The Lenz LE1000 Value-line Decoder is a locomotive decoder designed for use with DC motors in model railroads, specifically those with a continuous current draw of 1.0 Ampere or less. It is compatible with Lenz Digital plus and other standard NMRA DCC systems, with a strong recommendation for systems holding an NMRA C&I warrant for reliable operation.
Function Description:
The LE1000 decoder enables digital control of model locomotives, allowing for precise management of speed, direction, and other operational parameters. It conforms to all NMRA Standards and Recommended Practices (RPs), specifically NMRA Warrant #04-01. The decoder supports various speed step systems, offering selectable operation with 14/27, 28, or 128 speed steps, providing flexibility for different control preferences.
A key feature is its ability to operate on conventional DC layouts, which can also be disabled if desired. This allows for integration into existing analog systems or dedicated digital setups. The decoder provides a continuous motor current of 1.0 Ampere, suitable for a wide range of DC motors found in model locomotives.
It includes one function output, which can be used to control accessories such as lights. Function dimming is also supported through a selectable second function input, allowing for adjustable brightness of connected accessories. The decoder supports advanced control features like Advanced Consist Control and Extended Addressing, which are crucial for operating multiple locomotives in a consist or for using a wider range of locomotive addresses.
Programming capabilities are extensive, supporting all NMRA DCC programming modes as described in NMRA RP-9.2.3. This includes programming on the mainline, which allows for adjustments without removing the locomotive from the track. Users can program the locomotive address, starting speed, acceleration, brake momentum, and other configuration variables (CVs) to customize the locomotive's behavior. These settings are stored permanently and retained even when track voltage is switched off, eliminating the need for re-programming after power cycles.
Important Technical Specifications:
- Total current carrying capacity of the decoder: 1.0 A
- Motor output: 1.0 A
- Function output: 100 mA
- Addresses: 1 - 9999 (Note: For Digital plus systems, the range is 1-99 for basic addresses; higher addresses use CVs 17,18)
- Speed steps: 14, 27, 28, 128
- Dimensions: L 22.9mm x W 16mm x H 3.2 mm (0.9" x 0.63" x 0.13")
- Function output voltage: Approximately 16 V (for LEDs, a protective resistor is necessary, calculated by R = V/I where I is the current rating of the LED and V is the difference between DCC track voltage and LED voltage rating).
- Factory Default Settings: Basic address 03, 28 speed steps, internal speedtable.
- Configuration Variables (CVs):
- CV1 (Locomotive address): 1-127 (factory setting: 3)
- CV2 (Start voltage): 1-31 (factory setting: 10)
- CV3 (Acceleration Momentum): 1-255 (factory setting: 1)
- CV4 (Brake Momentum): 1-255 (factory setting: 1)
- CV5 (Contains CV29): 0-39 (factory setting: 6)
- CV7 (Version Number): Read-only (factory setting: 10)
- CV8 (Manufacturers Identification): Read-only (Lenz = 99). Writing 8 or 33 resets all CVs to factory default.
- CV17 (Extended Address High Byte): 192-231 (factory setting: 0)
- CV18 (Extended Address Low Byte): 0-255 (factory setting: 0)
- CV19 (Consist Address): 0-255 (factory setting: 0)
- CV29 (Decoder Configuration, Byte 1): 0-63 (factory setting: 6)
- Bit 0 (Locomotive direction): 0=normal, 1=reversed (factory setting: 0)
- Bit 1 (Headlight mode): 0=14/27 speed steps, 1=28/55/128 speed steps (factory setting: 1)
- Bit 2 (Usage on conventional DC layouts): 0=digital mode only, 1=conventional DC and DCC (factory setting: 1)
- Bit 5 (Extended Addressing): 0=normal, 1=four digit extended addressing (factory setting: 0)
- CV50 (Decoder Configuration, Byte 2): 0-12 (factory setting: 4)
- CV51 (Light Dimming for Function Output): 0-255 (factory setting: 0)
- CV52 (Dimming CV for Function): 0-255 (0=dark, 255=max brightness) (factory setting: 255)
Usage Features:
- Installation: The manual provides detailed wiring instructions. The red cable connects to the right-hand rail pick-up, and the black cable to the left-hand rail pick-up. The orange cable connects to the motor connection previously linked to the right-hand locomotive wheels, and the grey cable to the motor connection previously linked to the left-hand locomotive wheels. The white cable is for the function output (e.g., locomotive bulb). If the function is "potential free," the other pole connects to the blue cable for brighter illumination; otherwise, the blue cable remains unused. For LED connections, the blue cable is the positive pole (anode), and the function output is the negative pole (cathode), requiring a protective resistor.
- Testing: After installation, place the locomotive on the programming track (without its shell) and read the address. The factory default address is 03. If the address cannot be read, cable connections should be checked. Full running track power should not be applied until the correct "03" address is read.
- Programming: The LE1000 supports all NMRA DCC programming modes. Configuration variables (CVs) can be changed as often as desired to customize locomotive behavior. These settings are stored permanently. Specific programming details are found in the manuals of the programming equipment used.
- Resetting: Writing a value of 8 or 33 to CV8 will reset all CVs to their factory default condition.
Maintenance Features:
- Safety Precautions:
- Do not exceed the maximum current-carrying capacity of the motor or function output, as this will destroy the decoder.
- Ensure decoder parts do not touch metal components of the chassis or locomotive body to prevent short-circuits.
- Never wrap the decoder in insulating tape; instead, insulate metal components around the decoder to allow for proper air circulation and cooling. Use double-sided adhesive tape to affix the decoder.
- Locomotives with Digital plus decoders should not be run using powered overhead lines on conventional DC or DCC control, as this can subject the locomotive to double voltage and destroy the decoder.
- Pre-installation Check: Before installing, verify that the locomotive functions correctly in normal DC operation.
- Component Replacement: Replace worn wheel contacts, motor brushes, and blown bulbs. Only a mechanically sound locomotive will function properly with a decoder.
- Motor Isolation: After removing original motor connections, ensure both motor brushes are completely isolated from each rail pickup, meaning they are not connected to the chassis or wheels.
- Short-circuit Prevention: Be mindful that shorts can occur when the locomotive shell is reinstalled.
- Professional Assistance: If in doubt about installation preconditions, contact a service center/dealer.
The LE1000 is designed for longevity, with Lenz GmbH offering a Limited Warranty. This warranty is void if the product is altered, intentionally misused, or if its protection (e.g., heat shrink) is removed. Service charges apply for repairs or replacements after 90 days, and for items that are no longer produced, a similar item will be substituted. Users should contact their dealer or authorized Lenz GmbH warranty center for specific instructions and service charges. The device also complies with Part 15 of FCC Rules, ensuring it does not cause harmful interference and accepts any received interference.
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