Both sets feature the new Lenz LZV-100 integrated command station/power station. The LZV100 has three micro processors for superior performance and operation, includes a full featured command station and an integrated power station that can deliver a full 5 amps of DCC track power! The LZV100 also includes Lenz's most powerful command station software developed to-date with features such as advanced queue management and an internal database that supports a roster of 256 locomotives.
The LZV100 also has the RailCom bit cutout hardware built in! There is no need to purchase a lot of additional system hardware or perform complicated wiring to gain lots of advantages through this advanced form of two way DCC communication. The final software for RailCom is awaiting completion of the NMRA DCC WG specifications and will be released as a simple software update in the spring.
Because of the distributed nature of our high speed XpressNet, our systems'
end-user features depend on the devices that are attached. Features
Both sets offer all the advanced features expected in a professional grade
DCC system, but they also deliver a lot more. We provide these features transparently,
so that you can concentrate on running your trains.
Advanced NMRA DCC Features - 9999 locomotive addresses, Advanced Consisting, Double Heading, access to all 14 NMRA DCC functions, 14 27 28 or 128 speed control, programming on the main, support for all forms of service mode programming plus the ability to reset decoders to factory default, support for 1024 accessory decoders addresses, layout feedback, RailCom, separate programming track outputs and much more.
Smart Locomotive Address Allocation - 2 digit, 4 digit, basic addressing, extended addressing. With all the choices DCC can be confusing. Not so with V3! With your Set-90 or Set-100, you simply select an address by entering the locomotive address and the system automatically decides the form of addressing to use to control the decoder. You can also automatically store the 8 most frequently used locomotive addresses in the LH90 stack for an even easier recall.
Smart Consisting - Smart consisting is a form of advanced consisting, where the command station maintains a database of the consist information. This allows the Engineer to operate the consist from either the consist address or from any locomotive address from within the consist. To make the operation even simpler the operator can scroll between any locomotive within the consist using a single key. This allows easy access to function control from any locomotive from within the consist. It also allows you, as the engineer, to go to any locomotive cab to run your train.
Smart One-Step Programming - DCC is rich in features but sometimes this richness makes it hard to use. With our Smart One-step programming the system sets all the required CVs for you. For example, when you want to set the decoder's address you enter any number from 1-9999. From this value the system decides for you what CVs to set and sets them all for you in a single step.
Smart Function Control - The LZV100 supports the control of all 14 DCC locomotive functions. Using an LH100, you can easily configure any of the functions between F1-F12 to be either on/off or momentary for each individual locomotive. The database within the LZV100 remembers this between operating sessions and is usable with any XpressNet device that supports this feature.
Smart Layout Feedback Control - The LZV100 has full support for layout feedback and remembers the last setting made for each accessory decoder so that all devices know what the last turnout position that was thrown even if the decoder does not support layout feedback. This also works for signaling and other layout control features.
RailCom - The LZV100 is equipped with a built in full RailCom detector. This means you will not have to purchase a lot of extra system hardware to take advantage of this exciting new technology. The NMRA is still finalizing the RP so we will not release the software till the spring.
Dynamic Locomotive Queuing - V3 has unprecedented performance and is designed for precision sound control. Function control and speed changes are sent to the locomotive immediately, while refresh packets are sent as time permits. All 31 operators can be performing sound control without any perception of latency delay.
XpressNET Control Network - Both sets support the advanced XpressNET system network for high speed access to all system devices. XpressNet is a open network designed on industry proven network products with a network protocol tailored to DCC. The distributed nature of our network allows others a wide variety of different styles of handhelds to be used. That's because the user interface is the responsibility of the handheld while the state of the layout is the responsibility of the command station. For backward compatibility the LZV100 also supports the older X-Bus protocols allowing you to operate either style of device on the network.
Feature Comparison Tables
Basic Features
Addresses Max Number of locomotives Max Number of Cabs Cab Type Number of
turnouts NMRA Conformance
Set 90 0-9999 256 31 Knob 999 Pending
Set100 0-9999 256 31 Keypad 1024 Pending
DCC Features
Functions Supported MU Capabilities Speed Steps Layout Feedback Momentary
Functions Analog Operation Bi-Directional
Set 90 F0(F/R), F1-F8 Smart Consisting 14/27
28/128 Yes If set up by LH100 Address 0 RailCom*
Set 100 F0(F/R), F1-F12 Smart Consisting and Double heading 14/27
28/128 Yes F1-F12
per locomotive Address 0 RailCom*
*Note Hardware only- software upgrade in the spring
Power Station (booster) Features
DCC Track Amperage RailCom Support Minimum adjustable DCC Track Voltage Maximum
adjustable DCC Track Voltage Opto-isolation Short and overload protection Support
for Common Rail Wiring Support for Direct Home Wiring
Set 90 5 Yes 11 22 Yes Yes Yes Yes
Set100 5 Yes 11 22 Yes Yes Yes Yes
Programming Capabilities
Service Mode Programming Service Mode Types Supported One Step Address Programming
Operations Mode Programming
Set 90 Read/Write Register Paged Direct
(bit and byte) Yes Yes
(bit and byte)
Set 100 Read/Write Register Paged Direct
(bit and byte) Yes Yes
(bit and Byte)
Support
Architecture Software Upgrades Warranty
Set 90 XpressNet Yes 10 years
Set100 XpressNet Yes 10 years
System architecture
DIGITAL plus is designed with a non-proprietary open architecture. Each device
in this distributed architecture contains the intelligence necessary to provide
support to the external device it is supporting. This distributed architecture
provides exceptional performance and allows us to add new capabilities without
impacting existing devices.
XpressNet Communication Network
The heart of the DIGITAL plus communication architecture is the high speed
XpressNet based on the worldwide RS485 standard. XpressNet provides the data
exchange between input devices and the command station. XpressNet consists
of a 4 wire twisted pair connection. XpressNet may be up to 1000m. (3300 feet)
long and can support up to 31 simultaneous handhelds. XpressNet is the highest
performance communication network in the DCC industry, providing the modeler
with exceptional growth possibilities. Many DCC manufacturers are now building
XpressNet components which will allow you a wealth of flexibility in selecting
components for your model railroad.
Control bus
The 2 wire Control bus connects the command station to as many power stations
(boosters) that are needed to power the layout. All DIGITAL plus power stations
and command stations follow the proposed NMRA Control Bus RP and all DIGITAL
plus power stations are optically isolated to allow safe connection to all
forms of layout wiring including common rail wiring.
Feedback bus
DIGITAL plus provides the capability for a separate 2 wire feedback bus to
provide a connecting link between command station and feedback capable modules.
A separate bus was chosen to provide maximum performance even in the largest
of layouts.
Quick Setup
In order to operate your DIGITAL plus DCC system you will need some track,
a locomotive and an external transformer.
On the rear of the LZV100 are 5 plugs. These are used to connect the LZV to your layout. To get operating you only need to connect 4 wires and plug in your handheld.
Connect the transformer to terminals U and V. Use a suitable, UL listed transformer designed for model trains. The allowed maximum effective output voltage of the transformers must not exceed 18V AC or DC. A 5-8 amp transformer will provide you the full capabilities of the system. A low amperage transformer can be used but if you run more trains that the transformer can support the transformer may overload and shut down.
The track is connected to terminals J and K.
Plug in your handheld to the back of your LZV100 and run your first train, that's all there is to it!!!
The other connections can be connected later, if and when you need to expand.
