Stefano Tests New N/Z Lenz Load Compensated Decoder - LE010XF.
by Stefano Curtarolo.

(now in stock)

I was really impressed when I saw a N scale Atlas GP unit, equipped with the new Lenz LE010XF, running on the Lenz layout during last week's Springfield train show. I was able to borrow the engine from Debbie Ames to make some tests at home, and to take pictures of this new tiny decoder. The new features of the decoder are extremely important for small scale DCC modeling (small H0, N and Z). The decoder I have is not the final product, but a beta version, anyway, for the modeler-like tests I performed, it worked well with the NCE Power House, Digitrax Radio Chief II and the Lenz System 01 (the systems I have).

I want to point out that the LE010XF is the first Lenz decoder with BEMF and 128 speeds. My old BEMF Lenz experience is with the LE040 (28 speeds), very nice decoder, but the LE010XF has even smoother operation. The lowest available speed for the Atlas GP is extremely low and realistic. The engine shows no troubles passing turnouts, and no appreciable speed reduction in regions of the test track where the DCC voltage is lower. This is important: the modeler should not experience drastic speed changes while the train is running in track with few feeders. Other decoders without BEMF, usually, loose speed. The motor noise at low speed is comparable to other Lenz non BEMF decoders: unfortunately at this time the manual is draft, so I do not have all the informations I need to play with BEMF parameters to decrease the noise and adjust motor power. The 128 steps are precise and well balanced both in the low and in the high speed range. Anyway the modeler can create and modify his/her own speed steps playing with the CVs. At high speed the operation is smooth and I cannot see speed-hunting, as other BEMF decoders do.

At this time, the smallest available decoder is the Lenz LE077XF, which is a cheap and reliable 128 speeds XF decoder: L13.4mm x W 9.9mm x H 3.3mm. As you can see in the picture, the LE010XF is narrower and shorter: L13.0mm x W 9.1mm x H 3.6mm. For my personal long time N scale experience, I think that the 0.8 mm gain in width is very important when the decoder is installed in narrow shells, like SDs, GPs or brass steamers boiler shells. The reduced length is useful in short engines, switchers (like LL SW9/1K2) and in diesel brass when the decoder is put under the shaft, between the motor and the trucks (brass SDs and GPs and similar). The LE010XF is the ideal decoder for exclusive non plug & play installations.

This new decoder is a major breakthrough for high-quality Digital N scale modeling. The size and the efficient BEMF help all modelers converting high value engines for for extra-low speed smoothness.

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