LokSound Basics
3.3. Automatic / Random sounds
Random Sounds are triggered automatically and irregularly
and canbe used for safety valves, fans,compressors, etc.
With the LokProgrammer you can select the time between
Random Sounds (detailsin chapter 8.5.3).
Other possibilities for triggering sounds automatically such as
squealing brakes are contained in Decoder Settings and the
appropriate flow chart (see chapter9). Such sounds will be
triggeredat specific times based on those settings.
3.4. Digital system / Protocols
In this chapter we list all digital protocols for running model
trains and setting signals and turnouts that are supported by
the LokProgrammer.
3.4.1. DCC (NMRA)
DCC stands for „Digital Command Control“ and was formulated
as standardbytheNMRA (National Model RailroadAssociation).
Inthe earlystages operation was limitedto 14 speedsteps and
80 addresses; today up to 10,000 addresses and 128 speed
steps areavailable.
DCC is downward compatible in terms of control and decoders,
e.g. older decoders can be controlled with up-to-datecommand
stations / throttles and with certain limitations new decoders
can be operated and programmed with oldercontrol devices.
3.4.2. Motorola®
The Motorola®-protocol goes back to 1984 is one of the oldest
digital systems formodel trains. Due to its age the operational
options are limited.
The Motorola®-protocol can only handle 80 locomotive
addresses with14speedsteps and besidesthe headlightfunction
onlyfour additionalfunctionoutputs can becontrolled(functions
5-8 can beselected with the second Motorola®-address).
Sincethe Motorola®-protocolisstill used inmany digitalsystems
ESU decoders are designed to work with this protocol as well.
3.4.3. M4
Since 2004 the MFX®-system is onthemarket.Theoretically
this couldrunmore than16,000model locomotivessimultaneously
with 128 speed steps.
The LokProgrammer software deals with certain settings
somewhat differently to DCC.
For instance, instead of locomotive addresses the name of the
locomotive has to be entered (e.g.: „class 01“ or „ICE“). The
allocatement of certain parameters to the CVs is also different
toDCC.
Do not usethe DCC-CVs mentioned from chapter 3.5 onwards
for M4!
Whatdoes M4 mean?
At some points in thismanual you will notice the term „M4“ for the first
time and rightlywonder what this might mean.
This question canbe answeredquite simply: from 2009forward,M4 isthe
name of a data protocol that was chosen by ESU to be implemented in
their decoders. Decoders with the M4 protocol are onehundred percent
compatible with command stations using mfx®. At such stations (e.g.
Märklin® Central Station®) they will be recognized automaticallyand all
playing functions are available just like when using mfx®. On the other
hand, ourESU command stations using M4 will recognize all (Märklin®
and ESU) mfx® decoders without any restrictions and will still work
without any problems. As the (mutual) inventor of mfx® we can assure
you of this.
Inshort: thetechniquestaysthe same,onlythe namehas been changed.
3.4.4. Selectrix®
Selectrix® is another digital system. In contradiction to DCC
the locomotive addresses are not transmitted individuallybut in
groups. Thus it is limited to the driving sounds and Random
Sounds but it is not possibleto trigger any user defined sounds
(e.g.: a whistle or bell). Selectrix® is almostexclusivelyused for
N scale and Z scale; therefore it is also supported by the ESU
LokSoundmicrodecoder.
It is important not to confusethesesystemswhen programming
any sounds. For instance is it not possible to store any M4-
project files on a DCC-decoder let alone to replaythem.
3.5.CVs
3.5.1 Definition and application
CV stands for „Configuration Variable“. CVs can have values in
bits or bytes. The CVs with bytes can have a range from 0 to
255 while the CVs programmed in bits function as on / off-
switches.
Examples:
CV 63 (sound volume) is a CV that can be programmed byte-
wise witha maximum value of 192. Thevalue 0 means no sound
while 192 standsfor maximumsound volume. (150%)
In CV 49, bit 0 is a „switch“ for activating load compensation
(asper8.3.2). Ifthis bitset to0,loadcompensationis deactivated,
is it set to 1, and then load compensation is active.
TheNMRA(NationalModelRailroadAssociation)hasallocated
certain CVs to certain functions. For instance CV 1 is always
used for the address, CV 5 for the maximum speed.
Advantages / Disadvantages
Digital decoders can be programmed without the need of
comprehensive programming knowledge or equipment. Many
digital command stations also offer internal programming
menus.
Furthermore the programming with bits and bytes requires
littlememoryspace. Programmingsolelywith CVsisnoteasyto
remember and depending on the type of command station it
can be quite cumbersome.
Furthermore CVs have only limitedeffect on soundsinLokSound
decoders (e.g.: sound volume). The actual sounds cannot be
adjusted with CVs but depend on the actual sound recording.
In the LokProgrammer software CVs are shown in registers or
as slide controls and can therefore easily be set to the desired
values.
3.6. Further information about LokSound decoders
3.6.1. General
At the core of a LokSound decoder is a powerful processor. It
is supported by an audio amplifier and a sound memory that
can store up to 268.44seconds ofsound.
The eight channel mixer with active filter can replay eight diffe-
rent sounds simultaneously: One channel is reserved for the
driving sounds while theother seven can be used for othersounds
(such as bells, whistles, etc.), Random Sounds (e.g.:
automaticsafety valvesor shoveling coal), and brakesounds.
Alleight channels will be mixed to one output in the decoder
and transmittedto the speaker.
The memory of the LokSound decoder can be deleted at any
time to make room for new sounds. Thus it is no problem
whatsoevertomodifyasteamsounddecoderintodieselsound.
You can easily do that yourself with the aid of the ESU
LokProgrammer whenever you want to!
Please note: this unimpeded change of sounds is limited to
decoders sold for installation into locomotives by the user.
LokSound decoders that areinstalledinlocomotives bya model
train manufacturer may not always offer this option!
A field at the lower edge of the screen shows the available
memoryspace during programming(in seconds and bytes) as
well as the total capacity of the particular decoder. Select the
„Sound“ register and then one of the sound displays in order
to see this (also refer to chapter 9.).
If you wishto save some files but donot have enough memory
space onthedecoder you mayhavetodeletesomesoundfiles
from this project. Alternately you can shorten some of the
sound fragments with your audio-program.
3.6.2. Connecting the speaker
The speaker is the end piece of the sound equipment. Of
course we can only install small speakers into our model
locomotives.
Therefore the speaker must meet a very demanding
specification. ESU offers a range of speakers of different size
and for different decoder types.
Please note that the audio output of the LokSound v3.5 decoder is
designed for100 Ohm whilst v4.0 and XL require 4,8, and other
ohm ratings. Please seeyour decoder for specific speaker
ratings.
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