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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 decoder:
• ESU #54615 - LokPilot V4.0 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 the
recommended decoder 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 an RS-18 function mapping which can be downloaded into the ESU
non-sound decoder (54615) 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 54615 decoder. If you don’t have
a LokProgrammer, you can adjust CVs in the usual way.
We will be selling RS-18 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!
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, eh.
OPERATION – DC (SOUND)
To operate your sound-equipped RS-18 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 train-set or
large-scale throttles. With DC layouts, you have very little control over the sounds of
your model.