Digital Plus by Lenz NMRA DCC RailCom Technical Information

Redefining Model Railroad Control

Lenz GmbH spends considerable resources in developing new technology for model Railroad control. We are also very proud that we have been able to donate much of this technology to the NMRA so that the entire model railroading community can benefit from this research.

Recent Technology Additions from Lenz Electronics

A glimpse into the future-Introducing
the DCC industry's first full bi-directional protocol for Locomotive and Accessory decoders.

RailCom introduces a whole new generation of capabilities for DCC by providing for the first time, the ability of a DCC decoder to communicate realtime information back to the command station. Such information includes such items as decoder identity, current speed and direction, absolute position reporting, decoder load, full read back for operations mode programming, and turnout location. In 2000 we introduced the concept of the decoder sending information to the NMRA DCC WG. Since then we have been working on perfecting the approach. In 1993 the NMRA approved the first initial RPs and currently the NMRA is considering enhancements that considerably improves the operation of Bi-directional DCC. Our Gold series decoders are the first products in the industry to offer these enhanced RailCom capabilities which open up whole new possibilities for controlling a Model Railroad.

Poor operations due to dirty track is now a thing of the past

Since the advent of using track power to control our model trains, the modeler has had to deal with the chore of track cleaning and poor electrical contact. No more! Lenz GmbH the leader in high performance DCC control is proud to announce USP*, its latest and most revolutionary technological advance in model railroad control technology, since the development of DCC. Using decoders with USP, the DCC signal can be received and the model operated even if you cover the track with plastic tape!

Uninterruptible
Signal
Processing

DCC decoders with USP are totally compatible with all existing NMRA DCC systems and requires no changes to your existing wiring or control system. Locomotives and rolling stock equipped with USP act the same as any other decoder equipped models with the exception that poor pickup and dirty track will no longer be an issue to smooth and flawless performance.

In addition, since decoders will now be able to receive all DCC packets independent of dirty track or poor electrical pickup, the repetition rate for DCC packets can be reduced which will open up wide new possibilities for DCC operation. The Power 1 Module is the Gold's on-board power to allow for the USP operation.

Decoders with the USP technology are available now our Gold Series decoders.

Asymmetrical DC for location specific commands to your DCC decoders.

From the time we invented DCC we have always desired a simple solution to influence the behavior of a train in specific sections of the layout. Now with the introduction of Asymmetrical DCC we can finally realize these objectives. Check out the new BM-1, BM-2 and BM-3 of our block managements series.

Why would I want to have localized train control in addition to DCC?

When operating a model railroad it is often desired to have some trains under operator control and others running in the background. This allows your layout to come alive even if you only have one operator. You can also use asymmetrical DCC to enforce speed control through important sections of your layout or to stop a train in a siding, in the station, or before an occupied rail crossing.

What can the user configure Asymmetrical DCC to do?

Automatically stop a train in front a red signal.
Protect trains from running a turnout thrown again them.
Protect trains from going through a crossing (when the crossing is occupied by another train).
Automatically stop a train in a siding until the turnout is properly aligned.
Restricted speed enforcement.
Influence is direction specific.

Asymmetrical DCC is available now with our Gold Series Decoders and Silver Series decoders.

XpressNET™ - The next generation of model railroad control systems

Lenz GmbH is pleased to announce the next evolution in our system network. In 1993 we introduced X-Bus, a high speed network based on industrial standard components. Over the years we have continuously evolved our design and expanded its capabilities. With version 3.0 of our system this evolution has progressed to the point where a new name is needed to communicate its capabilities. We are pleased to announce XpressNET, the highest performance, most reliable computer network for model railroad applications available from any manufacturer.

Features of XpressNET include the industry's fastest system communication network with the least latency that is deterministic with predictable performance. - Translation: you can achieve unparalleled performance that is useful, when multiple users all want to all sing their whistles at the same time.

A 1000m (3000 feet) length that can be built in virtually any tree topology. - Translation: You can install XpressNET in virtually any fashion as long as there are no loops.

RS-485 based - Translation: Unparalleled reliability that is simple to install with assurance, that it will work the first time and every time.

Open Protocol - We have published our full protocol for others to use.

So if you want the highest performing most reliable and widely used model railroad network available get off the local and get on the express, XpressNET by Lenz GmbH.

*RailCom, USP, and Asymmetrical DCC technology created by Lenz GmbH is protected by US and European patents and patent applications.