Hi Tim: I'm not sure that it's likely that the problem lies with the components of your controller. The nature of digital control is that it either works well, or not at all. I suspect that your speed tables need adjustment in your locos. This would give you the precise control at the bottom end that you're looking for. I'm not sure what sort of equipment you have for adjusting speed tables. The best thing is if you have a computer interface and use something like DecoderPro to set your table. Failing that, there are several CV's which can be adjusted easily with your controller which will allow you to compress the speed increments at the bottom end of your speed table, or perhaps just lower the top speed altogether which will do the same thing. Since your layout is mostly one station, you would rarely use the top end of your speed table anyway. If you want to try this, it would be helpful to know what the setting of CV29 in your locos are set at. You don't want to use the user-progammable speed table if you just want to adjust top speed or mid-speed points (CV5 or CV6). Jurgen

Tim, I know it's not as well designed (ergonomically) as the Multimaus, but the Lenz LH100 offers as precise control as it's possible to get- you can step up through individual speed steps, even in 128 speed step mode. As such, it's very useful for shunting. Point control isn't bad, though not as easy as the Multimaus. The all-button control can tire the fingers out though! It seems to be the nature of these things that there's no one throttle which is great for everything, even if you chose to go as far as changing system completely. Cheers Rich

I found the slow speed control of the ESU Mobile Control to be very good. You can switch turn outs too.

I actually prefer using controllers with buttons. I've used the Lenz LH100 and the NCE programming throttle (sold variously under RamTraxx, System One or North Coast names) and find that with a modest amount of momentum and proper CV settings, you can achieve very realistic slow speed control with buttons. It's possible to increment the speed very precisely without it looking like the loco "levels off" at speeds along the way. You can also predict the speed a loco will end up at if you can see on the display exactly that you have selected, for example, speed step 10; you just let the momentum do the accellerating with confidence that the train won't end up going too fast. But that's just me. Jurgen

I have used 4 sorts of hand held controllers. I didn’t like the Marklin IR control, but there were several factors that caused this. Although 4 hand held units could be used, the response time was frankly shocking. There was no display on it and it used buttons to increase and decrease speed. Not very ideal at all. The Uhlenbrock daisy although nice to use suffers from the lack of a screen. The digitrax controller with its knob is actually quite good to use (yes I know I don’t like it but if someone calls up the locomotive it is ok to use). The ESU handheld is neat, once you get used to the wheel (does anyone use a mouse wheel? However for shunting I personally do prefer a fixed controller, and turn the acceleration and deceleration off on the chips. John

Lenz LH90 handheld with knob. slowspeed very very good Jacq

Hi All, I have been reading all the threads, with an open mind, re converting over to DCC. But with what I have seen does not fill me with enthusiasm towards changing, ie tweek this, the loco will not respond, cannot change the CVs? Now I can get a unit made by Broadway Ltd to activate all the sound functions on equipped Locos and Noch have units for all the station/background sounds. The DC controls I use allow double heading and full train lighting etc. I will spend the cost of a good DCC system on a couple of Sound fitted locos. Actually thats taken a weight off my mind. Thank you all, its very much appreicated. David

Tim I must agree that DCC is difficult to justify on cost and performance basis for a layout such as Grafenwald. Particularly for point control, an analogue point control panel would be simple and ergonomically better than the dcc alternatives. On the slow speed control of dcc locos, I've found the LH100 from Lenz to be very good. The option of single step changes is excellent. In comparison, the Roco centre off knob is quite crude and difficult to use to get fine control. Certainly try an LH100 to compare. Using the LH100, I get better slow speed control than I did with analogue. In addition the variable acceleration and braking settings represent a significant improvement. David

I find it interesting that Tim's primary reason for trying DCC on his layout was to use the switch control functions, because I've never been too interested in that aspect of DCC. I like fixed control points for turnouts, like panels. DCC has caused me my share of headaches and more than a little extra effort to get things working well. Technology is like that. But once you get the bugs out of it, it's the most realistic control I've found so far. I can see it won't make much of a difference on a small, one-train-at-a-time layout, but on a typical American-style basement size layout, it solves a lot more problems than it creates. Everything has its place. As long as you're happy with what you have, that's all that matters. If you're not, then you need to look at other options. Jurgen

There's no disputing DCC costs more however it does offer benefits. You just have to weigh up whether the cost is worth the benefit. My layout, while not big, is of sufficient size that it is impracticle to be stuck in one place in order to control points. So I use a radio control to switch them. This costs money but I am prepared to pay for this as it allows me to walk around the front of my layout and talk to people and control my locos and accessories from anywhere.

Tim, I'm surprised that slow speed control has not come up to your expectations using DCC. Just a couple of things that may help - try using 128 speed steps instead of 28 & make sure that there are no supression caps left within the locomotives. What decoders are you using ? Personally, I am very keen on DCC, but certainly agree with you that it's not for everyone.

Tim, it is your experience with DCC.......... I have converted Dreimühlentalbahn from analoge to DCC and for the first time all is operating as I want it. All 25 loco's converted ( different brand decoders ) have an excelent speed range control. The only loco's suffering problems have nothing to do with the decoders but with the current pick ups and neglected ( too late) maintenance. I run loco's on the layout with a Lenz 90 system ( 1 system with 5Amp) has been sufficient during shows in Genk.Paris and Houten. ( 1 system is converted to a booster, but not used till now) with 2 LH90 controlers, 2 Lokmaus 2 and 2 Dect telephone controlers via XPA. Controling points, barriers and signals and the silo's are fully separated from my loco controling system. System is from Littfinski. This choice is based on the wish to have a possiblity to operate the layout as a real railway with individual loco drivers, running on a timetable, trainorders and the signals. Jacq

Quite a number of people that I know use the LH90 for controlling loco's (& other controllers just for setting CV's) - certainly, in my experience the LH90 does give very precise slow speed control. Is it possible for you to try a LH90 to see if that gives you the control you require ? The combination you suggest could be the answer.