LokSound Multifunction Decoders by ESU

Summary: LokSound is the brand name for ESU's line of sound-equipped multifunction decoders. ESU's LokSound multifunction decoders are very advanced sound decoders, and are found as the OEM multifunction decoder in many locomotives.

The naming scheme used on this page follows the LokProgrammer's conventions.

LokSound Multifunction Decoders

LokSound 5 Series

The LokSound 5 is designed with the European market in mind. Momentum multiplier (CV 3 and 4) is 0.25. European modellers are more likely to be using some form of automation, requiring much more exact stopping distances or times.

The LokSound 5 DCC is designed for the North American and Australian markets. It supports CV6 (three-point speed table) with a multiplier of 0.896 for CVs 3 &4 as per the NMRA Standard. The LokSound 5 Multiprotocol is meant for other markets, and does not support CV6.

The LokSound 5 at 30 x 15.5mm will fit most HO and OO scale locomotives.

The LokSound V5 multifunction sound decoder has the following features:

DCC with RailComPlus,

Multiprotocol Modes Available:

It supports in DCC 14 and 28/128 speed steps, with 2- and 4-digit addresses and up to 32 functions available.

Additional Features

Automation

Zimo HLU braking system
Lenz ABC system
Braking with DCC brake generators or Brake on DC possible

Sound

Up to 10 channels simultaneously.
- 16 Bit / 31250 kHz samples
3W output power
- Speaker impedance: 4 – 32 Ohms.
128 MBit of memory for sound samples
Volume of individual sound fragments adjusted separately.
Three separately adjustable braking functions and two alternative load scenarios

Functions

Depending on the interface every LokSound 5 has at least 10 amplified outputs

PluX22 or 21MTC interfaces have an additional 4 outputs for controlling servos or as logic outputs.
Brightness of each lighting output can be adjusted separately.
Coupler Waltz - Easier uncoupling

Motor Control Features

Variable PWM
- 10 kHz to 50 kHz
silent operation, particularly for coreless motors.
Load control: 10 separate CVs
Auto Tune: automatic calibration of the decoder to perfectly match the motor.
1.5A rated motor current

LokSound 5 DCC

North American/Australian market DCC only multifunction decoder. All the features of the LokSound 5 without multi-protocol support
CV 6 and a three-point speed table (Not supported in the LokSound 5 Multi-protocol)
RailCom Plus
14 functions are available
Current Output: 1.5A
Analog DC operation

LokSound V5 DCC multifunction decoders are exclusive to the North American and Australian markets. Momentum CVs 3 and 4 have a multiplier of 0.896, conforming to NMRA S9.2.2.

LokSound 5 Micro

Smaller decoder for N scale applications: 21 X 10mm, nine functions, and 750mA output. Next18 interface, with adapter cable included

LokSound 5 L

Large scale (0) multifunction decoder: 51 mm x 25.5 mm

RailComPlus
3A
17 function outputs
Two RC servos supported
Dual power amplifier can drive two speakers
Integrated PowerPack,
Pin headers and a matching adapter board

LokSound 5 Micro

21 mm x 10 mm

DCC
M4
Motorola
Selectrix
RailComPlus
9 functions
0.75A
Next18 interface, with adapters

Includes speaker and enclosure

LokSound 5 L

51mm x 25.5mm Suitable for applications where an XL will not fit, or isn't required.

LokSound 5 XL

Large gauge: G and 1

55 mm x 41 mm
4A
19 outputs
4 RC servos supported
Integrated PowerPack
Screw terminals
Pin headers for Gauge 1 installations

Essential Sound Unit

OEM Only

This is a cost reduced multifunction decoder running modified V5.0 firmware. It features very limited programming capability as per the locomotive's manufacturer's specifications. Many CVs cannot be altered, and the firmware cannot be changed. This decoder is not available for retail sale.

LokSound Select

V4.0 multifunction decoders have been discontinued.

Main article: LokSound/LokSound Select

LokSound V4.0

Main article: LokSound/LokSoundV4

LokSound Full Throttle Diesel Features

Drive Hold
Run 8
Coast
Brake
Dynamic Brake

LokSound Multifunction Decoder Programming Notes

JMRI

Certain issues with JMRI's code can result in problems with LokSound multifunction decoders.

Identification of the LokSound Decoder

Use the New Loco → Read Type from Decoder to determine which decoder is installed. (JMRI V4.19.5 or higher versions.)

First Steps

Read Full Sheet instead of Read All Sheets. This method reduces the likelihood of causing errors when reading a decoder with a lot of CVs.
1. Upon completion, some CV values may be missing, which are displayed in red.
2. Repeat Read Changes on Sheet as needed, until no CV values in red remain.
  1. Click on the Status column in the CV pane until a down arrow (↓) appears. Red items will then be displayed at the top of the column.
After making changes on a programming sheet, Do Not Use Write/Read Changes on the sheet. Switch to the CV pane, use Write/Read changes on that sheet.

Decoder Reset

Do not attempt to reset a LokSound decoder using Operations Mode (Program on the Main).

LokProgrammer:

Programmer Menu
- Reset Decoder

DecoderPro:

Select the desired roster entry in Program Track mode
- Click on Resets menu
  - Click on Factory Reset

Important Notes

As this information is what is supplied by the manufacturer, it is by no means complete or accurate. See the manufacturer's web site for full details.

Manufacturer's Website

LokSound 5/LokSound 5 DCC webpage.
LokSound webpage

OEM Notes

Rapido RS-18 DCC issues

Owners of the ALCO RS-18 (Video) by Rapido Trains have reported various issues with operation of the DCC equipped locomotives.

These models are equipped with the LokSound V5.0 multifunction decoder. The following changes have been published by Rapido as a fix for these issues.

CV51 = 20
CV52 = 5
CV54 = 25

These changes will be lost if a factory reset is performed. A LokProgrammer can update the firmware so these values become the default.

These changes are unverified.

For reference, LokSound Manual at Rapido website.

LokSound Multifunction Decoders by ESU

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