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We recommend the following 21-pin decoders:
• ESU #54615 - LokPilot V4.0 DCC with 21MTC
• TCS #EU621 - BEMF six-function decoder
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
ESU-designed motherboard so you don’t have to futz around with resistors. Just plug in
one of the two recommended decoders and you have DCC.
ESU has made a GMD-1 function mapping which can be downloaded into their non-
sound decoder (54615) so that the function buttons and motor control are exactly the
same as our factory-released sound versions. This is available for download on the
GMD-1 page in the Support section of our web site. You will need an ESU LokProgram-
mer to write the function mapping to the 54615 decoder. If you don’t have a LokPro-
grammer, you can adjust CVs in the usual way.
The silent ESU 54615 decoder with our GMD-1 settings can be purchased prepro-
grammed from your favourite retailer. Just order ESU item number 91644. As the sound
version uses custom sounds we recorded ourselves, the GMD-1 sound file is not avail-
able as a download from ESU. We will be selling GMD-1 sound decoders separately; if
they aren’t on our web site by the time you read this, call Jason and yell at him.
OPERaTION – DCC/DC WITH SOUND
We go to extreme lengths for accuracy, in sounds as well as in looks. Our sound decod-
ers are LokSound Select decoders by ESU, programmed with sounds we recorded from
GMD-1 #1118 on the Alberta Prairie Railway in Stettler, Alberta. 1118’s guts are origi-
nal, so the sounds are correct for the 1000-series and 1900-series GMD-1 locomotives.
Most importantly, we recorded 1118 under load, pulling 12 covered hoppers at a good
clip along the Alberta Prairie “mainline.” Locomotives sound different when they are
working. We were one of the first manufacturers to record locomotives under load for
our sound decoders, and while others have since followed in our footsteps few manu-
facturers are as insane about it as we are. You know we’ve done everything possible to
ensure the model sounds right — we even have wheel slip!
More detailed decoder instructions, including all sorts of weird CV settings we don’t
understand, can be found in the ESU Loksound Select decoder manual. This is available
for download on the GMD-1 page in the Support section of our web site.
LOCOMOTIVE aDDRESS
Your Rapido/MLW GMD-1 comes from the factory with a decoder address of 3. We
suggest if you are using DCC control that you first test that the locomotive responds on
Summary of Contents for GMD-1
Page 1: ...FRAN AIS AU VERSO GMD 1...
