Switching

Switching with Digital plus

Digital plus also offers significantly more convenience and flexibility when switching magnetic items: push-button panels become unnecessary since control is handled via operating modules like throttles or computer software. Wiring is clearer because cables no longer need to run across the entire model railway; instead, appropriate decoders are mounted near the accessories and connected to them.

Switching information is sent to the switching decoders via the same two-wire cable that also supplies the tracks. These decoders then activate the drives of turnouts and/or signals or turn lights and LEDs in light signals on and off.

Multiple turnouts can be connected to a single switching decoder, with each output assigned its own address (like locomotive receivers). The properties of the outputs can be adjusted individually depending on the use of the turnout drive or signal: the duration for which an output remains active after being triggered can be set. This feature is especially useful with slow-motion turnout drives. Another option is to configure a flashing mode, with an adjustable flashing frequency. Therefore, no separate electronics are needed for warning crosses at level crossings.

LW150 Push-Button Module

Up to 1,024 turnouts, signals, and magnetic items can be switched in the Digital plus system. These components are connected to the switching decoders LS100 (with feedback) or LS150.

The operation is performed either with a hand controller (LH01, LH100, LH101), computer software (via the interface), or classically with push buttons or switches. The LW150 push-button module serves as a link between these buttons/switches and the digital switching decoders.

The switching status of connected turnouts/signals can be displayed (e.g., in a track diagram panel) with LEDs.* For this, you need the supplementary set LY145, see (here). The switching state is stored in the LW150: by default, push-button modules are configured to automatically restore the stored state of turnouts and signals after power-on. If you manually adjust a turnout after turning off the layout (e.g., when cleaning the tracks), it will revert to its stored state upon power-on. This automatic feature can be disabled if desired.

The LW150 is usually powered by the central unit via XpressNet. The central unit (LZ100, LZV100, LZV200) provides a maximum of 300 mA for devices connected to XpressNet, such as hand controllers, switching receivers, feedback modules, interfaces, amplifiers, and also the push-button module. If this power supply is insufficient (e.g., for larger layouts with multiple hand controllers and numerous other XpressNet devices), the LW150 must be powered separately using the plug-in power supply available as an accessory (Art. No. 26160).

In the user manual of the LW150, section "10.1. Optional Power Supply" contains a table summarizing the power consumption of various XpressNet devices, making it easy to determine individual requirements.

* The display of turnout position requires the use of an LZ/LZV100/LZV200 central unit. Actual feedback with LS100 requires turnouts with end switches or appropriate potential-free feedback contacts on the drive.