Tony Walker

Just got round to filming one of my class 56's the other day and thought I'd load it on here for you. This is 56049 Colas livery with tankers. A selection of Bachmann, Revolution and someone else's as well. (Cav/Alex, you will know!). Still need to do some weathering on the tankers and the loco for a bit more realism.

I swopped the LVZ200 with my old LVZ100 late on Friday to see if there was any difference. Sorry to say the functions are the same, still nothing above F5 works. And you can only use a two-digit address code. Tried using a four-digit code and got nothing. Reprogrammed the loco to a two-digit code and it worked, but still nothing above function F5. So, it looks like the dongle does work with Lenz, but there are limitations as to what you can do. So, it looks like you are unable to control sound functions above F5, with sound fitted locos, but OK to run non-sound locos with limited light functions. It will work with two-digit addresses on the older LVZ100 v3.6 box and four-digit addresses with the new LVZ200 v4.0 box.

Mick, I've got locos to operate using 4 digit addresses OK but cannot use any function above F5 (F0 - F5). The sounds on F1 obviously work and so do horns set on the lower functions, but that's it. I'm using the new LZV200 box with the latest software and LH101 control. I think I might try my old LZV100 box and see if that operates any more functions. Will let you know.

Hi Nathan, can you let me know which version of the Lenz system you are using please and which Lenz box? (LZV100 or 200). I'm using the 200 and although I can use the first 6 functions (F0 - F5) after that none of them work. I've got an old LZV100 box and am thinking of swapping back to see if that works all the functions past F5, but it would be nice to know if you have a similar problem, and if not, what your Lenz setup is using. Thanks.

You can also pop the loco on your program track and set the decoder address that way. Then pop it back on the main track and set it up via Bluetooth that way. I've had the same problem and got round it doing this.

Put whatever you want to put or whatever icon you choose.

Are you using the Hornby Elite or another system please?

Having had another go with the dongle yesterday, it appears via my Lenz system that you can only operate the first six functions (F0 - F5). Anything above F5 doesn't do anything. Not sure if that's because I'm using the dongle via a Lenz system or if it's the same if you use the dongle via the Hornby Elite. If anyone else has set up and is using the dongle, it would be good to know if they have the same problem or not and what system they are using. I'll drop Hornby a note and see what they have to say. Will add, this is the case whether it's a sound decoder or a non-sound decoder.

Has Kris says above, you assign the loco to the dongle, which will be HM7040****, the allocated number. As for the functions, the system initially shows functions F0 thru to F28, as per the operating option. You can then either leave the function number as is, type a description, or type a description and add an icon, or just use an icon. Just ensure you set the function operation to Switch, Trigger, Time or Elite.

Got the dongle yesterday from Rails and started to get it set up with my Lenz LZV200 system. The setting up of the dongle was no problem at all, went really well. Added my first loco to the engine shed, including photo etc. Assigned it to the dongle and imported the "vanilla" function list. The loco I connected was a Cavalax 56. Used the app to try to run the loco and yes success it ran well. Tried a few functions like F0 lights and sound and all worked fine. Then assigned the function list with appropriate words and icons to see how that worked. All went very well, although the words appear to be too big for the space, when you go back to the "running" functions the words fit perfectly. Now the problem. Not all the functions work as they should. For instance, the cab lights won't work, the park lights won't work, the head light doesn't work and some of the sounds won't work either. No idea why, but I will probably have to spend a little more time checking things out. Will probably send Hornby an email regarding this to see if it's a problem. Or maybe the dongle is only designed to work with the Hornby system and not other Expressnet systems such as Lenz. I'll have to load a none sound loco up later and see how I get on with that. One nice feature I found is the ability to export the function setup and then load it against the same function setup on another loco. I then loaded another Cavalax 56 and imported the function setup and all the words etc. were they. So, if you have several locos that all have the same functions, once you've done one setup the rest can just be imported in, and they will also be done.

Have to agree Mike, the Symoba couplings work really well. I've used them on most of my non kinematic fitted coaches and never had a problem. You may need to do a little carving on the chassis to fit them, but once in place they work great. Just a matter of fitting them in the right place to get super close coupling.

Placed my order too, for sound fitted. Looking forward to this one having seen it a few times. Agree with XChris, more 37's due towards the end of 2025, but then again you never know!

Yes, I've had that happen on one of them, only at one end. The other five I have are all OK. Not sure which one it is though.

I've had the very same problem of stopping and starting randomly and no idea why. I then ran the loco in DCC mode with no problem. Switched back to Bluetooth and guess what - no problem. Very strange and no idea why. I also have a problem with the reset mode with a new decoder. Would not reset at all despite trying several times and know the reset code was correct. Popped it on the program track via my Lenz system and set the decoder number on it, popped it back on the layout and was then able to update the decoder and download the sound and function files I needed to.

You need to increase the value of CV63, anything up to a value of 192 (I think). best done using POM (programming on the main). You can then listen to the loco sound until you get the value that you feel is right for you.

If you have a Lokprogrammer then it's an easy update. Under Tools there's an option to Update Firmware. Choose this option and the firmware on the decoder will be updated. This will then give you access to the sound controller sliders when you choose the Driver's Cab option. You can adjust the volume, treble and bass to your liking. Think this is only available on the latest software, so best update your program software first, then the decoder. Give it a go, it makes a big difference to the sound you get. I'm in the process of upgrading all by V5 decoders. If you want to adjust the sound while running your loco, you can then adjust CV 196 for the bass and CV 197 for the treble using POM.

Can we assume that the latest version of the ESU firmware will be included on the decoders fitted to this new run of Deltics? This will give us the facilities to use the new bass and tremble controls that are included in the new firmware. I've just upgraded my two Deltics to use this update and what a difference it makes to the sound of the Deltic sound decoder.

Hi Paul, while you're on, is there any way of making the horns on the Zimo decoders playable please, as per the ESU decoders fitted to the new class 47's. The horns, in my opinion on the 37's are very poor. When stationary the toot isn't realistic and at higher speed the horn sound is far too long. Can anything be done? Thanks Tony.

I've had notification that mine is on its way and should be here in about 15 minutes via APC. Looking forward to getting this.

It's that time of year when you need to bring out the RHTT train to clear those leaves of the track, so here's a video of 37423 and 37609 doing just that.

Central Trains please Charlie!

Check CV's 2,3,4,5 and 6 and ensure they all match. Ensure CV5 is set to the max setting. I've got a couple of 37/6's that run perfect together, either double headed or top and tail. I have found that on one of my Accurascale 37's that the above CV's didn't match. Once corrected all was OK and they ran nicely together.

Oh well, it's time to pop my rake of mk5's into storage, courtesy of 37608, befitting, I think. Here's a short video of them being taken away.

Yes - top and tail 37's on flask train. The FNA's are coupled up to the front loco with a link coupling and the rear loco is coupled up using a Smith's screw link coupling, hooked over both coupling hooks. I'm not a fan of tension lock, or Kaydee's either, as I prefer to install all the pipework etc. to both the front and rear buffer beam.

My concern is any problem that occurs later on when the locos are out of warranty. Accurascale are doing a great job at the moment with the few of the locos that we are having problems with, but what will happen in 2025 and onwards. I've had over 100 Bachmann locos over the years and only had one problem in all the time. But what will we do going forward with any of the 37's or others that start playing up.