Loksound: Select or V4, which do I want?

[gmpullman]

Hi all,

I'm getting around to installing sound decoders in some of my older motive power and I'm eyeing a P2K PA and PB-1 and I'm planning to use a Loksound decoder in them.

I have installed a few Lok-Selects recently with an EMD 567 sound file installed and I'm very pleased with the results. So for the Alco 244-16 cyl. I see I can have that soundfile on either the Select OR for $40 more the Loksound V4. Both are 1.1 A output 32Mbit 8 channel I think.

My question is... what do I get for the additional $40 that the V4 has that the Select does not?

I've been all over the ESU site and other than customizable sound files on the V4 which I don't anticipate ever using, I don't know what other advantages the V4 has.

Can anyone enlighten me? Also, while I'm looking at ESU I'm wondering why their "powerpack" stay alive capacitor has a MSRP of $40 bucks? Doesn't that sound a bit steep for 3 seconds of uninterrupted power?

Thanks... ED

[rrinker]

 The main difference is the full programmable sounds in the V4. Select comes in an Atlas/Kato/Athearn board format that the V4 does not, and the V4 also handles alternative protocols like Marklin.

 The Power pack is not just a capacitor, there are 3 wires, which allow control over it, including inrush control so it doesn;t have to be removed to program. If you look at the picture of the device, you can see some of the additional components on the other side. Supercapacitors aren't cheap, plus the rest is a DC-DC converter because most every supercapacitor is 5V and would literally explode if connected directly to the 12V+ after the rectifier in a decoder. The ESU PowerPack looks identical to the Lenz Power-1 module, minust he shrink wrap, and the Lenz one is $60. You can use others, like the TCS KA1 and KA2, they are under $30, but they are only 2 wires and do not have the same inrush control. TCS build them by using multiple supercapacitors in series to up the voltage they can handle instead of adding a fancy control circuit.

BTW those are MSRP, you can find all of them for less from a dealer.

                      --Randy

 

[gmpullman]

Thank You, Randy!

As always the best electronic advice comes from you...

The Select is the way to go for me and I'll get two of the PowerPacks as well. I'll report back once I get the project finished...

Thanks again, Ed

[maxman]

rrinker

Select comes in an Atlas/Kato/Athearn board format that the V4 does not,

I don't know about the V4, but the Select also comes in the 8-pin plug style for those who wish an easier install.