From analogue to digital
Switch from analogue to digital plus
Upgrading an existing analogue system to digital plus is easier than the rumours claim. That's why we are providing a few answers here to questions that we are asked time and again:
Spoilt for choice?!
Once you have decided to move up to digital model railway control, you are faced with the next problem: which system and from which manufacturer? We don't want to compare systems and manufacturers here, but you should know this:
DCC is standardised worldwide. Components from manufacturers that adhere to this NMRA standardisation are compatible with each other. And we have developed the basis for this standardised DCC. In other words: we really know our stuff.
Isn't the refurbishment too expensive?
Of course, it is expensive to fit all 20, 50 or even 100 locomotives that have accumulated over time with decoders at the same time. But, let's be honest, how many locomotives actually run at the same time on a normal home layout...?
It therefore makes sense to gradually upgrade your vehicle collection. If you start with a StarterSET and locomotive decoders for your favourite locomotives, you are within a manageable financial framework.
Do you have to rewire everything?
Absolutely not. The previously used connection cables can be used to supply the system with traction current; we assume that the analogue system has a sufficient number of traction current feeds - voltage drop must be avoided equally for both analogue and digital operation.
More feeds than on an analogue system are not necessary. You are on the safe side (analogue and digital) if you provide a feed every 2 to 3 metres. Ideally, a ring cable with a sufficiently high cable cross-section should be laid for this purpose; the cross-section again depends on the length of the cable, but 1.5 mm2 can do no harm. The branches from the ring main to the track can have smaller cross-sections, as inner wires can also be soldered to the track more easily and "invisibly".
Half and half doesn't work?
Let's assume that, in addition to the lines, a large layout also has an extensive depot on which separate operation is to take place. Of course, individual areas of the layout can be operated in analogue, while other parts are already operated digitally. It is therefore possible to gradually upgrade a large layout to digital operation without any problems. And as all Digital plus decoders automatically detect whether they are being controlled in analogue or digital mode, they can also be switched from one area to the other without any problems.
Analogue locomotives in the digital system?
In the digital section or on a layout controlled with Digital plus, a locomotive can be driven without a decoder with the address "0", of course not as conveniently as in the digital system. However, not all motors are without Locomotive decoder * Suitable for use on digital systems.
Digital locomotives on analogue systems?
Locomotives equipped with Digital plus locomotive decoders run smoothly on analogue layouts. Driving becomes even more comfortable with a built-in Digital plus decoder: For example, delays can be set for starting and braking or even the inertia of a heavy train can be simulated.
Driving comfort?
Analogue driving transformers are limited in their achievable driving characteristics, even if the drives of the model vehicles have been significantly further developed over time. Improvements, especially at low speeds, are achieved with special electronic driving units.
Vehicles equipped with digital plus decoders offer a level of driving comfort that cannot be achieved with analogue thanks to the versatile setting options. All current digital plus decoders also have load control.
Locomotive functions?
If an analogue locomotive has head and tail lights, these are always switched on in analogue mode; the brightness depends heavily on the traction voltage. It is not possible to switch off the headlights or a smoke generator. Considerable effort is required for remote-controlled vehicle couplings...
Digital plus makes switching functions very easy: Depending on the decoder, several connections are available. Lights, couplers or smoke generators are switched on and off at the touch of a button. Digitally switched vehicle lights are always the same brightness regardless of the locomotive speed, even when stationary.
Polarity?
With analogue systems, the polarity of the traction current determines the direction of travel. This requires some effort on analogue systems with reverse loops, for example. In digital operation, the polarity applied to the track has no influence on the direction of travel; this is determined by corresponding commands from the decoder.
This also simplifies the installation of reverse loops. Our LK200 reverse loop module can also be installed very easily at a later date and the connection is very simple.
Switches, signals...?
The analogue switching of points, signals and other magnetic items can of course be retained. Later, you can still convert to digital switching and signalling. Most PC control programmes can also continue to be used, as Digital plus can output the required data to the PC via the USB interface.
With Digital plus, the technical effort for switching and signalling is reduced, more convenient and also more flexible. Convenience, because the cables of a signal or a switch no longer have to extend to the control panel, but only to the nearest switching receiver. Flexibility, because no fixed wiring of a control panel is necessary and changes to the system can be made very easily and without having to modify the control technology.
Staging yard?
An existing analogue staging yard control system can of course also be used with digital locomotives. If, for example, you are working with de-energised sections, a digital locomotive stops there in the same way as an analogue one - with the advantage that it starts again with the previously set acceleration and speed when the section is activated. The advantages of switching and signalling with Digital plus - such as ABC or RailCom - can also be integrated at a later stage.
Are old locomotives unsuitable?
There should be very few vehicles that are not suitable for conversion due to their age. However, older locomotives lack the convenient interface, so installing a decoder requires a little skill with a soldering iron and some basic knowledge.
Isn't digital far too complicated?
If you can count to two (there are only zeros and ones...), digital plus is by no means complicated. On the contrary. The basic functionalities of a DCC system are standardised worldwide (based on the Digital plus system, by the way!). Programming the locomotive decoder quickly becomes routine despite the extensive options.
Bought and left alone...?
Anyone who has purchased the convenient Digital plus multi-train control system full of anticipation and then still finds themselves confronted with confronted with seemingly unsolvable problems, we will of course not leave you standing in the rain of zeros and ones! Many answers to frequently asked questions can be found in the FAQ and in the Lenzxikon.
And personal assistance is available from our Hotline - By the way, no chargeable phone number. The upgrade from analogue to digital plus is therefore by no means problematic. And thanks to the modular system, you can start small and expand slowly.
* Important note for the use of analogue locomotives!
Conventional (analogue) locomotives that are used on systems controlled with Digital plus by Lenz® produce a whistling sound. This is normal because with DCC there is a constantly changing voltage on the track, which is not processed by a locomotive decoder in a conventional (analogue) locomotive, but is applied directly to the motor. This voltage form isNot suitable for locomotives with bell-type armature motorse.g. Faulhaber motors. Locomotives with these motors mayOnly with locomotive receiver (decoder) on digital systems drive. Without locomotive receivers, these motors would be damaged or destroyed by overheating within a short time.
There are a few motor types for which the same restrictions apply as for bell-type armature motors. If in doubt, please ask the manufacturer of the locomotive.