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Experiences of the new Loksound V4 decoder

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Experiences of the new Loksound V4 decoder
Posted by Graffen on Thursday, August 11, 2011 3:26 PM

Hi all, I just installed a Loksound V4 micro in my HO scale AGEIR Boxcab.

I used the blank one and loaded the sound with the Lokprogrammer using the latest software for V4 decoders.

As compared with the former version, I think that the new software is better, and the new V4 decoder is awesome! The motor drive is even better than in the V3.5!

I haven't got so far as to make some Sound projects of my own, but it seems to be almost like the previous software!?!

Anyone tried the new software yet? 

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Posted by tstage on Thursday, August 11, 2011 3:56 PM

Thanks for update, Graffen. YesBig Smile  Wow!  Better low-speed response than the V2.0 and V3.5 decoders.  They were already terrific! Surprise

I sure hope the sound files have been/will be improved, too.  I'd love to hear a better whistle than the one on my Trix Mike.

Tom

https://tstage9.wixsite.com/nyc-modeling

Time...It marches on...without ever turning around to see if anyone is even keeping in step.

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Posted by Graffen on Thursday, August 11, 2011 4:44 PM

tstage

Thanks for update, Graffen. YesBig Smile  Wow!  Better low-speed response than the V2.0 and V3.5 decoders.  They were already terrific! Surprise

I sure hope the sound files have been/will be improved, too.  I'd love to hear a better whistle than the one on my Trix Mike.

Tom

Thanks Tom!

The low speed performance and BEMF is very good in this decoder. It is also very easy to program all parameters in the new lokprogrammer V4!

 

The sounds for the V4 areas far as I can tell, improved over the 3.5. 

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Posted by locoi1sa on Thursday, August 11, 2011 4:51 PM

  While I have not tried a V4 I have installed a couple Select and a few V3.5. Motor control is second to none hands down. The 3.5 could never get a decent sounding horn or whistle but all the other sounds are top notch. The Select is customizable without a programer. That is a plus for someone like myself. I could not see swapping sound sets because I rarely swap out decoders unless one is toasted. I order my decoders with the sound set already installed.

   The sound decoder I am waiting to try is the QSI Titan that seems to be on a slow boat from somewhere.

     Pete

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 I started with nothing and still have most of it left!

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Posted by tstage on Thursday, August 11, 2011 7:55 PM

Pete,

I have a QSI "Q2" decoder in my Atlas HH600/660 switcher.  It is outstanding from a motor control standpoint and actually better than the Loksound decoders, although not by a whole lot.

I'm trying to remember about the Titan decoders.  Are those the ones that are 16-bit and come with a larger speaker?

Tom

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Time...It marches on...without ever turning around to see if anyone is even keeping in step.

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Posted by rrinker on Thursday, August 11, 2011 9:05 PM

 What sounds did you load for the AGEIR loco? I'm not aware of any actual recordings because I don;t think any of them run, so it has to be somethign similar - close enough is good enough unless it's a distinct Alco/GE/EMD sound, because no oen woudl be able to tell. Just wonderign what you used. I've had a soft spot for those forever, particualrly since my Grnadfather worked at the IR plant where they used one as a plant switcher intot he early 70's. I used to have a bunch of info on it that they gave out when they finally retred it. My Reading has 2 of them, although it would eb stretchign to have one still in service in my time period - but I can make exceptions.

                        --Randy

 


Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's

 

Visit my web site at www.readingeastpenn.com for construction updates, DCC Info, and more.

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Posted by Graffen on Friday, August 12, 2011 6:58 AM

rrinker

 What sounds did you load for the AGEIR loco? I'm not aware of any actual recordings because I don;t think any of them run, so it has to be somethign similar - close enough is good enough unless it's a distinct Alco/GE/EMD sound, because no oen woudl be able to tell. Just wonderign what you used. I've had a soft spot for those forever, particualrly since my Grnadfather worked at the IR plant where they used one as a plant switcher intot he early 70's. I used to have a bunch of info on it that they gave out when they finally retred it. My Reading has 2 of them, although it would eb stretchign to have one still in service in my time period - but I can make exceptions.

                        --Randy

It sure is difficult to find suitable sounds when the locomotives are rare/old...

I used a Baldwin VO6 as a good enough sound, until I can make a sound of my own.

As the engine in the AGEIR is very closely related to a ship diesel, I will see if some sound files can be obtained that way...

 

 

 

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Posted by Graffen on Monday, August 15, 2011 6:59 PM

Here is a little clip I shot of the Boxcab with the sound I used:

watch?v=8NwGXMGSxgQ&feature=youtubegdataplayer

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Posted by river_eagle on Monday, August 15, 2011 9:44 PM

sorry, sound in clip so low it can barely be heard, I tried here, over on youtube, and even thru the teevo and surrond sound of my entertainment center.

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Posted by Graffen on Tuesday, August 16, 2011 2:38 AM

that's strange. I have no problems hearing it. And I'm only using my laptop speakers......

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Posted by JoeinPA on Tuesday, August 16, 2011 6:55 AM

Graffen:

I'm having the same problem with your sound.  I can hear the bell just slightly but the other sounds are way too weak..

 

Joe

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Posted by rrinker on Tuesday, August 16, 2011 7:48 AM

 Same, I cranked my speakers way up and barely heard it. It sure does run smoothly though, pointing out the superior motor control of the Loksound. I'm sure in real life it's not that quiet, it must be an issue with the transfer to Youtube.My Loksound 3.5 locos are plenty loud enough to be heard in a public exhibition so I'm sure the V4 is at least as loud in person.

                      --Randy

 


Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's

 

Visit my web site at www.readingeastpenn.com for construction updates, DCC Info, and more.

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Posted by Graffen on Wednesday, August 17, 2011 10:48 AM

Well then, do you hear this one then? Big Smile

watch?v=oa6eoDdvEhE

Swedish Custom painter and model maker. My Website:

My Railroad

My Youtube:

Graff´s channel

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Posted by rrinker on Wednesday, August 17, 2011 3:58 PM

 Yes, if I turn my volume up allt eh way. For whatever reason your volume levels are lower than most other Youtube videos. I cna hear it clearly when cranked up, but then any other video or audio file blows me out of the room, not to mention the computer dings.

 It sounds plausible, with the Baldwin sounds. A worthy stand-in for something you're not likely to find actual sounds for, I don't think there are any runnable units anywhere.

            --Randy


Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's

 

Visit my web site at www.readingeastpenn.com for construction updates, DCC Info, and more.

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