Z21 serial compatability.

Neil Robinson

Neil Robinson

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Apologies if this has been covered elsewhere but I couldn't find it.

Due to the age of the original sound system in my LGB/Aster Garratt it needs serial commands on DCC. I don't want to update the sound as I wish to keep the loco in close to original condition (the added decoder is easy to remove if needs be).

Today I visited a line with a Roco Z21 control system. Neither the owner or myself could find anything in the instructions about setting up a serial loco. Is it possible with this system?
 
If you cannot find a solution, since the added decoder is easy to remove, maybe you best alternative is indeed to remove it and put in something more modern, I pretty sure they make what you want that will just plug in.

I could not find a setting that changed from modern to the old serial functions.

Greg
 
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Greg Elmassian said:
If you cannot find a solution, since the added decoder is easy to remove, maybe you best alternative is indeed to remove it and put in something more modern, I pretty sure they make what you want that will just plug in.

I could not find a setting that changed from modern to the old serial functions.

Greg
Click to expand...

Greg, it is the sound that is 'of an age' to require serial commands from the CS..
This would be the original LGB sound board in the Garratt.

PhilP.
 
Pretty sure I got the sounds on my old LGB Mikado to work ok on my NCE PowerPro just by repeatedly pressing F1 to simulate the serial commands. Just need to learn the correct frequency with which to press the function.
 
As stated..
You can press F1 'n' times, but it does not always work properly, and you need to be consistent with the timing..
 
The original board(s) in these early LGB offerings not only had the sound on them, but also acted as the 'central hub' for the various cables and connectors..

So you have motor-block, switch, lights, etc. all plugged into this one large board..

Massoth did do an adaptor board, but although a good idea, it was not overly popular and has (I believe) been discontinued.
 
Thanks all for the replies.
I've not changed my mind and the serial sound board will remain.
Should the loco visit railways without serial command systems I presume the loco should run without risk to itself or the controller(s). I can tolerate reduced sound triggers. The other easily removed added unit, a Massoth pulsed smoker, is parallel only (or DC). This has a different address to the loco so won't be a problem.
 
Neil Robinson said:
Thanks all for the replies.
I've not changed my mind and the serial sound board will remain.
Should the loco visit railways without serial command systems I presume the loco should run without risk to itself or the controller(s). I can tolerate reduced sound triggers. The other easily removed added unit, a Massoth pulsed smoker, is parallel only (or DC). This has a different address to the loco so won't be a problem.
Click to expand...

That is correct Neil..
Sounds 'as on DC' under those conditions (excepting pressing F1 a number of times), so 'chuffs' when it moves, and random effects whilst stationery..

I love the brake/flange squeal on this particular model!
 
For the older LGB engines only F1 did the serial operation. You need to press F1 in 1 second intervals for the functions to work properly. I can do this with a Zimo decoder set to serial on the old MTS serial system, and I can use my friends NCE system to operate his old LGB mikado that has a massoth decoder in it. It is the sound unit that is tied to F1 pulses that is the issue, not the need for a modern decoder.
 
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