

mike said:
(snip) its definanly a lot more intuative to use. if in dougt, try to borrow, or vist were ones used..
Click to expand...

Mike, I have used one, or rather tried to. Completely confusing and utterly non-intuitive to me, I'm afraid! Probably says more about me than Massoth's kit. That said, I still keeping considering the Navigator occasionally (when I think I may win the lottery), so I'm still interested in knowing what extra function (as opposed to features) I can get on the Navigator which I can't get on the LGB controller.
 
Re:Thinking about buying a Massoth control system

I thinks as already suggested that buying Massoth to just program the sound level isn't a wise choice. Massoth isn't cheap and is (to me) justifiable for large layouts. I bought an ESU system and programming is simple (i'm sure it is with Massoth) but it was cheaper and offered a sophistication that Massoth don't have, yet I'm sure the Massoth power circuits and decoders are wonderful (just didn't try them).

Have you looked at alternate systems. Most are highly compatible especially with decoders and CV programming.
 
Re:Thinking about buying a Massoth control system

rjstott said:
I thinks as already suggested that buying Massoth to just program the sound level isn't a wise choice. Massoth isn't cheap and is (to me) justifiable for large layouts. I bought an ESU system and programming is simple (i'm sure it is with Massoth) but it was cheaper and offered a sophistication that Massoth don't have, yet I'm sure the Massoth power circuits and decoders are wonderful (just didn't try them).

Have you looked at alternate systems. Most are highly compatible especially with decoders and CV programming.
Click to expand...

Would certainly look at a Digitrax system - really happy with mine for my indoor Ho layout. Tried and tested system that seems future proof.
 
Re:Thinking about buying a Massoth control system

I started with LGB kit, then last year I bought a Massoth Set up. Have not yet installed it onto the layout, but have been using it to test out reworked loco's. I also take my handsets up to the Ruschbahn which is now also Massoth (with a few LGB radio and tethered handsets). The reason for this reply is to make the point that the battery Connectors with the Massoth kit are far and away more reliable than the LGB handsets. Now this may sound small beer, but if you use your kit a lot the time will tell on the LGB battery Connectors.
JonD
 
Re:Thinking about buying a Massoth control system

dunnyrail said:
(snip)The reason for this reply is to make the point that the battery Connectors with the Massoth kit are far and away more reliable than the LGB handsets. Now this may sound small beer, but if you use your kit a lot the time will tell on the LGB battery Connectors.
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It's a fair point for older LGB kit. The original spiral connections for one battery terminal were hopeless. I needed to resolder both of mine. More modern LGB controllers have flat metal connections which don't seem to have the same problem, at least in my experience.
 
Re:Thinking about buying a Massoth control system

Aha that is interesting, I got most of my LGB kit as version 2 some 4-5 yeras ago. Hence the problems (also at the Ruschbahn). Good to know that LGB had sorted out the problem.
JonD
 
Re:Thinking about buying a Massoth control system

dunnyrail said:
Aha that is interesting, I got most of my LGB kit as version 2 some 4-5 yeras ago. Hence the problems (also at the Ruschbahn). Good to know that LGB had sorted out the problem.
JonD
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It's Massoth really since they make LGB electronic kit! I should have mentioned in the earlier post that if you send your 55015/55016 to Massoth to be upgraded from serial to parallel, the whole board inside the controller is replaced, which means you get the new connectors.
 
Re:Thinking about buying a Massoth control system

I'm now thinking of the 800Z base station which does not have an integral power supply. Can I use my LGB 5 amp transformer to provide the necessary AC input? Is there any other transformer recommended?

I'm a bit confused whether the 1200 model has an integrated mains transformer or not. The only info I have found on this is from the USA and each time an additional transformer (sundry US manufature) is shown.

Thanks Ashey
 
Re:Thinking about buying a Massoth control system

Ashey said:
I'm now thinking of the 800Z base station which does not have an integral power supply. Can I use my LGB 5 amp transformer to provide the necessary AC input? Is there any other transformer recommended?

I'm a bit confused whether the 1200 model has an integrated mains transformer or not. The only info I have found on this is from the USA and each time an additional transformer (sundry US manufature) is shown.

Thanks Ashey
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The 1200Z does indeed have an integrated 220v AC mains transformer. I am not sure if US models have a 110v AC transformer.

The 1200Z can deliver 12A of track power. The 800Z can handle up to 8A or track power.
 
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