"ESU-LokSound is developing a new value-priced decoder called the Essential Sound Unit. This will be a basic DCC and sound decoder. It will not be available until late 2017 or early 2018. "
the Crew at ScaleTrains.Com
RR Baron
Interesting. I wonder who they are doing this for - Athearn, Atlas, Bachmann, or Bowser? Slightly disappointed because up til now, OEMs using Loksound used a full Loksound decoder, not a value line one missing features.
--Randy
Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's
Visit my web site at www.readingeastpenn.com for construction updates, DCC Info, and more.
Randy,
Based on available info the first likely for SCALETRAINS.COM
rrinker up til now, OEMs using Loksound used a full Loksound decoder, not a value line one missing features.
Hi Randy:
FWIW, InterMountain's factory installed Loksound decoders are somewhat simplified, although it probably isn't a big deal. Last year I wanted to install a backup light on an InterMountain Canadian Pacific FP7 with factory sound, but the deoder lacked the reverse light function. It wasn't a big deal, all I did was use one of the ditch light functions to light the back up light.
I have to say that InterMountain went out of their way to try and get me the information needed to set up a reverse light using the normal functions. I was happy with my bandaid solution so I didn't take InterMountain up on their offer to help with the programming. The other option I had might have been to use my LokProgrammer to re-program the decoder but I haven't explored that yet. It is way down my priority list.
Dave
I'm just a dude with a bad back having a lot of fun with model trains, and finally building a layout!
rrinkerI wonder who they are doing this for - Athearn, Atlas, Bachmann, or Bowser?
No silly! They are doing it for me!!
Seriously, if they can provide a decent decoder at a lower price I'm not going to complain.
Well, yes, but oone has to wonder what the compromises are. The Select street price is currently the same or less than the Tsunami2, depending on which form factor (at least at Modeltrainstuff), in fact almost dead in the middle - they sell Econami for 67, most Selects are 79, and the Tsu2 is 87.
As for the IM - did they really chop off the rear light, or is just that their motherbooard didn't have a connection for it? That seems to be something not worth eliminating since the drive amplifiers used for the function outputs tend to be multiple transistors in a single package so it's kind of already there if you have front light and ditch lights. Now a motherboard for the decoder to plug in to, on a loco which typically would not have a rear light, I can see leaving off the connections.
These "value priced decoders" are going to be used in the lower quality products. Scale Trains will be using them in their Operators line of engines, but will still be using the full featured decoder in the Rivet Counter Series. They will also find their way into the Atlas Trainman line of engines as well as the new Rapido Dash 8. In order for companies to keep their prices low (LOL), on their "basic" line of engines, ESU had to come up with a less costly sound decoder.
These decoders will NOT be available for sale as a retail item.
These are the specs ....
Dave - Intermountain Loksound decoders are not "simplified". They are the exact same decoder you can buy off the shelf - that's all ESU makes at this point. Chances are pretty good, if the engine didn't come with a rear light, the rear light function probably wasn't assigned and just needed to be mapped.
(Edit) - According to the file, Intermountain used the rear headlight output for the number boards from what I can see.
Mark.
¡ uʍop ǝpısdn sı ǝɹnʇɐuƃıs ʎɯ 'dlǝɥ
rrinkerAs for the IM - did they really chop off the rear light, or is just that their motherbooard didn't have a connection for it?
Randy and Mark:
Thanks.
All I know for sure is that there was no yellow wire on the decoder. I wasn't astute enough to see if the pad was there to solder one to.
When I get much further into DCC programming than that I start to get a headache. That's why I prefer to buy 'DCC ready' locomotives and install my own decoders. That I understand, at least enough anyhow to get them to work the way I want.
I just hope we see the ScaleTrains Operator w/ sound SD40-2s in June/July like scheduled
hon30critter rrinker As for the IM - did they really chop off the rear light, or is just that their motherbooard didn't have a connection for it? Randy and Mark: Thanks. All I know for sure is that there was no yellow wire on the decoder. I wasn't astute enough to see if the pad was there to solder one to. When I get much further into DCC programming than that I start to get a headache. That's why I prefer to buy 'DCC ready' locomotives and install my own decoders. That I understand, at least enough anyhow to get them to work the way I want. Dave
rrinker As for the IM - did they really chop off the rear light, or is just that their motherbooard didn't have a connection for it?
Was it a 21 pin decoder ?
Mark R.Was it a 21 pin decoder ?
Hi Mark:
Yes, it was a 21 pin decoder.
hon30critter Mark R. Was it a 21 pin decoder ? Hi Mark: Yes, it was a 21 pin decoder. Dave
Mark R. Was it a 21 pin decoder ?
So, there were no wires on the decoder, just the motherboard .... and manufacturers do not by any means follow any color coding when it comes to wiring trucks / motors / lights. I've seen some cases where everything was just black wires.
The rear light function from pin 7 on the 21 pin socket was no doubt rerouted to another function (number boards) and re-mapped to function as such seeing as there was no rear light on the engine from the factory.