LokSound Basics
3.3. Automatic / Random sounds
Random Sounds are triggered automatically and irregularly
and can be used for safety valves, fans, compressors, etc.
With the LokProgrammer you can select the time between
Random Sounds (details in 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 chapter 9). Such sounds will be
triggered at 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 standard by the NMRA (National Model Railroad Association).
In the early stages operation was limited to 14 speed steps and
80 addresses; today up to 10,000 addresses and 128 speed
steps are available.
DCC is downward compatible in terms of control and decoders,
e.g. older decoders can be controlled with up-to-date command
stations / throttles and with certain limitations new decoders
can be operated and programmed with older control devices.
3.4.2. Motorola®
The Motorola®-protocol goes back to 1984 is one of the oldest
digital systems for model trains. Due to its age the operational
options are limited.
The Motorola®-protocol can only handle 80 locomotive
addresses with 14 speed steps and besides the headlight function
only four additional function outputs can be controlled (functions
5-8 can be selected with the second Motorola®-address).
Since the Motorola®-protocol is still used in many digital systems
ESU decoders are designed to work with this protocol as well.
3.4.3. M4
Since 2004 the MFX®-system is on the market. Theoretically
this could run more than 16,000 model locomotives simultaneously
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
l
ocomotive has to be entered (e.g.: „class 01“ or „ICE“). The
allocatement of certain parameters to the CVs is also different
to DCC.
Do not use the DCC-CVs mentioned from chapter 3.5 onwards
for M4!
What does M4 mean?
At some points in this manual you w
ill notice the term „M4“ for the first
time and rightly wonder what this might mean.
This question can be answered quite simply: from 2009 forward, M4 is the
name of a data protocol that was chosen by ESU to be implemented in
their decoders. Decoders with the M4 protocol are one hundred percent
compatible with command stations using mfx®. At such stations (e.g.
Märklin® Central Station®) they will be recognized automatically and all
playing functions are available just like when using mfx®. On the other
hand, our ESU 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.
In short: the technique stays the same, only the name has been changed.
3.4.4. Selectrix®
Selectrix® is another digital system. In contradiction to DCC
the locomotive addresses are not transmitted individually but in
groups. Thus it is limited to the driving sounds and Random
Sounds but it is not possible to trigger any user defined sounds
(e.g.: a whistle or bell). Selectrix® is almost exclusively used for
N scale and Z scale; therefore it is also supported by the ESU
LokSound micro decoder.
It is important not to confuse these systems when programming
any sounds. For instance is it not possible to store any M4-
project files on a DCC-decoder let alone to replay them.
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 with a maximum value of 192. The value 0 means no sound
while 192 stands for maximum sound volume. (150%)
In CV 49, bit 0 is a „switch“ for activating load compensation
(as per 8.3.2). If this bit set to 0, load compensation is deactivated,
is it set to 1, and then load compensation is active.
The NMRA (National Model Railroad Association) has allocated
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
little memory space. Programming solely with CVs is not easy to
remember and depending on the type of command station it
can be quite cumbersome.
Furthermore CVs have only limited effect on sounds in LokSound
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
268.44 seconds of sound.
The eight channel mixer with active filter can replay eight diffe-
rent sounds simultaneously: One channel is reserved for the
driving sounds while the other seven can be used for other sounds
(such as bells, whistles, etc.), Random Sounds (e.g.:
automatic safety valves or shoveling coal), and brake sounds.
All eight channels will be mixed to one output in the decoder
and transmitted to 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
whatsoever to modify a steam sound decoder into diesel sound.
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 are installed in locomotives by a model
train manufacturer may not always offer this option!
A field at the lower edge of the screen shows the available
memory space 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 wish to save some files but do not have enough memory
space on the decoder you may have to delete some sound files
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 for 100 Ohm
whilst v4.0 and XL require 4,8, and other
ohm ratings. Please see your decoder for specific speaker
ratings.
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