April 26, 2005

Lenz Announces an N-Scale Winner

Buy Lenz Decoders

Lenz GmbH is pleased to announce the release of the mini version of our Gold Series Decoders in the North American market. Gold Series decoders are the most advanced decoder ever produced and introduce the next generation of model railroad control. Dealers are now taking orders for the GOLD-MINI line of decoders and will begin shipping product the first week of May 2005. Our production capabilities are very stretched at present and we will not have sufficient product to meet demand for the first several months.

Gold Mini-W - $49.95 (shipping first week in May), Tony's
Size: L 0.43" x W 0.35"x H 0.11" L11 x W9 x H2.8 mm (Our smallest and thinnest decoder yet!)

Gold Mini-D - $49.95 (the D version comes with the NEM651 plug which is the NMRA small plug) (shipping late May), Tony's
Size: L 0.43" x W 0.35"x H 0.13" L11 x W9 x H3.3 mm

Current Rating: Cool Continuos running: 0.5 amp, Peak running: 0.8 amp, Stall Current: N/A* (overload protected)

Over the past 15 years we have released new decoders each of which has been a gradual improvement on past designs in the market.

The Gold decoder series introduces a radical change in both performance and feature set.

We start with a high frequency back emf motor control that can be configured to the particular motor characteristics in the locomotive. This motor drive results in exceptional quiet and smooth operation.

Add to this all the high end DCC features common in Lenz Decoders, plus a broad array of advanced lighting features and function mapping capabilities. The decoder has two 100ma built in function outputs that are short protected. Each of the 2 function outputs can be configured to one or more of 10 DCC functions (F1-F8 + F0-F or F0-R), the lighting effects can be optionally be activated by up to two separate configurable DCC functions and the decoder operation affected by two additional configurable function inputs (switching speed and braking delay).

Naturally, the Gold decoders come with our industry leading 10 year warranty. The motor and all function outputs are short and overload protected and of course the decoder has already passed the automated NMRA tests (The decoder will be submitted for full NMRA conformance).

To this core we add three exciting new technologies each of which will revolutionize model railroad control.

1) Asymmetrical DCC* for location specific commands using our soon to be released BM Series for Block management

Asymmetrical DCC 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. Using a few diodes, you can even protect a train from overrunning a turnout thrown in the wrong direction preventing unintended shorts which shut down a section of the railroad.

2) USP Technology*: Uninterruptible Signal Processing

Most decoders must have a clean and constant connection to the track to pick up the DCC signal. Even a small section of dirt can prevent the instructions from getting to the locomotive. Not so with USP Technology. With USP, the decoder can read the signal on either rail or even if the locomotive is entirely on dirty track.

An optional USP storage module (an electronic flywheel) can be fitted into the locomotive (available June 2005). The decoder and the locomotive are supplied with power from this storage unit when there is a interruption of power from the track (e.g. a dead frog or dirty track). DCC instructions continue to be received and performed by the locomotive even when on dirty track. Note: The power module will be to large for small N scale applications but will fit were space is available such as in a tender.

Even without the optional power module the USP technology greatly improves DCC packer reception and prevents the problems associated with missed packets due to a spec of dirt on the wheels.

3) RailCom* : Full NMRA DCC Bi-directional Communication

It took a long time to achieve a easy to use, highly reliable data transmission but its finally here. RailCom introduces a whole new generation of capabilities for DCC by providing for the first time the ability of a DCC decoder to communicate performance information back to the command station.

Fast locomotive identification
Decoder initiated information
Continuous real speed transmission
Fast read back of CV values while programming on the main
DCC command acknowledgement

RailCom is built to adhere to the latest NMRA Bi-directional DCC proposals assuring interchange with other NMRA DCC Bi-directional products from other manufacturers. All our LZV100 and LV102 based power stations are already equipped with a RailCom cutout device. RailCom detectors will be released in June 2005.

* All three new technologies are protected by patents or by patent applications.