Lenz DIGITAL plus LE230 Owner's manual

Locomotive decoder LE230 1
DIGITAL plus
The DIGITAL plus locomotive decoder LE230 is suitable for all DC motors in
SScale or larger locomotives with continuous current draw of 2.5 Amps or less.
The characteristics of the decoder are:
∗Control of the motor’s rotational speed (load compensation). Regardless of
the load, the motor’s rotation speed is kept nearly constant. During extremely
slow movement (for instance through sharp curves and over a series of
turnouts), LE230 always provides the motor with enough voltage. This creates
the impression that there is actually 100 tons moving.
∗Selectable for operation with 14/27, or 28/55 speed steps.
∗Optional operation on conventional DC layouts is possible.
∗Provides 2.5A continuous motor current.
∗8switchable function outputs (includes 2 for directional lighting) that can be
connected directly or through Function Module LF200 (depending on the
current draw)+ 2 additional function outputs controllable through the LP200
auxiliary motor module.
∗Support for Advanced Consist Control and Extended Addressing
∗Support for short form programming on the main for acceleration and
deceleration trim
∗Support for all form of programming as described in NMRA RP-9.2.3
∗Programmable locomotive address, acceleration and brake momentum,
speed curve and much more.
∗Size: L 2.75" x W 1,18" x H 0.50"
L 70.0 x W 30.0 x H 12.0 mm Information
LE230
Art. No. 10230
January, 1997

2Locomotive decoder LE230
DIGITAL plus
The features of the LE230 Decoder
The LE230 has been revised and is packed with features you
expect in a high end decoder. Advanced consist control,
extended addressing, outstanding 28 step motor control, and 10
function outputs (includes two for directional headlight control)
are but a few examples. The LE230 supports all forms of
programming described in NMRA Recommended Practice 9.2.3,
including the user friendly direct CV programming mode. Also,
standard is a built in self-test procedure. The advantages of this
standardization are obvious: Every locomotive decoder responds
in the same way to changes in their properties. All new DIGITAL
plus locomotive decoders are produced according to these
NMRA DCC standards. This standardization will greatly improve
interoperability of locomotive decoders for all manufacturers.
DIGITAL plus decoders built to the NMRA standards and
recommended practices are labeled:
This prestigious label means that the NMRA has tested this
product and found that it fully complies with all NMRA DCC
Standards, Recommended Practices and industry norms.
Many characteristics of the LE230 decoder can be programmed
to customize the decoder to its locomotive. For example, you
can operate the decoder with the factory pre-set speed table or
generate your own. You can set which end of the locomotive is
the forward end. You can even decide whether or not you want
to be able to operate on conventional DC layouts.
Please read “The Configuration Variables and Their Meanings”
section later in this booklet for details on the configuration
variables supported by the LE230. There you will find much
more information regarding the features and their respective
settings.

Locomotive decoder LE230 3
DIGITAL plus
Back EMF Control
The LE230 uses a form of motor control called "back emf"
control. All DC motors produce a small amount of current when
they are rotating. The amount of current produced is a function
of the load that the motor is controlling. The LE230 measures
this current and is able to adjust the current to the motor based
upon the motor load. The result is exceptionally fine motor
control that is extremely smooth and quiet.
The LE230 employs the finest motor control possible. It is
suitable for all forms of motors.
Important considerations for LE230 use
The LE230 is designed for a maximum voltage of 26V for safety
reasons. It must not be operated with higher voltages as higher
voltages can result in destroying the decoder.
The LE230 can be safely used without any restrictions with any
NMRA DCC command station/power station that displays the
NMRA conformance seal. Before using the LE230 with other
DCC systems please verify the maximum voltage output from
the operation manuals or from the manufacturer.
Conventional operation, i.e. operation using a
model railroad transformer/power pack:
Several Large Scale transformers put out voltages that exceed
the 26 volt maximum. Before operating the LE230 in analog
mode determine that the output voltage of the transformer/power
pack does not exceed 26V. On model railroad transformers, the
effective output voltage is often indicated. This is not the
maximum voltage!
You can find the maximum voltage by multiplying the stated
effective voltage with a factor of 1.4:
Example:
The transformer lists the voltage (effective voltage) as: 16V. The
maximum voltage: 16V x 1.4 = 22.4V.This means that the
LE230

4Locomotive decoder LE230
DIGITAL plus
can be safely operated with this transformer. Normally 18V is the
highest allowed effective transformer voltage:
26V / 1.4 = 18V
Operation with an electronic controller:
For electronic controllers, you cannot determine the maximum
output voltage through a simple formula. It is simply not enough
to use the maximum output voltage of the transformer that
supplies the electronic train controller! Contact the manufacturer
if you do not find any indications in the operation manual.
Preparing to Install the LE230
The locomotive must be tested for excellent operation on normal
DC power before installing the decoder. Replace worn out motor
brushes and burned out light bulbs. Clean any dirt or oxidation
from the wheels and pickups, and make sure that electrical
contact is smooth. Now is also a good time to lubricate your
locomotive. Only a locomotive in great mechanical condition can
take maximum advantage of the LE230 decoder.
Make note of which motor lead goes to the right rail wiper and
which goes to the left. During installation of the Locomotive
Decoder, this will save you trial and errors to find which screw
terminal on the decoder needs to connect to which motor lead, in
order to set the correct direction of travel.
Notes on current load of the Decoder outputs:
The outputs of LE230 may be subjected to the following loads:
•Motor: 2.5A
•Light front/rear 0.3A
•F1: 0.5A
•F2-F6: 0.1A
•F7-F8 (refer to the LP200 manual)
All outputs of the Decoder are supplied by an internal rectifier
circuit that allows a maximum total current flow of 2.5A.
Accordingly the sum total of all current flowing to motor and
function outputs must never be greater than this maximum
allowable total current. Each individual output must only be
subjected to its own allowable maximum current.

Locomotive decoder LE230 5
DIGITAL plus
Mathematically the sum of all the maximum currents is greater
than the allowable total current of 2.5A – this in order to allow
customized use of the decoder –, but even so this value must
never be surpassed in continued operation.
An example:
You need a motor output current of 1.5A for the operation of the
motor. You now calculate the current left available for the
function outputs by deducting the motor current from the total
current. In this case, there will only be 1.0A left for the functions.
If you now connect a lamp drawing 100mA to each of the two
outputs of the directional light function, then you have another
0.9A available for the other functions. If this is not enough for the
intended use, the you can use one or more Function Module
LF200. This module then provides you with isolated relay
contacts for switching the functions.
Installation Considerations
LE230 is equipped with numerous safety circuits, however no
part of the decoder may touch any metal part of the frame or
locomotive shell at any time. If they do, there will be a short
circuit inside the Locomotive Decoder and it will be destroyed.
Do not however wrap the Decoder in insulating tape, since
this will hinder the needed air circulation around the decoder.
Instead stick insulating tape, or similar, onto the metal parts of
the locomotive. This way you can prevent undesired short
circuits, without ‘choking’ the Decoder.
The motor connections must the isolated after removing the
previous wires. That means that there must be no connection to
the frame or wheels (wheel wipers) any longer. Also note that
such connections occasionally can happen when replacing
the shell onto the frame!
Locomotives equipped with LE230 must not be operated via
overhead wire (catenary) on 2 rail layouts, since the locomotive
can get twice the applied voltage if put on the track in the wrong
direction.
Plug-in terminal row S2 is intended exclusively for connection of
Power Module LP200. Power Module LP200 is used to control
additional motors whose total current needs exceed the current

6Locomotive decoder LE230
DIGITAL plus
limits of the LE230. There must not be any other connections
created to the motor, track, or other terminals on Locomotive
Decoder LE230.
The different installation options
For connecting Locomotive Decoder LE230 there are several
options, all depending on if you intend to connect the functions in
the locomotive (as shown in illustration 1) with their common
lead connected to a rail wiper, or (as in illustration 2) isolated
(isolated from contact with wheel wipers and frame/shell). A
mixture of both connection methods is also possible, for
instance: the light bulbs of the front lighting can be connected to
a wheel wiper, and other functions can be set up to be isolated.
When using LF200, please consult the information included with
it for installation details.
If the light bulbs of the headlights are isolated and connected
according to illustration 2, they will light up a little brighter than
when connected according to illustration 1. In addition, the
directional lights will then also work in conventional DC operation
Which of the methods you use, largely part depends on how the
locomotive is constructed.
Step by step: Installation and Testing
∗First connect the Locomotive Decoder to the wheel wipers:
∗Terminal G1 to the right wheel wiper (in direction of travel).
∗Terminal G2 to the left wheel wiper (in direction of travel).
Then connect the decoder with the motor leads:
∗Terminal M1 to the motor lead that earlier was connected
to the right wheel wipers.
∗Terminal M2 to the motor lead that earlier was connected
to the left wheel wipers.
Now you connect the lights:
∗Terminal L1 to the front lights (in direction of travel). If the
lamp is isolated, then connect terminal U+ with the other
lamp lead.

Locomotive decoder LE230 7
DIGITAL plus
∗Terminal L2 to the rear lights (in direction of travel). If the
lamp is isolated, then connect terminal U+ with the other
lamp lead.
Now put the locomotive (without putting on the shell) on the
programming track, and read out the address. From the factory
the decoder is programmed to address 03. If you have
connected the decoder properly so far, you should now be able
to read out the address. If that is not the case, then you may
have made a mistake in wiring. The decoder will help you in
tracking it down.
Figure 1: Wiring the LE230 using track voltage common
With the self-test turned on (factory default, bit 2 in CV60 is ‘1’),
the decoder is able to determine the following wiring problems on
the programming track:
∗Prohibited connection of a motor lead with the track.
∗Short circuit of the directionally switched light output to the
track.
If a problem of this kind is present, then the decoder cannot be
read out. On the Hand Held Controller you get the display
“ERR02”.
In that case, proceed as follows:
First turn off the decoder self-test by clearing bit 2 in CV60 (see
the section “Programming the Locomotive Decoder”).

8Locomotive decoder LE230
DIGITAL plus
Read out CV30. In this CV (when the self-test is on) the type of
problem is stored as the corresponding bits. From the table
“Determining the settings of the Locomotive Decoders in CVs”
you can read which bit shows which problem.
Now again remove the locomotive from the track, correct the
problem as needed and test it again. First clear the bits in CV30
that showed you the problem, and then turn on the self-test in
CV60 again.
Connecting additional functions:
You connect additional functions using wires to the 8-pin
terminal strip S1. The correct plug, with attached wires, is
included. You can connect the additional functions either directly
to the wires, or if the maximum current load of the outputs is
exceeded, via Function Module LF200.
∗To the yellow wire you connect the function that you want
to turn on and off with key ‘1’ on Hand Held Controller
LH100 or key ‘1’ on Arnold/Märklin control 80.
∗To the white wire, connect the function that you want to
turn on and off with key ‘2’ on the Hand Held Controller.
∗To the black wire, connect the function that you want to
turn on and off with key ‘3’ on the Hand Held Controller.
∗To the red wire, connect the function that you want to turn
on and off with key ‘4’ on the Hand Held Controller.
∗To the gray wire, connect the function that you want to
turn on and off with key ‘5’ on the Hand Held Controller.
∗To the orange wire, connect the function that you want to
turn on and off with key ‘6’ on the Hand Held Controller.
∗The green wire is a power ground. This wire should be
used with extreme caution and is only intended for use
with devices that require it..
If the functions and/or lamps are isolated in the locomotive, then
you can connect the blue wire to the common connection for the
functions. After this wiring, you can program the locomotive to
the desired address and start your trial run.

Locomotive decoder LE230 9
DIGITAL plus
Connecting Slave Motor Driver LP200
The plug-in terminal row S2 is intended for this. The wire colors
are assigned as follows:
blue U+
red T
yellow S
green R
Two additional wires are provided for controlling F7 and F8. For
detailed information on installation and wiring, please refer to the
operation manual for the LP200.
Programming the locomotive decoder LE230
Locomotive address, acceleration and brake momentum and all
other properties of the decoder can be changed as often as
desired. This process is called programming.
The properties will be saved in non-volatile memory locations on
the locomotive decoder. The values will be permanently saved,
even after disconnecting the operating voltage. These memory
locations are called "Configuration Variables, or CVs" by the
NMRA. The LE230 has a total of 128 CVs. Not all of them are
used at this time as many are reserved for future use.
The reading and writing of these values is done electronically,
the locomotive does not need to be opened after initial
installation of the decoder to read of later modify any CV value.
Any NMRA DCC Command Station, such as the DIGITAL plus
LZ100 and a Hand Held LH100 or an Interface LI100, can be
used to program the locomotive decoder LE230. With older
command stations (including Arnold or Märklin) the decoder
supports index mode, a special form of register mode which
allows you to easily address all the CVs. Using the Arnold
Commander 6, or the ROCO 'DIGITAL is cool' command station,
only register 1 (locomotive address) can be set. Many other
DCC command stations support paged programming. The
LE230 supports this mode as well. Details for reading and writing
the decoder’s configuration variables can be found in the
manuals of the appropriate equipment.

10 Locomotive decoder LE230
DIGITAL plus
The configuration variables and their meaning
The new line of Lenz advanced decoders, version 5.1, support a
full range of features which are set up using a variety of
configuration variables. All the configuration variables are
numbered. These numbers are used during programming and
are identical for all decoders that conform to the NMRA
standards independent of the manufacturer. The following table
lists the various CVs supported in the LE230 decoder. Both the
New CV numbers and the older Register numbers are provided
for cross reference.
Please note: Some CVs (such as CV29) have specific meanings
for each bit. The bit assignments in this table use a bit
numbering scheme of 1-8 to correspond to the 1-8 display on
DIGITAL plus systems. Many other systems use a scheme of 0-
7 to refer to the individual bits. If you are using such a system
you should subtract one from all bit numbers described in these
CVs.
Table 1: LE230 Configuration Variables
CV R
e
g
Description Range Factory
setting
1 1 Locomotive address:
This is the number with which you select a locomotive in
the DIGITAL plus system.
1-127 3
2 2 Start voltage:
This is the voltage applied to the motor in speed step 1.
Set this value so that the locomotive just starts moving in
speed step 1.
1-15 1
3 3 Acceleration Momentum:
Determines the rate of change of speed upon acceleration.
A higher value leads to a slower acceleration.
1-31 1
4 4 Brake Momentum:
Determines the rate of change of speed upon braking. A
higher value leads to longer brake distance.
1-31 1
5-Maximum speed
Determines the maximum speed that the locomotive will
move. This allows you to operate your locomotives in a
prototypical speed range.
1-10 10

Locomotive decoder LE230 11
DIGITAL plus
CV R
e
g
Description Range Factory
setting
-5CV29 when the page/pointer register has a value of 1
or value of CV pointed to by Register 6 when register
6 is being used as a pointer register
0-63 4
-6Page/Pointer Register:
Used during programming for paging or indexing
0-127 1
7 7 Version Number:
This location stores the version number of the decoder.
This location is read only.
-51
8 8 Manufacturers Identification:
This value is the manufacturer ID of the decoder, (Lenz
=99). This location is read only.
-99
9-EMF Frequency
Allows you to adjust the pulse rate frequency for finer
motor control
0-15 4
17 -Extended Address High Byte 192-
231 0
18 -Extended Address Low Byte
The two byte address if used is contained in CV17+18
0-255 0
19 -Consist Address
The advanced consist address if used is stored in CV19
0-255 0
29 *5 Decoder Configuration, Byte 1:
Several decoder properties are set with this byte. Changes
are best done in binary mode (see the information for the
Hand Held LH100). The detailed properties are:
0-63 4
bit 1 locomotive direction:
0 normal: locomotive moves forward when the
arrow on the Hand Held points up.
1 inverted: locomotive moves forward when the
arrow on the Hand Held points down.
0,1 0

12 Locomotive decoder LE230
DIGITAL plus
CV R
e
g
Description Range Factory
setting
bit 2 speed step mode:
0 Operation with 14 or 27 speed steps.
This setting is selected when the locomotive decoder
is used with a software below version 2.0, ROCO-
Digital, LGB-Digital, Arnold Digital and with all
other Digital systems that do not support the 28
speed step mode.
1 Operation with 28 speed steps.
This setting is selected when the locomotive decoder
is used with a Command Station with software
version 2.0 or higher. The Command Station has to
be set to 28 speed step mode for the decoder address,
if you are using this setting!
Other Digital systems supporting the 28 speed step
mode can use the decoder in this setting.
0,1 0
bit 3 Usage on conventional DC layouts:
0 locomotive operates in digital mode only
1 locomotive can operate in both conventional DC
and digital mode.
0,1 1
bit 4 always 0 0 0
bit 5 speed curve:
0 factory pre-set speed curve is used
1 user defined speed curve is used. Please enter the
appropriate values into CV 67 to 80 before setting
this bit.
0,1 0
bit 6 Extended Addressing
0= Normal addressing
1=Two Byte extended addressing
0-1 0
bit 7
bit 8 always 0 0 0
30 -Decoder Error Information
bit 1 Motor Short
If set short between motor and track
0,1 0
bit 2 Front Headlight Short
If set the front headlight is shorted
0,1 0
bit 3 Rear Headlight Short
If set the rear headlight is shorted
0,1 0

Locomotive decoder LE230 13
DIGITAL plus
CV R
e
g
Description Range Factory
setting
60 -Decoder Configuration, byte 2:
Similar to CV 29, but other properties are set with this byte:
bit 1 Back EMF Control
If set back emf control is active
0,1 1
bit 2 Decoder Control Active
If set CV30 contains decoder error
0,1 1
bit 3 Brake momentum on DC operation.
This setting is only active with conventional DC
operation disabled. (CV 29, bit 3 = 0) This setting
can be used to achieve prototypical braking at red
signal indications.
0 locomotive proceeds with track voltage dependent
speed inside the conventional section.
1 locomotive brakes in the conventional section with
pre set brake momentum.
0,1 0
bit
4-8 not used
67
to
81
-Values for user defined speed curve:
These registers are used for a user defined speed curve. The
factory setting for these registers is 0. If you are trying to
use this speed curve unmodified, your locomotive will not
move!
The value in each register determines the velocity of the
locomotive for each assigned speed step:
For the 14 speed step mode, speed step 1 is using the value
in CV 67, speed step 2 the value in CV 68, speed step 3 the
value in CV 69, etc.
For the 28 speed step mode, speed step 1 is using the value
in CV67, speed step 3 the value in CV 68, speed step 5 the
value in CV 69, etc. The intermediate speed steps are
calculated by the decoder.
0-63 0

14 Locomotive decoder LE230
DIGITAL plus
Creating a Speed Curve
Start by writing down how you want to assign the internal speed
settings to the speed steps, for example by making up a table as
shown below. The table shown is just an example and gives the
factory pre-set speed curve for a starting speed of 1.
In the following description, we will assume that the decoder is
properly installed and tested, and the locomotive is on the
programming track with the power on. We assume you are
familiar with the general process of programming using your
command station.
Speed step in
14/27 mode Speed step in 28
mode
Internal
speed
setting
CV /
register
1 1 1 67
2 3 3 68
3 5 5 69
4 7 7 70
5 9 9 71
6 11 12 72
7 13 15 73
8 15 19 74
9 17 23 75
10 19 28 76
11 21 34 77
12 23 42 78
13 25 52 79
14 27 60 80
-28 63 81
Warranty
Lenz GmbH does everything it can do to ensure that its products are free from
defects and will operate for the life of your model railroad equipment. From time to
time even the best engineered products fail either due to a faulty part or from
accidental mistakes in installation. To protect your investment in Digital Plus
products. Lenz GmbH offers a very aggressive 10 year Limited Warranty.
This warranty is not valid if the user has altered, intentionally misused the Digital
Plus product, or removed the product's protection, for example the heat shrink from
decoders and other devices. In this case a service charge will be applied

Locomotive decoder LE230 15
DIGITAL plus
for all repairs or replacements. Should the user desire to alter a Digital Plus
Product, they should contact Lenz GmbH for prior authorization.
Year One: A full repair or replacement will be provided to the original purchaser for any
item that that has failed due to manufacturer defects or failures caused by accidental user
installation problems. Should the item no longer be produced and the item is not repairable,
a similar item will be substituted at the manufacturers discretion. The user must pay for
shipping to an authorized Lenz GmbH warranty center.
Year 2 and 3: A full replacement for any item will be provided that has failed due to
manufacturer defects. If the failure was caused by accidental user installation or use, a
minimal service charge may be imposed. Should the item no longer be produced and the
item is not repairable, a similar item will be substituted at the manufacturers discretion. The
user must pay shipping to and from the authorized Lenz GmbH warranty center during this
portion of the warranty period.
Year 4-10: A minimal service charge will be placed on each item that has failed due to
manufacturer defects and/or accidental user installation problems. Should the item no longer
be produced and the item is not repairable, a similar item will be substituted at the
manufacturers discretion. The user must pay shipping to and from the authorized Lenz
GmbH warranty center during this portion of the warranty period.
Please contact your dealer or authorized Lenz GmbH warranty center for specific
instructions and current service charges prior to returning any equipment for repair.

16 Locomotive decoder LE230
DIGITAL plus
Hüttenbergstraße 29
35398 Gießen, Germany
Hotline: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
http://www.lenz.com
Lenz Agency of North America
PO Box 143
Chelmsford, MA 01824
ph/fax: [phone]
[email protected]
This equipment complies with Part 15 of FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the
following two conditions: (1) this device may not cause harmful interference, and
(2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that
may cause undesired operation.
© 1996, 1997 Lenz GmbH, All Rights Reserved