The idea is to make all the modules digital and computer controlled. For the main digital system, I opted for Lenz Digital Plus. All the main components such as central, boosters, hand controller(s), occupancy detectors, accessory decoders will by by Lenz. The main reason for this is the fairly modular build up of the system. It'll allow me to place components inside the modules of the layout, without wasting too many connections on occupancy detectors for example.

For the mobile decoders it's a bit more problematic. So far I've used only Lenz Gold Mini decoders, which on paper are some of the most advanced decoders. However, I've heard they aren't necessarily the best, and I have also noticed some strange behaviour in some of my trains. I'm not sure whether this is cause by the decoder or not however. Anyway, I will be testing various decoders, including the Trix DCC/Selectrix decoders, and the Rautenhaus DCC/Selectrix decoders. I know from experience that both Trix and Rautenhaus make excellent decoders.

Since very few Japanese locomotives are designed for digital, it can at times get quite complicated installed the decoder and getting everything to work. Especially the lights often need some extra thinking to get to function. With the Shinkansen it's no problem, since the motors are usually in the middle of the train somewhere. However, this does mean these require 2 additional function decoders, 1 for each end car. For this, I use Uhlenbrock's mini function decoder, which is small enough to fit in the end cars without the need to modify the car. Interior lighting in passenger cars will be an always-on affair. Turning it on or off digitally would be too expensive, since a full Shinkansen would then need a total of 16 decoders.

Interior lighting in buildings will be digitally controlled however. The idea is to add various "circuits" of light in the various houses, and connect those circuits to a regular Uhlenbrock function decoder. While this might not be the cheapest solution, it does mean easier wiring and a building will only need 2 wires connected to it for everything to work.

Inventory

Following is a list of all the components of the digital system I have so far.

• Lenz LZV100 command center
• Lenz LH100 controller
• Lenz TR150 transformer
• Lenz TR100 transformer
• Lenz LI-USB interface
• 7x Lenz Gold mini wired decoder (4 installed, 1 blown)
• Lenz LS150 accesory decoder (adjusted for Tomix turnouts)
• 2x Lenz LB050 current detector
• 2x Lenz LR101 feedback module
• 8x Lenz LB101 occupancy detector
• 1x Uhlenbrock 76900 function decoder
• 3x Uhlenbrock 73900 function decoder