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Post by montyvox on May 2, 2013 6:16:27 GMT -5
Good morning everyone-
Has any used any of the ESU Lok Sound decoders in any of their engines?
All of my sound decoders are Soundtraxx Tsunami now, but I'm thinking of maybe trying one out on a potential project.
How is the lighting? If I was to use LED's, would I need resistors? Motor Control- is it similiar to Soundtraxx?
I guess I'm looking for the pros/cons between the two.
Any input would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks-
Matt
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c415rock
Moderator
"Linking the East with the West"
Posts: 1,044
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Post by c415rock on May 2, 2013 9:01:19 GMT -5
HI Matt,
The lighting is excellent, they have 6 outputs. So if you are looking to do ditch lights on both ends, it is very easy to do. You will need resistors. I like the motor control. The ESU is my now go to sound decoder. They are working on doing new recordings for there GE'S and other sound sets. I am sure Mark R here could give you some more input, he has installed several of the ESU decoders. I know a lot of the OEM's a switching over to ESU for factory supplied sound decoders. So they must be doing something right.
Here is a link to my You Tube channel with a recent ESU install in a Atlas GP38 with ditch lights on both ends.
A happy user
Erik
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Post by Packer on May 2, 2013 9:12:02 GMT -5
I'm considering a lok-sound select for use in an athearn RTR SW10 (SW1000). Do any of the lok-sounds come with a 9-pin plug?
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Post by lyled1117 on May 2, 2013 10:32:31 GMT -5
The ESU/Loksound decoders are high quality decoders. They have great running characteristics and good sound delivery. You will need to resistor any outputs that drive anything that isn't a 12V device (LEDs aren't  ). These decoders are reprogrammable, you can place any sound in them you desire but you need their programmer to do it. If you go down that road, you need to pay attention to which version of the decoder you get as ESU has made some firmware changes that affect what software you use to reprogram them. However its likely anything you would purchase is the newer firmware decoder. I have some older versions still, I need to have older and newer versions of the programmer s'ware available. Lyle |
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pacbelt
Chairman
Building Layout #11!! ;)
Posts: 682 
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Post by pacbelt on May 2, 2013 13:45:39 GMT -5
I've heard nothing but good things myself! I'm saving my pennies for some myself...
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Post by hurricanefec on May 2, 2013 18:00:43 GMT -5
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Post by hurricanefec on May 2, 2013 18:04:01 GMT -5
The ESU/Loksound decoders are high quality decoders. They have great running characteristics and good sound delivery. You will need to resistor any outputs that drive anything that isn't a 12V device (LEDs aren't ). These decoders are reprogrammable, you can place any sound in them you desire but you need their programmer to do it. If you go down that road, you need to pay attention to which version of the decoder you get as ESU has made some firmware changes that affect what software you use to reprogram them. However its likely anything you would purchase is the newer firmware decoder. I have some older versions still, I need to have older and newer versions of the programmer s'ware available. Lyle Website states no resistors needed??? The Select Direct includes 6 lighting outputs with built-in resistors for LEDs. If an output is not to be connected to a single LED or the outputs are connected to bulbs, each resistor has a set of solder, bridge pads for bypassing the resistor. When a resistor is bridged, by soldering across the pads, the respective function output's full voltage is available. This is usually between 12-14 volts DC. Resistors are then add to the minus function output for the correct current. Also, Loksound decoder current can be decreased through CVs for even more control of brightness |
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pacbelt
Chairman
Building Layout #11!! ;)
Posts: 682
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Post by pacbelt on May 3, 2013 2:56:53 GMT -5
More great selling points!!!
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Post by montyvox on May 7, 2013 9:31:06 GMT -5
Thanks everyone for the information- It sounds like they are a success, so I will try one out!
Thanks again!
Matt
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Post by hurricanefec on May 15, 2013 18:54:00 GMT -5
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Post by hurricanefec on Oct 14, 2013 14:39:10 GMT -5
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Post by Mark R. on Oct 14, 2013 15:36:27 GMT -5
I'm considering a lok-sound select for use in an athearn RTR SW10 (SW1000). Do any of the lok-sounds come with a 9-pin plug? Earlier versions of the Loksound decoders could be had with the 9-pin harness, but they've opted out of them as they were too bulky on the board. Mark. |
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Post by tpwillie on Oct 16, 2013 17:20:43 GMT -5
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). These decoders are reprogrammable, you can place any sound in them you desire but you need their programmer to do it. If you go down that road, you need to pay attention to which version of the decoder you get as ESU has made some firmware changes that affect what software you use to reprogram them. However its likely anything you would purchase is the newer firmware decoder. I have some older versions still, I need to have older and newer versions of the programmer s'ware available.
