Control
The LZV200 Generates the DCC Commands
The command station manages locomotive addresses, speed steps, functions, multiple-unit consists, electromagnetic accessories and programming commands.
Modular DCC system with XpressNet, RailCom and ABC
Lenz Digital plus: Features & Buying Guide
Lenz Digital plus combines a powerful DCC command station with precise handheld controllers, XpressNet, feedback, computer control and automatic braking. This guide explains SET101, LZV200, LH101, RailCom and ABC for small and large gauges.
Digital multiple-train control based on DCC
What Does Lenz Digital plus Mean?
Lenz Digital plus is a modular control system for DCC model railways. Each digitised locomotive receives its own address and can therefore accelerate, brake, change direction and operate lighting, sound or coupling functions independently of other vehicles on the same track.
The current system foundation is the LZV200. It combines the digital command station and power amplifier in one housing and supplies a maximum of 5 amps. Locomotive decoders can be configured on a separate programming track or during operation using Programming on Main.
The command station is operated through XpressNet. The wired LH101 handheld controller has a display, a finely adjustable rotary controller and buttons for locomotive functions, turnouts and system settings. The LH101-R provides the same basic capabilities using a wireless connection to the LTM101 receiver.
SET101 combines the LZV200 and LH101. SET101-R adds the wireless handheld controller and suitable receiver. For a particularly straightforward introduction, the Starter Digital Set manages fewer vehicles and functions but can be assembled quickly and operated easily.
Lenz Digital uses DCC. Vehicles that only support Motorola or mfx therefore require a decoder that also understands DCC. The system is particularly interesting for two-rail layouts but can also be used in other layout concepts with suitable DCC decoders and correct wiring.
From the command station to the monitored track section
How a Lenz Digital plus System Is Structured
Operation
LH101 and LH101-R Control the Trains
The rotary controller and display enable precise shunting, quick locomotive changes and the operation of turnouts and routes.
Network
XpressNet Connects Additional Control Devices
Additional controllers and connection sockets can be distributed around the layout without connecting every device directly to the command station.
Feedback
LR101, LB101 and LRB08 Monitor the Tracks
Occupancy states are detected using current sensors or contacts and transmitted to the command station, handheld controller or control software.
Layout Control
LS101 and LS150 Operate Accessories
Turnouts, signals and other electrical accessories receive their own digital addresses and can be operated from the handheld controller or computer.
Automation
ABC Brakes Trains Before Signals
BM1, BM2 and BM3 create defined braking sections for ABC-compatible decoders without switching off the entire track section.
Three entry options for different requirements
Compare the Starter Digital Set, SET101 and SET101-R
| Feature | Starter Digital Set | SET101 | SET101-R |
|---|---|---|---|
| Target users | Beginners and small layouts | Ambitious home layouts | Large layouts and mobile operation |
| Command station | Compact starter command station | LZV200 | LZV200 |
| Handheld controller | Starter handheld controller | Wired LH101 | LH101-R with radio receiver |
| Locomotive management | Up to four locomotives | Addresses up to 9,999 | Addresses up to 9,999 |
| Locomotive functions | Up to ten functions | Up to 68 functions | Up to 68 functions |
| Accessories | Up to ten turnouts or signals | Up to 2,048 addresses | Up to 2,048 addresses |
| Expansion | Limited; two controllers possible | XpressNet, feedback and amplifiers | XpressNet, radio, feedback and amplifiers |
Planning note: Check the complete contents of SET101
and SET101-R, including the required power supply. The power supply,
track voltage and output current must suit the gauge, wiring and number
of trains operating simultaneously.
Three questions for the appropriate configuration
Which Lenz Digital System Suits Your Layout?
Greater operating reliability and realistic signal stops
RailCom, ABC, USP and Feedback Explained
Bidirectional Communication
RailCom Sends Data Back from the Locomotive
Compatible decoders can return their address or other information through the track. The LZV200 has a global RailCom receiver for its power district.
Automatic Braking
ABC Creates an Asymmetrical Braking Section
An ABC-compatible decoder detects the section, brakes using the configured braking distance and stops before the signal. Its functions remain available.
Reliable Current Collection
USP Bridges Short Power Interruptions
Compatible Gold decoders can use an energy-storage module to bridge brief contact problems caused by dirty track or turnout frogs.
Simple Signal Stop
BM1 for Stop and Unrestricted Opposite-Direction Travel
The compact module is suitable for one braking section and allows trains travelling in the opposite direction to pass without stopping.
Signal-Dependent Control
BM2 Adds Reduced Speed and Shuttle Operation
The module processes signal aspects and enables more complex braking and control tasks than a simple BM1 section.
Block Operation
BM3 Connects Several Line Sections
One module is used for each block. The BM3K adds electrically isolated feedback for use with reverse loops.
DCC is gauge-independent, but the power supply is not
Lenz Digital for Z, N, TT, H0 and Gauge 0
Gauges Z, N and Nm
Small motors require little current and can be sensitive to excessive track voltage. Compact decoders and a low setting that complies with the vehicle instructions are essential.
Suitable System Concept
Starter Set or SET101 with small DCC decoders and short detection sections.
Pay Particular Attention To
Avoid unnecessarily high voltage and an oversized cut-off threshold.
TT, H0e, H0m and H0
Digital plus provides particularly extensive possibilities in these gauges. Multiple-train operation, XpressNet, turnout decoders, ABC braking sections and computer control can be combined modularly.
Suitable System Concept
SET101 or SET101-R with LS101, LS150, LR101 and ABC modules.
Pay Particular Attention To
Include sound locomotives, interior lighting and accessories in the power calculation.
Gauge 0, 0e and Larger Vehicles
Large motors, sound, lighting and remote-controlled couplings require greater reserves. The LZV200's 5 A output and high-capacity feedback modules must be combined with sufficiently large cable cross-sections.
Suitable System Concept
LZV200, wireless controller, LRB08 and clearly separated power districts.
Pay Particular Attention To
Provide several track feeds and short, adequately dimensioned cables.
From the first connection to block control
Set Up Lenz Digital plus in Six Steps
Step 1
Select the Power Supply
Choose the power supply, track voltage and maximum output current to suit the gauge and wiring.
Step 2
Separate the Main and Programming Tracks
The two LZV200 outputs must not be connected electrically by accident.
Step 3
Connect the Handheld Controller
Connect the LH101 through XpressNet or pair the LH101-R and LTM101 according to the instructions.
Step 4
Check Locomotive Addresses
Test one locomotive first, followed by further vehicles, functions and multiple-unit consists.
Step 5
Add Turnouts and Feedback Modules
Test addresses and track sections individually and document them permanently on a layout plan.
Step 6
Test ABC and Automation
Configure the braking distance at low speed first and commission block sections gradually.
Avoid potential faults at an early stage
Common Planning Mistakes with Lenz Digital
Treating DCC as Equivalent to mfx or Motorola
Vehicles require a DCC-compatible decoder. A locomotive that only supports mfx or Motorola cannot be added automatically.
Carrying Five Amps Through Thin Wires
High currents require adequate cable cross-sections, short runs and frequent track feeds.
Confusing XpressNet with the Feedback Bus
XpressNet connects control devices. The R/S bus transmits feedback from monitored layout sections.
Expecting ABC to Work with Every Decoder
Automatic braking only works with decoders that support the asymmetrical DCC braking signal.
Planning Smartphone Control Without Software
The LAN/USB interface provides the connection. The operating interface and available functions depend on the software used.
Planning the Reverse Loop and Block System Separately
The LK200, BM3 and BM3K must be considered as one electrical concept with correctly positioned isolation points.
Command stations, controllers, feedback and automation
Suitable Products for Lenz Digital plus
This selection contains 20 central system components. For sets and individual devices, check the required package contents and compatibility with the gauge, decoder fleet and existing wiring.
Z, N, TT, H0e, H0m and H0: Introduction and Operation
Digital sets, handheld controllers, wireless technology and network components for small to sophisticated DCC layouts.
Simple Introduction
Lenz 60120 Starter Digital Set
Compact set for four locomotives and the first digital turnouts.
View Product →
Complete Standard System
Lenz 60101 SET101
LZV200 and LH101 as a powerful XpressNet system foundation.
View Product →
Complete Wireless System
Lenz 60103 SET101-R
LZV200, wireless controller and receiver for freedom of movement.
View Product →
Wireless Upgrade
Lenz 21103 LH101-R Set
Wireless controller and receiver for an existing Lenz command station.
View Product →
Additional Wireless Controller
Lenz 21102 LH101-R
Additional wireless operating position for an existing LTM101.
View Product →
Computer Control
Lenz 23151 LAN/USB Interface
Connects XpressNet to a PC, home network and compatible software.
View Product →
Distributed Connection Point
Lenz 80152 LA152
Additional XpressNet sockets for controllers around the layout.
View Product →All Gauges: Switching, Feedback and Reverse Loops
Modules for turnouts, signals, track monitoring and safe polarity reversal on two-rail layouts.
Six Switching Outputs
Lenz 11150 LS150
Digital operation of six turnouts, signals or mechanisms.
View Product →
Switching with Feedback
Lenz 11101 LS101
Four outputs and feedback of the turnout or signal position.
View Product →
Contact Feedback
Lenz 11201 LR101
Eight inputs for contacts and external occupancy detectors.
View Product →
Two-Rail Occupancy Detector
Lenz 11210 LB101
Monitors two track sections and operates together with the LR101.
View Product →
Automatic Polarity Reversal
Lenz 12200 LK200
Polarity-reversal module for reverse loops, track triangles and turntables.
View Product →N, TT, H0e, H0m and H0: ABC, Decoders and Power Supply
Braking modules and decoders for precise stopping, block operation and reliable running.
Simple Braking Section
Lenz 22600 BM1
Compact ABC module for stopping and unrestricted opposite-direction travel.
View Product →
Signal-Dependent Braking
Lenz 22610 BM2
Advanced ABC control for stop, proceed and reduced-speed aspects.
View Product →
Automatic Block Operation
Lenz 22620 BM3
Connects block sections and controls suitable colour-light signals.
View Product →
Reverse-Loop Block Operation
Lenz 22621 BM3K
Electrically isolated block feedback for operation with the LK200.
View Product →
ABC and RailCom Decoder
Lenz 10433-01 Gold
H0 locomotive decoder with RailCom, ABC, USP and an NEM 652 plug.
View Product →
Accessory Power Supply
Lenz 26000 TR100
15 V transformer for compatible digital and accessory components.
View Product →Gauge 0 and High-Power Layouts
Command station and feedback technology for vehicles with higher current consumption, sound and remote-controlled functions.
Expand the digital layout sensibly
Related Manufacturer Pages, Categories and Guides
Answers before starting and expanding the system
Frequently Asked Questions about Lenz Digital plus
What is the difference between the LZV200 and SET101?
The LZV200 combines the command station and amplifier. SET101 adds the LH101 handheld controller and the other components included in the set. Check the package contents to determine the appropriate power supply.
What is the difference between SET101 and SET101-R?
SET101 uses the wired LH101. SET101-R includes the wireless LH101-R handheld controller and the LTM101 radio receiver for unrestricted movement.
Can Lenz Digital control Märklin mfx locomotives?
Lenz Digital plus uses DCC. A vehicle can be used when its decoder supports DCC in addition to mfx and is addressed using DCC.
How many locomotives can the LZV200 manage?
The system supports digital addresses up to 9,999. The number of vehicles that can operate simultaneously is nevertheless limited by their actual current consumption.
Can I connect several handheld controllers?
Yes. Numerous control devices can be used with equal authority through XpressNet. LA152 adapters can provide connection sockets around the layout.
How many wireless controllers does the LTM101 support?
Several suitable LH101-R controllers can operate through one radio receiver. On large layouts, test the wireless coverage at the actual installation location.
Can Lenz Digital be controlled using a smartphone or tablet?
The LAN/USB interface can connect the system to a network using compatible software. The specific mobile control interface depends on the program used.
What is the difference between RailCom and feedback?
Conventional feedback modules report the state of a track section. RailCom additionally allows compatible decoders to return data such as a vehicle address through the track.
Does ABC work with every DCC decoder?
No. The decoder must explicitly support ABC. Compatible decoders can provide constant braking distances, stops at signals and unrestricted travel in the opposite direction.
Which braking module is suitable for which purpose?
BM1 is intended for simple braking sections, BM2 for signal-dependent sequences and BM3 for automatic block sections. BM3K adds block sections inside reverse loops.
When do I need an occupancy detector?
Occupancy detectors are required for staging yards, block operation, train tracking and computer control. Each monitored section must be isolated electrically in the appropriate way.
Is Lenz Digital suitable for Gauge 0?
Yes. The LZV200 supplies up to 5 amps. Gauge 0 also requires adequately sized cables, frequent track feeds and feedback modules with a suitable current capacity.
Content status: 16 July 2026.
Before connecting the system, consult the current instructions for the
command station, power supply, handheld controllers, feedback modules,
braking modules and decoders. Firmware and the available functions may
be updated.
Plan the Digital Model Railway as a Complete System
Further guides cover digital decoders, command stations, feedback, wiring, gauges, track planning and layout construction.