I've done about 20 of the Selects in converting HO locos. It's a fun part of the hobby for me. I second all the comments on sound quality, motor control, breadth of sound library. Also the usefulness of the LokSound yahoo group for advice on particulars. I've found customer service excellent, also (Abbie in PA usually answers).
I bit the bullet and recently added a LokProgrammer. All went well (added a program track booster as well). It's nice to be able to change a decoder file; e.g., changing an E-unit sound file to the new dual motor one.
Paul
Modeling HO with a transition era UP bent
I'll have to check the yahoo page out Randy. It's cool to know they are so active in keeping things up and right and current. Pretty awesome. Technology kicks butt! :)
QUite a few I think, between those of us posting here and Matt's efforts in running the US branch of the company. If you aren't on the Yahoo group for ESU - he's very active on there and active in communicating concerns from modelers to the engineers who write the decoder firmware and getting things done. They are constantly updating and refining issued identified by users. The easily updated firmware (if you have a Lokprogrammer) makes turnaround on this stuff very quick. Plus they are out getting new recordings prepared for better and better sound files. Win-win.
--Randy
Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's
Visit my web site at www.readingeastpenn.com for construction updates, DCC Info, and more.
Yes I couldn't agree more with all you guys are saying as well. I just really can't think of anything that Loksound could improve. Every issue I've had or found they have corrected with a new file or download. It's awesome!And Ed, I'm so with you on the programmer. That is another amazing product that makes things sooooo easy and less "code-ish" and just makes programming the locos a breeze! I honestly can't understand how someone with more than 2 locos wouldn't benefit from the programmer. I think I downloaded sound and new files to 9 loco's last night! And it was painless, worked flawlessly and allowed me to work on other stuff as it did what it needed to!
I think also the reason I'm so sold on Loksound, in addition to the amazing slow speeds, great sounds, perfect sound notching....is the customer service. Any issue I've had Matthew has been on it to get it fixed and taken care of. He has always answered questions quickly and always is willing to help. That in addition to everything else has made me a lifer for Loksound.
Not only can I not see any way they could improve what they already have, but I can't see me going looking anywhere else for decoder needs!
Ok, I'll stop now. :) Just super happy to be having an operating session tomorrow with my dad and having all my locos working absolutely perfect! :)
Yes, I love these decoders as well. Small enough to fit in N scale.
My roster has about 30 or so Loksound engines. Mostly PAs and F-7s since I primarily model the mid 1950s. However, I like to occasionally run some modern stuff, F-40PHs, SDP-45s, SD-70s and the like.
When the Kato Amtrak P-42s came along I bought a pair with Loksound. These weren't my first Loksound engines but for some reason, maybe it was the sound file or my familiarity with those particular GEs, like you, I really was amazed at the sound quality, running characteristics and the way the prime mover loads and then responds to train inertia.
Like you, I have purchased many sound decoders from others but the Loksound— with the ability to install upgrades or completely change a sound project—is truly amazing. I also have the Lokprogrammer and it has paid for itself several times over!
Next week my FL-9 arrives from Rapido, Loksound, of course. I'm really looking forward to trying that engine out.
Regards, Ed
Hi Randy!
I kind of figured that you would chime in!
"Great minds think alike". So do ours!
I'm starting to feel like I am preaching about Loksound. I wonder how many converts we have?
Dave
I'm just a dude with a bad back having a lot of fun with model trains, and finally building a layout!
Bummer, there isn;t a "what he said" emoticon....
5150WS6:
You will find lots of people here who fully agree with you, including me.
5150WS6Hope you guys give Loksound a valid look......trust me. You won't be disappointed!
Well said!
So I have waited to post anything concerning this for a number of reasons. Although I'm not new to model railroading, I'm pretty new to the whole DCC thing. And over the last year of my dad and I building our layout, I have learned ENORMOUS amounts! A lot of that information here on the forums. So I wanted to have some experience under my belt before spouting off my new found excitement for a company.
There is one thing I have learned more than any other in my DCC crash course this year:
Loksound decoders are some of the best products I have purchased on this railroad and also have by far the best customer service I have EVER received on any product before in this or any of my other 10,000 hobbies!
I tried Soundtraxx decoders. While I don't feel the need to bash any company or product, they were good. They ran fine, sounded good. But the Loksound is just better. Slow speed, sounds, programming and overall, ready to go out of the box when hooked up.
My push to write this little kudos to Loksound came after installing my final decoder on loco #28. I installed Loksound Selects on my SD70's, MP15AC, C44-9W and my GP38-2's. The only two I was happy with was the C44-9W's and the GP38-2's. They were dialed from the start. Out of the box, hook them up and the sound notching(my biggest gripe in all the decoders) was spot on. Perfect ramp up of the motor sound in alignment with speed of the loco! You can't get much more realistic and perfect than they have it in my opinion. The problem came with the MP15AC and the SD70's though. Both sucked as far as sound notching. The MP15AC sounded like it had 3 notches and I was doing 54mph by the time I hit the second notch. And I don't want manual notching, so don't even go there. Personally I don't want to have to juggle more buttons on my already overwhelmed controller and try to match sound to my speed. In my opinion all the decoders should have the sound notching dialed in fromt he start if nothing else. And trust me. I played with alllllll the options. Momentum, various CV's, throttle curve.....everything. Still couldn't get it perfect.
So after an email to Matthew from Loksound....in which he replied to in less than 2 minutes.....he said it sounded like I had some old sound files. He asked if I have the programmer(which I do and is another genius Loksound item) he wanted to send me updated files. 2 minutes later I had the files.
After getting home tonight and updating the sound to the new files I can say I am 1000% sold on Loksound. They are PERFECT! The notching is awesome, the motor sounds, all the ambient sounds. They are everything anyone could want in a decoder! I can't think of anything I would change concerning the notching at all. It. Is. Perfection!
Now I'm not selling anyone anything here. Nor am I getting free decoders from Loksound now. I just wanted to tell any of the newer people getting into DCC or those looking for a decoder period to try Loksound. I have never been happier with a product than I am with these guys. And a killer product combined with top notch customer service?!?!?!
The programmer is also epic as I mentioned. Easy to use, foolproof, easy to adjust and test. They really have made the process of changing CV's easy and very painless.
Ok, rant over. Hope you guys give Loksound a valid look......trust me. You won't be disappointed!
Have a great night!