This might be a stupid question, but I am considering purchasing the ESU
51900 DCC decoder tester and I noticed that it offers a 20mm 100 Ohms speaker that allows for testing Loksound decoders. However, I am wondering if this speaker works when testing other brands of sound decoders or does it only work with the Loksound decoders?
If you have an ESU tester, how satisfied are you with it? What features do you like? What do you not like about it?
Also, how does it compare to the Ulrich DCC tester? I see that the Ulrich lacks a motor and a speaker, but I could add these. Are there any reasons why I should consider the Ulrich over the ESU?
The 100 ohm speaker should be fine, although decoders made for 8 and 4 ohm speakers (like new Loksound Select decoders) might have little if any volume. Depending on what decoders you intend to use, it shoudl be easy to swap in the correct speaker on the tester. I've decided to standardizeon Loksound for sound decoders, so I invested in a Loksound Programmer to be able to load and change sounds.
--Randy
Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's
Visit my web site at www.readingeastpenn.com for construction updates, DCC Info, and more.
I just removed the 100 ohm speaker on mine and soldered a pair of wires to the pads with alligator clips on the ends. This way I could just clip on the speaker I plan on using. If you get one of the new ESU decoder test boards, there's a slide switch on the board that allows you to select OFF / 16 ohm / 100 ohm which will cover pretty much any decoder speaker needs.
Mark.
¡ uʍop ǝpısdn sı ǝɹnʇɐuƃıs ʎɯ 'dlǝɥ
Thanks Mark for the tip about getting the version with the switch for the speaker.
I got my ESU Decoder Tester several weeks ago, thanks Litchfield Station, but I did not get to try it until last night. It is neat and easy to use. I really like that I can test the decoder before spending time installing it. Glad I bought it.