LokSound Basics
2.5. Software updates
ESU offers the latest version of the LokProgrammer software
on the web page www.esu.eu.
You will find it in the „Down-
loads“ menu under „Software“. Click onto the Download-
symbol at the end of the line. A window opens. Click „Run“.
Now the program will guide you through the installation
procedure.
Fig.3.: Start Window for Internet Update
There is also an option for an automatic update provided the
software is already installed on your computer:
• Go into the Start Menu and select Program „LokProgrammer
vX“, (the X stands for the version number of your software).
• Click onto „Internet Update“. A window as per Fig. 3 opens.
• Click onto „Next“. The note „Downloading required Files. Please
be patient“ appears. While this window is shown the files
required for the update will be installed. Subsequently you can
start the LokProgrammer software from the installation
window.
Please note that software version 4.4.7+ runs and opens
appropriate data (meant for decoder versions 3.5 and v4.0)
thus this software incorporates software 2.6.6 and on for
v3.5 decoders and versions 4.4.1 and on for v4.0 decoders.
You cannot mix and match features of decoder versions,
software and firmware is distinctly different for each decoder
version, but this software will open sound projects for both
decoder architectures. Specifics for version 3.5 decoders
are available in the programmer manual for that decoder.
This manual is specific to v4 decoders.
2.6. Firmware updates
The firmware is the operating system of the LokPilot- or
LokSound decoders.
Please note: Certain new software options can only be activated
with LokSound decoders with the latest firmware-update.
Firmware installs as required when sound data is written to
the decoder.
Privacy Protection:
ESU guarantees that no information will be downloaded from
your PC to the ESU website. Data transmission is strictly limited
to sending data from the ESU home page to your PC. Your
personal data are protected at any time.
3. LokSound basics
In the following chapter it is explained how the LokSound
decoder reproduces prototypical sounds, what options are
available with digital command control for model trains and
which protocols of digital systems are currently available in the
market. Should you already have experience with digital systems
and also be familiar with locomotive sounds you may skip this
chapter and continue reading on page 16.
3.1. Sound characteristics of locomotives
With LokProgrammer and LokSound decoders you can
reproduce sounds of steam locomotives, diesel-hydraulic and
diesel-electric locomotives, electric locos or locos with manual
transmission (e.g.: rail car). Of course the sound sequences are
subject to the type of locomotive.
3.1.1. Steam locomotive
The dominant sounds of a steam locomotive are the hissing of
the boiler and the exhaust chuffs when the locomotive is
running. The chuffs are synchronized to the revolutions of the
drivers and therefore accelerate or slow down whenever the
locomotive runs faster or slower. We differentiate between
locomotives with 2 or 4 cylinders and others with 3 cylinders. A
steam locomotive with 3 cylinders generates either 3 or 6
exhaust chuffs per revolution of the drivers while a 2- or 4-
cylinder locomotive generates 4 exhaust chuffs per revolution.
The exhaust chuffs appear to be louder and harder during
acceleration compared to normal running at constant speed.
Whenever the valves are closed the only audible noise is the
clank of the driving rods.
When the locomotive starts moving, the cylinder valves are
open in order to push out any condensed steam and thus to
avoid breakage of the driving rods.
This behavior can be simulated with LokSound decoders and
with the aid of the LokProgrammer. The individual stages are
divided into separate Driving notches. The different sounds of
the respective stages consist of individual recordings of the
exhaust chuffs (also refer to Fig. 4 and chapter 11.5 for
detailed explanations).
Fig.4.: Performance of a Steam Locomotive
3.1.2. Diesel locomotive (diesel-electric)
Diesel-electric locomotives are in principle electric locomotives
with electrical generators that are powered by diesel engines.
The diesel locomotive is generally driven at constant Driving
notches subject to the speed of the locomotive. Therefore the
noise generated changes (driving) step by (driving) step. The
quiet electric motor can hardly be heard over the noise of the
diesel powered plant. Most diesel-electric locomotives have 4
to 8 throttle notches.
Examples of diesel-electric locomotives are the DB class 232
(„Ludmilla“), most American diesel locomotives by GE or ALCO
or the MZ-locomotives by the Danish State Railways.
Fig.5.: Performance of a diesel-electric locomotive
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