Brian, I'll stick to answering just your questions: 1. Doesn't sound like it 2. If you don't want to control the points by DCC, don't! I use DCC to control points as it lets me operate without the need for a control panel. 3. Yep; If you use a standard 5pin DIN 180 plug socket/set then it's fairly easy. It's probably worth using the transformer supplied for the DCC system in either case. At the end of the day either DCC or analogue controllers need two wires from a transformer and two to the track/control panel. When operating DCC you can just leave all the track sections permanently switched 'on'. 4. Your choice! I like the Lenz Compact as it's reasonably comprehensive, has a good driving interface, is affordable and (like all Lenz equipment) meets both NEM and NMRA specifications for DCC. The new Roco one does look good though... 5. Nope, I'd stick to Zimo, ESU or Lenz Silver or Gold decoders. The Roco ones can be a bit pricey and the others I've suggested are better, IMHO. The Lenz Gold Mini is particularly good for slow running in small locos when used with the Power1 energy storage module. And yes it'll go in Brawa Kofs and V15s. 6. Probably - but be aware that just because they've got a socket doesn't mean they've got room for a decoder...! It's probably worth following the manufacturer's instructions for DCC installation before you buy your decoders - you can see what sockets and space you've got to connect to. 7. If you wish - though they'll tend to be noisy, it's not great for reliability, headlights will be full on and it'll kill anything with a coreless motor. 8a. Pretty good I'd think. 8b. Not actually all that likely if you're carefull with your decoder installation (test on a programming track before use at line voltage). That's it for now :!: :shock: More info (as you know) on my site at www.euram-online.co.uk. My one piece of advice would be 'don't change to DCC unless you've got a clear reason for doing so'... Steph

4. Your choice! I like the Lenz Compact as it's reasonably comprehensive, has a good driving interface, is affordable and (like all Lenz equipment) meets both NEM and NMRA specifications for DCC. The new Roco one does look good though... My two cents worth: Steph is correct, the new Roco MultiMaus is good and I have one. I am a total DCC sceptic but I was persuaded by another DCC owner to try the MultiMaus. It is almost as if Lenz has designed a successor to the Compact but sold the design to Roco. Unlike the Compact, it is a genuine handheld and the ergonomic design is pretty good and it works perfectly with Roco and Lenz systems. The only problem seems to be finding one as they are in high demand.

From looking around the net it seems the Multimaus are a little thin on the ground. Plenty in Germany for sale on Ebay but I really don't want to get involved. The cheaper version.....sorry the name escapes me...Lock 3? or something similar seems to do everything I want. Anyone got an opinion, bearing in mind my simple wants? Brian.

Brian, The Roco LokMaus3 was a slightly updated LokMaus2 and I have the latter as a spare should the MultiMaus fail. The Roco system allows the MultiMaus to be used with both the LokMaus2&3 but not the original LokMaus1. The MultiMaus is available in the UK but you have to be lucky, mine was sourced from Howes of Oxford as part of a Digital Set. Stephan is wrong in stating the consisting is an issue with the MultiMaus, it is explained in the handbook and is certainly easier to set up than the older Lenz Compact.

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