For my sound editing/programming work station, I needed a DCC system for testing the locos once they are programmed; with the ability to change voltages applied to them.  G scale, for example needs 18 - 20 Volts, while HO/OO likes 13 and so on down.

I saw a Version 3.6 on special at http://www.johnshobbies.com and being a Lenz tragic, I took the plunge.  Then I bought some hardware and bits from my local electronics hobby store and began.  First I took the lid of the project box and built in a DPDT switch, so I can easily toggle between Programming and Main tracks.




This is post the DCC system and not involved in any way with the power supply side, which I built into the bottom half of the box.  The four screws secure the LZV to the top of the box.




The toggle is conveniently located at the front and clearly marked.




Here's the bottom half of the project box.  The power is supplied by a toroidal transformer.  According to the Sanskrit Chinese on the label, it is 240V > 25V  160VAC.  It delivers 20 Volts AC 8 Amps maximum under test.  Exactly what I need. There is a 240V rocker switch for power ON/OFF with a red bezel in the rocker.  I put a 7 Amp breaker on the output supply.




So far, so good.  It all looks pretty neat, weighing in at 2.2 kg.




Here's the rear view.  The LH 100 plugs into the Din socket.  The output from the power supply is U V.  Track power is J K and the Programming Track is PQ.  The toggle switch chooses between the two feeds, and supplies the green and white wires to a piece of track. 




And here is the finished article, sitting on the work station table.  The piece of track is sitting on two brackets above.  It is actually straight - I can't get straight on because of the proximity of the layout behind me.  I've clipped a Rramp Meter on to the tracks, so I can read the track voltage as I change it.

The voltage is changed by entering values into CV 7 on the Lenz while it is on address 00.  I'm sure this little unit will be very useful.  There is a new club member who is building a layout, but hasn't bought his DCC system yet.

It will be very handy for a bit of "testing" now he has his bus wired up.  :thumbs

It cost me about A$75.00 to build.

Very neat job Max, it is something i must incorporate into my new layout is a test facility, unfortunately i don't have the space to have a seperate work desk. I will obviously use the lokprogrammmer somewhere along the line and free up the ECOS totally foe programming. Luckily i won't be changing between scales.

Certainly a neat, useful project there.

I'm guessing that the green plugs and sockets used by lenz are available commercially.  What is the correct name for them if ever I need to buy some?

Thanks, Pete.  The Lokprogrammer will drive G scale - up to a point; the point being smoke units, for example.  I'm playing around with my PA/PB combo at the moment.  It's nice to have the extra track to play on while the other one is loading a Project.

Thanks, Warren.  Mouser in Hong Kong have them, also Digi Key Australia.  Richard at DCC Concepts, Perth has them as well.

Sorry, Warren.  Missed the second part of your question.  Phoenix Plugs is a kind of generic name - like choc bloc. :roll:

Thanks Max