10
INSTALLING A DCC DECODER
The F59PH contains a motherboard specially designed for our decoders. This is
connected to the track, motor and lighting outputs. A blind plug is attached to
the motherboard using a 21-pin connector. To install a decoder, remove the blind
plug and install a 21-pin decoder. Your chosen decoder should have eight function
outputs.
At the time of writing, we recommend only the following 21-pin decoders:
• ESU #59029 - LokPilot 5 Basic with 21MTC
• ESU #59529 - LokPilot 5 DCC with 21MTC
We feel the 21-pin connectors are superior because there are enough pins to ensure
that all your lighting functions are connected. The necessary resistors are included
on our motherboard so you don’t have to futz around with resistors. Just plug in one
of the recommended decoders and you have DCC. We know some of you prefer
a different brand of decoder, but we honestly can’t help you install it or map the
functions.
We have made a F59PH function mapping which can be downloaded onto ESU
decoders so that the function buttons and motor control are exactly the same as
our factory-released sound versions. This should be available for download
from the Support section of our web site. If it isn’t, bug us. You will need an ESU
LokProgrammer to write the function mapping to the 59029 or 59529 decoders. If
you don’t have a LokProgrammer, you can adjust CVs in the usual way.
We will be selling F59PH sound decoders separately; if they aren’t on our web site
by the time you read this, call our office, pick a random number between 1 and 62,
divide by 3, multiply by 6, and then take the second last number. Call that extension
and you’ll be redirected to someone whom you can yell at. Look at us − we use the
correct pronoun and then end the sentence with a preposition. This is a metaphor
for the contradictory nature of human existence! You can find further editions of this
manual in the philosophy department of your local bookstore!
If you want to install a decoder other than the one we suggest, it’s more than just
plugging in the decoder and then playing trains. You will have to custom map all the
functions. It’s just how it is. We won’t apologize for that. Sorry.
OPERATION – DC (SOUND)
To operate your sound-equipped F59PH locomotive on a DC layout, just give the
throttle some juice. The engine will start up once sufficient voltage has been reached
(around seven volts). See the note above (in Operation – DC (Silent)) about using
