LokSound Micro--have you used it for HO?

[markalan]

I've been reading about the LokSound Micro Decoder and am interested in trying to install it in a Proto S3 switcher or even a Bachmann 44 Tonner.

I read the following at Tony's:
We've had some time to work with the new LokSound Micro Sound Decoders from ESU and have started shipping. After obtaining a transition plug from ESU for programming, the first thing that struck us was how tempting it would be to use these little gems in HO locos.

Not so fast! Dennis at ESU installed one in an HO Loco when he first received it. The decoder worked fine but kept shutting down and re-starting; obviously the locomotive was exceeding the decoder's amperage rating. The overload protector in the decoder was doing its job quite well! Since the little critter is sensitive (understandably so) I asked what the real-world warranty coverage would be on the loco if the overload protector gave up the ghost and the decoder failed. And the answer is:  "the decoder will be covered as long as it is operated within the unit's specifications"

And the following at Litchfield Station:
Decoder Specifications:
# 0.5 continuous motor amps
# 4 functions 180 mA each - 350 mA total
# Memory: 8 Mbit - 65 seconds of sound
# 0.40 x 1.10 x 0.2 inches; 10 x 28 x 5 mm

I can check the motor amperage but has anyone had experience with this?  

Thanks,
Mark Alan

[faraway]

I installed the Loksound Mirco in the GE 44t, P2K S1 and VO660. It's no problem tio find the space for the decoder and the speaker (GE 44t = under one hood, S1, VO660 = in the base of the cab face down).

In no case I had a current overload situation. 

[1948PRR]

 

I put one in a Proto S1, and it is one of my favorite and most used locos because of it. The micro is rated at .9 amp. That's almost 1 amp. I hve never had any problems with current draw. The speaker that comes with it even fits in the fuel tank area and sounds great even with no baffle. Your biggest challenge will be isolating the motor. There is a photo illustrated page, somewhere, but I can't find it now. Here is a text description -ttp://www.tonystrains.com/tonystips/2001/120601.htm I drilled out the frame under the motor contct as well as using insulating tape. This also gave me a path for the speaker wires.

I bought the decoder with the preloaded ALCo 244 sounds, and besides being the wrong model, it souneded great. I have since bought the programmer, and replaced the sounds with 539 model samples, but honestly there's not that much difference to me. Both have that distinctive ALCo rev up to the notch.

Bottom line is be patient, do some research, and you will be very happy with the results.

Good luck!!

 

[wedudler]

I've used it in a few engines, without problems.

Wolfgang 

[markalan]

Reinhard , 1948PRR, Wolfgang

Thanks for the information.  I'll go ahead with the project next week or so.  It will be a change from the track laying and wiring I've been doing this weekend.

 I'd heard about the motor isolation problem.  Thanks for the link.

Mark

[dragenrider]

I, too, have installed the micro in a 44 tonner (inspired by Wolfgang) and a 70 tonner.  It works well and sound great!

Videos:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EsjZO3yT8fg

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hysML4GPcYE

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EhMdOFQxZUQ

[Anonymous]

One word of caution.  Because these little decoders are intended for N scale, their use in HO applications is not covered by ESU/Loksound warranty.  I looked into this some time back and this is the information I received from the manufacturer. 

Best check into it.  It may still be their policy.

I would be interested to have somebody confirm this again.  I contacted them about a year ago and that is what ESU/Loksound told me.

[wedudler]

The point is how much current your engine draws. Look into the manual. Then you can test your engine. Use DC and an Amp meter. If the engine stalls and draws too much you will better use the usual decoder, not micro.

With N the engines doesn't draw so much current. Therefore mostly for N.

But with can motors I omit the test.

Wolfgang