Lenz LZ100/LH100/LV101 still decent/relevant?

[craigolio1]

Hey all. I may have an opportunity to get this Lenz set for $180 CDN. It appears to be fairly old. I’m wondering if it’s worth it. The package also includes a LK100 auto reverse module, an HO decoder (which is not really of any use to me) and a bunch of other misc connectors and switches and such. All are in boxes and have not been used. Looks like about $550 US worth of gear. Seller says he paid $1000 CDN for all of the gear.

https://www.walthers.com/01-4-professional-starter-set-includes-1-each-lh100-lz100-lv101-xf-and-digital-plus-manual

For context I’m currently using an original Digitrax Zephyr, which doesn’t access any functions above 10.

[MK]

You might be better off getting a used Dgitrax DT4xx throttle that will give you all the functions above what the Zephyr can access.  You can use the throttle elsewhere too.  I doubt there are many Lenz layouts in North America.

[craigolio1]

On good to know. Thank you.

[dpharris]

On good to know. Thank you.

Generally it good to buy a system that matches any clubs in your area you might be interested in joining. 

You might want to consider buying the upcoming TCS command station, due in the summer.  It supports: LCC, NCE (cab-bus), Lenz (Xpressnet), Digitrax (via RRCirkits LCC-Loconet Gateway) throttles.  Their UWT-100 and UWT-50 throttles will connect wirelessly via LCC, or Withrottle (via JMRI, NCE's WFD-30), Railcom+, etc.  https://tcsdcc.com/commandstation

David

[peteski]

I believe that Tim Horton (in Canada) who writes the DCC column in the N-Scale Magazine uses the Lenz system.  I don't think he is a TRW member, but his name often pops up here.  He might have some insight into whether this would be a good purchase.

[conrad]

My advice is to spend the 180CDN on a DCC++ system: Raspberry PI, Arduino, Arduino Motor Shield, JMRI and your smart phone or cheap tablet running Engine Driver.  I kind of believe that the days of physical throttles has passed.  My guess is that most clubs now use either Engine Driver or similar "virtual" throttles.

 Conrad

[peteski]

My advice is to spend the 180CDN on a DCC++ system: Raspberry PI, Arduino, Arduino Motor Shield, JMRI and your smart phone or cheap tablet running Engine Driver.  I kind of believe that the days of physical throttles has passed.  My guess is that most clubs now use either Engine Driver or similar "virtual" throttles.

 Conrad

After operating using several "hardware" DCC throttles, and also the Engine Driver smart phone throttle, I would not like to use the WiFi throttle (with touch controls) as an OPS throttle. I miss the physical knobs and buttons.  It is fine when running trains on an NTRAK layout during train shows, but not running a switching job on a home layout.  YMMV.  One exception would be a ProtoThrottle, which while it is a WiFi throttle, it is nothing like touch screen based throttles.  I have not had a pleasure to use it yes, but it looks impressive.

[Ike the BN Freak]

I believe that Tim Horton (in Canada) who writes the DCC column in the N-Scale Magazine uses the Lenz system.  I don't think he is a TRW member, but his name often pops up here.  He might have some insight into whether this would be a good purchase.

Tim is a member here, he's @BCR 570

[Sumner]

...the Engine Driver smart phone throttle, I would not like to use the WiFi throttle (with touch controls) as an OPS throttle. I miss the physical knobs and buttons. ...

Agreed, I was on the verge of building one of Dave's wireless throttles mainly for a physical throttle control.  Then I saw what Jimmy on DIY Digital came up with.  Using a volume control on a phone throttle.  I first put one together by cutting a board down to the appropriate size for the phone I had.....



.... and then after liking it a lot designed a 3D printed platform for the phone/volume control ....



The throttle/direction control with it is quite precise and easy to go a speed step at a time (I'm assuming that they are using an encoder).  Another nice feature is that with EngineDriver you don't need to remember which function key to use as they are all labeled on the screen for each engine/decoder combination.  You can also use the speed/direction controls on the screen at any time.  Now that I have the physical throttle control I see no reason to build Dave's throttle and Steve's EngineDriver has so much more associated with it that I also don't see many commercial throttles equaling it in built-in options.

More info on my site here...

http://1fatgmc.com/RailRoad/DCC/DCC-Index.html

and the print files for the phone platform here....

https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:5116180

..... and a crude video with the 'wood' version...

Sumner

[R L Smith]

I've been using the very same set the OP linked to for over 20 years. I added on 3 handhelds, and have been very happy with it.

But this set can only access 10 functions, unless it was upgraded by Lenz.  So with the number of sound-equipped engines I now own, I'm looking to upgrade or replace my system someday, but am not in any hurry.

$180 for this set seems like a good price for someone just starting out. That throttle with the full keypad is easy to use for programming. My other handhelds have the larger rotary knob for speed control and a toggle switch for direction, so I use those most of the time. They hold 8 addresses in their "stack" to scroll through, and with three of those throttles plus the primary one, that is more than enough for the loco fleet that is on the layout at any one time.

If you are a "lone wolf", then there would be no need for additional throttles.

YMMV...

Ron

[MK]

I've been using the very same set the OP linked to for over 20 years. I added on 3 handhelds, and have been very happy with it.

But this set can only access 10 functions, unless it was upgraded by Lenz.  So with the number of sound-equipped engines I now own, I'm looking to upgrade or replace my system someday, but am not in any hurry.

For context I’m currently using an original Digitrax Zephyr, which doesn’t access any functions above 10.

Sounds like a "Don't Buy" to the OP as he's looking to access functions above 10.

If OP is familiar with his existing Zephyr and not looking to upgrade to learn a new system, a DT4xx throttle will get him what he needs.  Finding a used one will help in the budget department.  There should be plenty as people upgrade to DT5xx and even the new DT6xx throttles.

[craigolio1]

Thanks for the input everyone. I decided to pass on the Lenz system.

Craig