This is the new LGB MTS compatible DCC command unit from MASSOTH . I bought mine from GARDEN RAILWAY SPECIALISTS and costs £695.

The Massoth DiMAX as now available from HOBBYBAHN and GARDEN RAILWAY CENTRES as well.

This is the main command centre as has a track output of 12Amps. It is fully compatible with the LGB MTS system using at the moment the LGB MTS Remote handsets, but  this is set to change later in the year when Massoth release their own remote handset called the DiMAX Navigator and the LGB MTS remote handset will then require an adaptor to work with this command unit.

Well what do you get? well not much just the unit itself a thin instruction manual and a Kettle style three prong power lead, but having said that it's all you need to get up and running. Even though the manual is a bit on the thin side it covers just about everything in a very clear manner.

Ok lets see how well it performs. On starting up you are greeted with a Massoth boot information screen on the rather nice blue back lit screen on the front of the unit. This shows you what firmware update your unit is running which can be updated for free via the Massoth website,of which one is due very soon to coincide with the release of the Navigator Handset but this will require a lead to connect the DiMAX to your PC which was not supplied.

Once that has cleared you are left with the main screen showing that you are running in LGB compatible mode along with which Amp mode you are in, with the options being 4amp, 7amp and 12amp. It also tells you how many amps your are presently using and if Analogue mode has been activated, which by the way has to be turned back on eveytime the unit is turned off. There is a display of how long the unit has been set before it trips and shuts down in the case of a short circuit, you have the option of setting different times before the unit trips.

Whilst in use the Massoth unit performs just as the LGB MTS unit does but with a very noticeable power increase with locos now pulling away a lot smoother and dirty track now not being so much of a problem also this system decreases the need to keep cleaning the track as the extra amp's helping with this. I first tested the Massoth with both USA Trains and LGB loco's and i had no problems at all. The direction control for forwards and backwards is now the same for all loco's , this also included my Arisotcraft non chipped engine which when using the LGB MTS system was always the opposite way round to control. All the functions are still able to be activated by the same numbers on the handset as per the LGB system, E.g. : Number 9 on the handset turns the lights on and off. This system uses a Parallel signal so all commands sent to trains are instant.

By pressing the large round red button just under the screen on the front of the unit you can access the menu of the unit. They are as follows,

1 : Manually change amp output.

2 : Manually change the short circuit timer.

3 : Activate the Analogue mode ( For non Chipped trains.)

4 : Programming of decoder address

This feature can be used to change the address of the loco's to the number of your choice. just connect a section of track up to the programming output on the back of the unit and enter the programming mode by pressing the right hand arrow and then just select the number you wish and with a press of the round button its done, very simple and easy.

5 : this option is for the installing of a new firmware update, but as of yet I have not had to use this function.

All option screens end with a smiley face to let you know that the changes you have made were successful which i found a nice touch.

In summary then, I found this command unit a real pleasure to use and you can really notice having the extra power at your finger tips and once the handset has been released I will be able to get feel for the extra features that this unit offers such as :

 radio frequency for the wireless operation of the handset,

The option of 14, 28 or 128 speed steps which will help when using other brands of decoders such as Digitrax.

And the option to control more trains and accessorises than it would seem possible for one man to operate.

Once the Navigator and new firmware are available i will update this article.

If you wish to ask more about this unit please feel free to email at jason@gscalemad.co.uk

Jason Palmer. 2005.