John K

While you are sorting out the computer teething troubles, you will be able to drive trains by plugging a cheapish handset like a Multimaus (or another Lenz handset) into the Xpressnet socket, or a Loconet compatible throttle into the Loconet-T connector, of the DR5000. John K

I agree with you that the ECoS is a very expensive box. Since we started this conversation I have looked at the DR5000 manual and viewed some of the YouTube offerings. It looks good, it is both Loconet and Lenz compatible, and the price is sensible. If you are comfortable with the Digikeijs concept, go for it. John

It's not terribly relevant which decoder connector spec is used. Sound is available with any and all of them. There are multiple specifications for decoder connectors set out by the NMRA standards. See: http://www.dccwiki.com/Locomotive_Interface The smaller 6pin ones are most frequently used in N gauge applications. These connectors matter most in the ready to run world where a manufacturer will fit their engines with a particular interface and so you will need to fit a decoder which will match that interface. All the best sound decoders are available with 8 pin or 21pin or plux connections; or they can be hard wired I live in the build it yourself world where hard wiring of decoders used to be the primary method. Now a lot of us fit our stock with 8 pin harnesses to allow for easy changing of decoders. I really do recommend that you try to get your hands on a system and try before you buy. I think that DCC Supplies are the only UK supplier. My only slight reservation is that it is a minority system, and unlike the other options there is relatively little UK experience with its use. John

Got it - you want feed back. So you do need a system which does everything. If you have hands on experience of the Digikeijs and you like it then go for it. John K

I'm sure that's very helpful for anybody still using Lenz decoders. John

It rather depends on what sort of railway you are operating. What scale, what size, how many simultaneous actions, how many operators? Fixed layout or exhibition layout or big train set? If you are going to use JMRI and smartphones for throttles, it may be that all you need is a Sprog; or a simple bullet proof system like Lenz. John K

I know this is off topic, but I would suggest you use DecoderPro in JMRI rather than Lenz CV editor. DecoderPro is more comprehensive and more intuitive. John K

Zimo decoders are the dog’s danglies of the DCC world. John

I don't think you have enough data to assume that it's too complicated for the OP, and certainly not enough data to justify the use of an exclamation mark. JMRI plus Sprog may be a step too far for you but it's an intuitive system for anybody who regularly uses a computer. It's always good to offer new people a full range of options not just the ones we personally favour. Best wishes, John

In your position I would use a Sprog II connected to JMRI on a laptop as the Command station. I’d use smartphones as hand controllers - android phones using EngineDriver and iPhones using WiThrottle. This assumes the presence of a WiFi router in the building. You can also use throttle in the JMRI software. Cost £45 for the Sprog plus a power supply - say £15. JMRI is free. John K Edited to add the url for some Sprog info here: http://www.sprog-dcc.co.uk/about_sprogII.shtml

Why do you guys put up with Windoze. Mac or Linux just work John

In the event of no decoder, or a bricked decoder, Lenz will return 'Err02' John K

Agree. I had what I thought was a good quality speaker fail a couple of weeks ago. John K

Hornby TTS decoders are cheap entry level devices. Do not expect them to perform like Zimo or ESU products. John

Hi Terry In my 20 I have a Zimo sound decoder by Paul Chetter and supplied by Digitrains. I am very impressed with it, John K Edited for speller

A good starting point is an automatic calibration of the motor as described in section 11.1.3. of the Loksound 4 manual. The Loksound manual can be downloaded from this page http://www.esu.eu/en/downloads/instruction-manuals/digital-decoders/ John K

The decoder manufacturer is not relevant

Yes on the programming track. JK

With no zero CV29=34 With zero CV29=35 John

Nice one Ken! I'm sure I am not alone in enjoying seeing you challenged for once John K

They are the individual Bits within the CV. CV29, Bit1 is the direction control... ...but for reasons too complicated to describe here, Bit 1 is represented by the number 0 in Lenz world. If you want to change the direction of a loco via your LH100 controller go into CV29 and see if the little 0 in the bottom of the display is showing. If the 0 is showing press [0] then [enter] and the little 0 will disappear and your engine will go the other way. If it isn't showing press [0] then [enter] and the little 0 will appear and your engine will go the other way. John Edited for a typo

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I’m very pleased it helped John

Hi Ken, It's such a long time ago that this one was built that I have pointed my phone at it for a few snaps. The first two pics show the bushes that it articulates on - same front and back. I cannot remember if these were in the kit or if they are from another source, but it does give you an idea of the height. Third pic shows that the footplate from an engine unit lines up nicely with the footplate of the centre bit. And finally 4th shows the ashpan clearance. It is 6mm above rail height. Hope its helpful John

Presenting the two chassis to the centre part is going to take some figuring out how its going to negotiate anything other than gentle curves. Hi Ken My JM LMS Garratt was built in the1990s. It was built following John M's instructions and with the help of the photos in Essery & Jenkinson Volume Five. Mine has the non-rotary bunker. It will happily go round a 5ft radius curve, and I haven't yet found the limit of it's pulling power. John K