The name tells it all: The LokSound XL V3.5 is intended for the big locos of gauge G and I. It works with DCC – or Märklin® Motorola® systems, as well as with LGB®-MTS®’s typical domino sequencing set up for the function keys. The LokSound XL V3.5 size 51 x 40 mm, (2,04 x 1,6 in) fits in all locos of these gauges, and is shipped with a robust screw terminal connection for easy installation.

Operational modes

The LokSound XL V3.5 handles DCC and Motorola®. In DCC mode it will operate with 14, 28 or 128 speed st eps. The decoder recognizes the speed step number automatically. It supports Lenz® LG 100, respectively Roco® braking sections, as well as braking in DC sections with reversed polarity, or the Märklin® braking section (even in DCC operation). You can either use a two digit (1 – 127) or a four digit address (1 – 9999), or assign a consist address. The Motorola® protocol makes it possible to run the LokSound decoder with Märklin® stations 6020, 6021, delta®, mobile station® and central station®. The decoder commands hereby addresses 1 – 80, and stops correctly on the Märklin® braking section. During operation, the LokSound XL V3.5 decoder converts automatically between all control modes (Motorola®, DCC, AC, DC).

Motor management

The powerful output stage (3.0A continuous-current) will run models with even two prime movers. All known DC- and coreless motors (e.g. Mabuchi®, Bühler®, Faulhaber® or Maxon®) can be used. The load control (back EMF) with 32 kHz High frequency regulation takes care of a silky smooth, absolutely silent motor operation, and lets your engines crawl super slowly on the layout. A 10-bit A/D converter makes this possible. With Dynamic Drive Control (DDC) you can limit the influence of load control and operate really smoothly in the depot area and over turnouts; while on the (fast) main, when going uphill, the engine slows prototypically down.

Sound

The LokSound XL V3.5 decoder stores up to 65 seconds of sound data in its 8 MBit flash chip. This is transferred to a 1.5 Watt, last stage high performance bridge tied amplifier via four polyphonic sound channels. Together with our ESU Loudspeakers (16 – 32 Ohm) or Hi-Fi loudspeakers (8 – 16 Ohm), your engines will really sound their best in the future. Load dependent strain (de-selectable) is as much taken for granted, as Doppler effect, or separate volume adjustment for each of the channels.

Analog operation

Back EMF as well as the sound of the LokSound XL V3.5 decoder is fully serviceable in Analog mode.

Functions

From experience it is known that there is much to switch in big locos. That’s why we provided for eight (!) function outputs. Each output can be allocated to a function: Besides beacon, strobe and alternate flashing, there is firebox flicker simulation, as well as Mars light or Gyra light for US models. All function outputs are individually dimmable in 15 steps. Each function output can be allocated to any function key between F0 and F15 (mapping). Furthermore the combination of sound – and function sequences makes it possible to simulate realistic function events, such as firebox flicker when shoveling coal.

Programming

The LokSound XL V3.5 decoder supports all DCC programming modes. All adjustments are done electronically. This applies even when working with Märklin® center stations 6020, 6021, mobile station® and central station®. For these units, the LokSound XL V3.5 decoder employs a proven, easily acquired programming procedure. All programmed changes during Motorola® operation are valid with DCC – and vice verse. Programming configuration variables (CV’s) is especially simple for owners of our ECoS Command Station: All modifications are displayed in plain words on the large screen and can easily be altered – even during operation on the layout.

Safeguard

All function outputs and the motor connection are protected against overload and short circuit. We’d like you to enjoy your LokSound XL V3.5 decoder as long as possible.

Built-in future

LokSound XL V3.5 decoders are firmware updatable. This means, the internal decoder software can be replaced by new versions, if necessary. To do this, you only need an ESU LokProgrammer and a PC. You will appreciate the value of this investment, when you realize that any owner of a LokSound XL V3.0 decoder can, through an update turn it into a LokSound XL V3.5 decoder: You can download the software from our homepage – free of charge.

Variety of sound

ESU, as market and technology leader in the realm of sound, takes your demands for sound realism very seriously. That’s why we offer over 100 (!) different sound variants just for the LokSound XL V3.5 ! When you purchase a sound module of a certain prototype from us, be assured the sound comes from that loco. Guaranteed. You can count on it.

The all-new LokPilot XL V3.0 can be used with DCC or Motorola® and cannot only provide up to 3.0A continuous load for the motor, but also switch up to 8 (!) function outputs. Thanks to the „Power Pack“ energy reservoir, the error of dirty tracks outside is a thing of the past.

The LokPilot XL V3.0 is the worthy successor of the two LokPilot XL V1.0 decoders: Naturally the „new one“ also sports a 3.0 Amp continuous load, but apart from that it was heavily modified: Next to 8 ( ! ) function outputs for activating extra function-features, the integrated „power pack“ is a standard part of each LokPilot XL V3.0 decoder. Thanks to this energy reservoir, the horror of dirty tracks outside is a thing of the past.

Operational modes

LokPilot XL V3.0 can handle DCC with 14, 28 and 128 speed steps as well as Motorola. It supports Lenz LG100 resp. ROCO braking sections as well as Zimo HLU-commands-, or braking in DC sections with reversed polarity-, or the Märklin braking section (also for DCC). You can either assign a short-, or four-digit address. The Motorola protocol facilitates the operation of the LokPilot XL V3.0 decoders with Märklin centers 6020, 6021, Delta, mobile station and central station. For those, the decoders can handle addresses 01 – 255 and come to a halt at the correct position on the Märklin braking section. The LokPilot XL V3.0 converses during operation fully automatically between all control modes (Motorola, DCC, DC, AC) and recognizes the speed steps automatically.

Motor Management

The 4th generation load control performs with up to 32 kHz pulse-width frequency and thus assures extremely quiet, smooth motor operation, especially with ironless core motors. Thanks to 10-Bit technology, your locos will crawl super-slowly. Load control can be adapted very easily to various combinations of motors and gearing. With Dynamic Drive Control (DDC) you can limit the influence of load control and run your loco real smoothly in the depot area and over turnouts, while on the main, when traveling uphill, the train slows down prototypically.

Analog Operation

With the LokPilot XL V3.0 in Analog mode you can adjust not only start-and high speed (V start, V max) of your loco, and determine which of the functions should be active: Even load regulation is activated.

Functions

Individually programmable acceleration and deceleration (both de-selectable), and selectable switching speed is a matter of course with the LokPilot XL V3.0. Since experience shows that there is a lot to be shifted and switched in big engines, we built in an additional eight ( ! ) functions. Each output can be allocated separately to a function: There is flash, alternate flash, (or ditch lights), strobe light, firebox flicker as well as Mars-or Gyra light for US models. All function outputs can be assigned to one function key (F0 – F15), and are dimmable in 15 steps.

Programming

LokPilot XL V3.0 supports all DCC programming modes, including POM (Programming on the main). All programming is done electronically, even for Märklin stations 6020, 6021, mobile station and central station. For these units LokPilot XL V3.0 employs a time proven, easily acquired programming procedure.

Accident prevention

LokPilot XL V3.0 with its integrated „Power Pack“ offers an energy reservoir, which assures continued feed of motor and decoder up to 1 second, should there be a current interruption. This major contribution to operational safety is easy to apply: Thanks to factory installation, the decoder does everything fully automatically!

Protection

All function outputs and the motor connection are overload, – and short circuit protected.

Built in future

The LokPilot XL V3.0 is firmware up gradable and can be updated with the BiDi-function, as soon as NMRA standardization is implemented.