In the 3rd quarter of 2006, ESU introduced yet another improved version of the successful LokPilot decoder – the LokPilot V3.0. Those who thought that LokPilot decoders are so good nothing could be improved will be coerced into changing their minds by our untiring designers. Driven by the goal to always bring to you the best

possible decoder, the LokPilot V3.0 is the all purpose decoder. Flexible as a Swiss knife, the LokPilot V3.0 supports DCC, Motorola®, DC and AC, and even Selectrix®. Also, its hardware is prepared for the coming NMRA Duplex Communication – as soon as that’s official, a simple firmware update offers you undreamt-of possibilities – free of charge.

Operational modes

The LokPilot V3.0 commands DCC through 14, 28 and 128 speed steps, as well as Motorola® and Selectrix®. The decoder recognizes the speed-step numbers automatically. It supports Lenz® LG 100 resp. Roco® braking sections as well as Zimo®’s HLU-commands, or the braking in DC braking sections with reversed polarity, or the Märklin® braking section (even for DCC). You can either use two digit (1 – 127), or four digit (1 – 9999) addresses or assign a consist address. The Motorola® protocol enables the LokPilot V3.0 decoder to run with Märklin® stations 6020, 6021, Delta®, Mobile Station® and Central Station®. The decoders can command addresses 1 – 255, and come to a stop correctly on the Märklin® braking section. With Selectrix® layouts you have the choice of up to 122 addresses. The LokPilot V3.0 converts during operation fully automatically between all control modes (Motorola®, DCC, DC, AC and Selectrix®).

Motor management

The LokPilot V3.0’s slow and top speed can be customized by three steps or a loadable speed table, defined by 28 steps. The loadable speed table is valid for 14, 28 and 128 speed steps, which is unusual for other digital decoders. Even with only 14 speed steps, there are no jerky transits discernable, thanks to ESU’s unique mass simulation. Fourth generation load control (back EMF) employs 32 kHz pulse with frequency, and takes care of extremely silent, smooth motor operation, especially with coreless motors. Your locos will crawl super slowly – thanks to 10 bit technology. The back EMF can easily be adapted to various motor and gearing combinations.

With Dynamic Drive Control (DDC) you can limit the influence of back EMF and glide smoothly around the depot area and over turnouts; while on the main, when going uphill, the engine slows down prototypically.

Analog operation

With LokPilot V3.0 it’s not only possible to limit the start and top speed of your loco in analog mode, you can even determine which of the functions should be active. Even load control is active. Therefore, the LokPilot V3.0 is ideal for locos, which are too fast with a conventional reverser relay. At last your locos crawl in analog mode as slowly as you’re used to with digital layouts.

Functions

Individually programmable acceleration and deceleration (both de-selectable) and selectable switching-speed is taken for granted with LokPilot V3.0. Its 4 function outputs achieve 250 mA load each, are separately dimmable and can be allocated to functions individually. There is dimmer, firebox flicker, Gyra – and Mars light, strobe – and double strobe, flashing and alternate flashing, and time-limited functions (e.g. for coupler). The special ESU function mapping allows you to assign each function freely to

keys F0 – F15, even multiple assignments are possible.

Programming

The LokPilot V3.0 supports all DCC programming modes including POM (Programming on the Main). All programming is done electronically; for Märklin® stations 6020, 6021, Mobile Station® and Central Station®. For these units the LokPilot V3.0 employs a time proven, easily acquired programming procedure. Programmed modifications during Motorola® operation are valid with DCC and Selectrix® operation and vice-versa. Programming configuration variables (CV’s) is especially simple for owners of our ECoS control station: all options are displayed in plain language on the large screen and can easily be edited – even during operation on the layout.

Accident prevention

The LokPilot V3.0 supports the indispensable wrong direction bit for operation on Märklin® layouts, preventing locos leaving an analog section and entering a digital part of the layout, from instantly reversing direction and backing out again. After an interruption, the decoder remembers its last status and starts up again, as quickly as possible.

Safeguard

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

Built-in future

The LokPilot V3.0 is firmware updateable. As soon as standardization is completed, you will be able to bring the decoder up to the latest DCC Duplex standard.

With LokSound you can run your engines smoothly due to load compensation while activating many functions and enjoying the original sounds as if it was the prototype. Of course you may also blow the horn or the steam whistle, turn on pumps or let the brakes squeel when stopping the engine. The combination of decoder and sound module in one unit allows for precise adaptation of sounds to the running mode. With 4 sound channels there are no limits to creating realistic sound effects.

MSRP $139

Learn more about the outstanding features of LokSound V3.5

LokSoundXL V3.5 is the consequent development of the revolutionary LokSound concept and our answer to the demand of modelers of larger gauges. The LokSoundXL V3.5 is designed with all the functions of its smaller brother and includes the additional features needed for large scale models:
• An extremely powerful motor output with 3.0A continuous current (fully short circuit protected)
• 8 short circuit protected function outputs, two of which are for lighting. Each output 0.6A max
• A 1.5 Watt high performance power amplifier

MSRP $229

Learn more about the outstanding features of LokSoundXL V3.5

DCC Sound Decoder
28 mm x 10 mm x 5 mm, fits N and TT scale; operates on DCC, Motorola or Selectrix, as well as on conventional DC mode. All the prime mover sounds are active in DC operation. Back EMF, silent running, two light functions and two additional function outputs.
Sound identical to LokSound V3.5 decoder: 4-channel, load dependent sound, stored on a 8Mbit flash memory chip, up to 65 seconds of sound recordings.
Included with the decoder are a 16 x 25 mm speaker and a detailed user guide.

Learn more about the outstanding features of LokSound mfx

Mfx is not just another sales pitch: It means nothing less than the completely new development of a revolutionary digital system. Besides a new data format with integrated feedback and new decoders there are, of course, command centers like the mobile station. This combination results in fascinating possibilities for running your trains.

Address: No more

The most important news: With mfx the tedious setting of loco addresses is a thing of the past; simply call your locos by their names.
There are no more addresses in the mfx system. All locos fitted with a mfx-decoder automatically register at the command station; right away you will see the engines name on the display. This is "plug & play" at its very best.
Of course you can change the name anytime you wish. Forget the old procedure of first searching for a new locos address in the manual!

Functions galore

Another thing of the past is the trial-and-error pushing of function buttons: "Gee, where did I put that coupler?" On the mfx stations display you see a symbol next to each key, corresponding to its function. The decoder also tells the station whether it’s a non-latching function (e.g. a whistle), or an on-off function (e.g. pantograph up or down).
Each mfx-decoder handles up to 16 functions. That’s why mfx stands for the utmost in play value. Think of sound and light effects, control of couplers and pantographs and much, much more. At least 9 functions are usable, depending on your command station.

Ultra precise control

Each mfx-decoder incorporates 128 steps for smooth acceleration. The motor is powered safely and comfortably at 32 kHz (LokSound mfx) or 40 kHz (LokPilot mfx). This guarantees a quiet and smooth operation of your motors - ideal even for ironless core motors.

Infinite number of locos

We are sure that the number of your engines will increase. That’s why the mfx-system allows you to operate up to 16,384 locos, turnouts or signals - simultaneously! The total number is only limited by the command station.

Easy operation

In spite of the high number of engines, you will easily stay in control at all times.
At the command station you can comfortably change all parameters of an mfx-decoder. Program the top-speed while running the engine! Forget the times when you had to open it to do so, or put it on a separate programming track. With mfx you can program your locos decoder on the main track while running it, independently of all other locos. This is made possible by the built in feedback, which constitutes genuine duplex communication between station and decoder.

Stay flexible

There’s supposed to be model railroaders who shop elsewhere. They don’t necessarily stick to one brand, but operate locos of various manufactures together on their 3-rail track. In the future even these model railroaders might want to use the mfx-system with its convincing advantages. Switching is made easy with the LokPilot mfx and the LokSound mfx: All ESU decoders leave the factory with a 8-wire NEM interface. This makes for especially simple installation into interface-equipped locos: open the engine, remove the dummy plug, plug in the decoder, close up the engine - done. Truly plug n’ play!

Invest in the future

Some model railroader will hesitate about getting rid of his beloved command station and investing into the "new world". Nevertheless, it makes sense to think about starting to use mfx decoders now. Owners of older Märklin® centers will benefit from purchasing a LokPilot mfx or a LokSound mfx since both decoders can be operated under the old Motorola® format. Furthermore, they offer a lot of advantages: a simple procedure at the key board of the 6021 makes programming possible without having to open the loco. Another plus is the silent, smooth running of the motor and the simplicity of installation, especially the small LokPilot mfx decoder. The real sound aficionados will choose the original LokSound mfx anyway. With regard to a planned upgrade to mfx, both decoders are an investment in the future: once you purchase a mfx-center, your locos will be ready immediately for mfx-deployment.
Since all ESU mfx-decoders can be updated, you automatically maintain state-of-the-art performance.

• Autodetection of digital or analog operation
  
• Suitable for any Digital Command Control (DCC) system, including: Digitrax®, NCE, MRC® DCC, Atlas® commander®, Bachmann® E-Z command®, Lenz® digital plus®, Zimo®, LGB® MTS®, ROCO®, Fleischmann® Twin-Center®
  
• Suitable for AC-, DC- and coreless motors
  
• Super silent running due to pulse frequency of 32 KHz
  
• Perfect load compensation for optimal running especially on uphill or downhill gradients; exceptional slow running characteristics
  
• Load control can be adapted to any motor by means of 3 CVs
  
• Dynamic Drive Control (DDC) - Back EMF active at low speeds for smooth slow running operation with reduced influence at high speeds
  
• Back EMF also active in conventional AC or DC mode - User has full control of motor and acceleration
  
• Acceleration and deceleration can be switched with function button
  
• Switcher mode (half speed) can be activated with function button

• When we buy a computer it comes with a program that will boot-up the system. Then we customize the computer by loading in the programs we need. Decoders are much like a computer. They have a boot-up program to get them started and then we customize the decoder by changing CVs to match the locomotive. Why not also be able to install sound files in the decoder to match a particular locomotive. Then be able to change the whistle or all of the sounds after we bought the decoder.

  DOWNLOADABLE SOUNDS

  This is where we get to downloadable sounds. Instead of a large variety of decoders, only one basic sound decoder is needed. Once you select the locomotive sounds needed, the sounds of your choice could be loaded into the decoder. You could have a programmer that would allow you to change the sounds in the decoder. If you had special needs you could record a sound and load it into the decoder.

  THE DECODER

  The German company ESU has released a new aftermarket DCC sound decoder line called the LokSound. The HO/N decoder is rated for a 1.1 A continuous load, a 32 kHz pulse frequency insures super silent operation and a smooth Back-EMF motor drive. The four 250 mA functions have a max of 500 mA continuous load for all combined outputs. The LokSound is small: 1.22” long, 0.61” wide, 0.26” tall (35mm x 15.5mm x 6.5mm). The HO/N LokSound comes with a 23 mm (7/8") speaker and matching enclosure.

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