A little, recent history of the Lenz handsets LH90
The LH90 reflected the demands of early DCC - control of locomotives with just 9 locomotive decoder functions, using just simple controls. Originally designed to be rugged and simple the LH90 reflected conventional analog controllers - Lenz wanted this to be a familiar experience for enthusiasts converting over to DCC. Both the screen design and small keypad have become a limiting factor now that locomotive decoders can have have 29 functions. The Rotary speed control knob had end stops so you had to equalise the speed setting as you jumped to a new loco.
LH100
The LH100 brought improvements to the screen and function control. This handset responded to the increasing versatility of DCC loco decoders and accessories.
Lenz solved the issue of speed control by adopting push buttons - that way every locomotive could run at different speeds without you having to do anything to the handset speed settings.
The full keypad on the LH100 made locomotive functions much easier to control as well as input of loco and accessory addresses. Programming decoders was also much easier.
LH101
The LH101 combines the best features of the LH90 and LH100 so you have the full keypad of the LH100 and a rotary speed control. Unlike the LH90 the rotary speed control has no end stops so you do not need to equalise the speed settings as you jump between different locomotives. Turning the knob clockwise to increase the speed and anti clockwise to slow down. Press the knob for an emergency stop (if the loco is running ) or to change direction when it is stationary.
The Rotary knob also helps you navigate the menus on the handset.
Much more information can be displayed on the screen and this now back-lit for a clearer view.
The case has been made more comfortable to hold and use one-handed. The cable has returned to an expandable curly cable that simply plugs in for better handling and storage.
Having a large screen, rotary speed control and complete keypad also makes the LH101 easier to use than the previous controllers - the information is clearer and the menus are intuitive.
You can also create 16 routes with 16 accessory addresses in each route to speed up operation of a layout.
There is also a club mode where you can limit an inexperienced driver to just one loco so that they do not accidentally switch points of take over another loco.
There is also room on the screen for additions should the DCC protocol expand in the future.
Version 2.0 Firmware September 2019 - Version 2.0 firmware - Additional features only work with the the LZV200. Original features work on LZV100 with software version 3.6
