Programming LokSound Decoders (185)

[@BriansModelTrains]

You really are an encyclopedia of DCC. Thank you for your efforts.

[@nicksanto882]

Great place to start! Nice job Larry!

[@gmpullman]

Thank You for this overview of the LokProgrammer. Every time I begin another session of programming an ESU decoder it seems I have to learn everything all over again. The user interface leaves *something* to be desired. I usually figure out what I need to accomplish but, sometimes, I don't know how I got there! Your tutorials are certainly helpful.

[@TheDCCGuy]

Exactly why I use DecoderPro, I can usually find the stuff I am looking for with it but there are still things I have not found in LokProgrammer.

[@charlesgwyn2115]

Thanks for the information! I bought a Kato E-8 but hated the horn. Using your info, I used my Digitrax to program "8" into CV 163, and got the same horn you chose. Easy!

[@stuartaaron613]

Hi Larry, excellent presentation. I've been using the LokProgrammer unit for many years, both for myself and for customers in the store where I used to work. It is an exceelent tool for anyone who has a fleet of LokSound equipped locomotives. One of the biggest benefits of the ESU system is that when ESU releases a new version of a sound file I can load the new version in my order models. For example, when ESU released their "Full Throttle" versions of their sound files I updated all of my diesels with the new version. Another thing I do is "remap" functions. I feel the Function 3 (F3) "Coupler Clank" is a waste of a function, especially in the F0-F9 range. So I've been changing F3 to "Run 8." On my diesel which do not have dynamic braking I remap F4 to "Coast." While I do my one sound installations sometimes I get lazy, and I'll have the dealer load the sound file for me. Both Streamlined Backshop and Tony's Train Xchange will load an ESU LokSound file for no charge.

[@TheDCCGuy]

Yes, function mapping is a powerful tool that many folks are unaware of and I need to do a video on it. I know a lot of folks who use Digitrax utility throttles with limited functions, but function mapping makes it possible to select a subset that are most commonly used.

[@j.mcq.8418]

@@TheDCCGuy Younger modellers who are avid gamers are probably well familiar with function mapping. It is akin to mapping keys or buttons on your game controller!

[@trainlover0315]

Thank you for all the information! I just purchased my first loksound decoder online from a dealer in Vermont. The sound quality is amazing, but I need to purchase a Lokprogrammer because the audio volume of all the sounds are very low and hard to hear. This video will be very helpful.

[@normantoogood6937]

Hi, Larry. I have a Walthers Mainline GP9 diesel with ESU Essential sound decoder, that works pretty well, except for the delay start up setting. I've changed CV124 to many values, and still can't remove the delay. I want to use the unit in yard service & the delay is too excessive. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks

[@TheDCCGuy]

I remove the delay p all my LokSound decoders but I have always used DecoderPro for those kinds of tricky options so am not sure how to do it with just a handheld. Let me check what the CV setting is on one of mine and get back to,you.

[@normantoogood6937]

@@TheDCCGuy I just changed CV3 & 4 to a value of 20, and it greatly improves startup and deceleration. I had changed it previously to 0 with no difference in performance. I will keep experimenting. Thanks for all that you do to improve our hobby, Larry.

[@TheDCCGuy]

Yes, they often have other CV setting that interact with things like the braking and delay. I know that you have to crank up CV# 3&4 to get the brake sound so not surprised that it affects the delay as well.

[@dlae73]

I need to get one of those programmers.

[@gmpullman]

Another request, please. Could you explain what my options are for choosing the "spitter" valve on both the V.5 and Select decoders? Most of my locos are first generation, like yours, and I distinctly recall the air tanks would make a blowdown sound to dispel the condensation. It seems like the files available for both the "fast" and "slow" spitter are the modern "pop-pop-pop" type. I have toyed with sound slot 15 and 17 to no avail. I would like to just hear the "fading hiss" of the air blowdown. Thank You.

[@williamwehmeier443]

I am just trying to keep the front light on in any direction with the back light on on in reverse.

[@TheDCCGuy]

It should be possible but requires some fancy programming to do. I wouldn’t try it without using DecoderPro.

[@nycart256]

Thanks for another great video. Aloha

[@danalloyd5619]

Good evening, I'm hoping you can help me out Larry. I have been following your video over and over and I can't get this decoder changed over to a steam locomotive from the factory settings. Things go well until I try to do the import. I click on file on my desktop and it just says ok instanly, no small download screen pops up at all. Seems like all the pages fill up properly except for the FUNCTION MAP nothing shows up. Any ideas?? Thanks

[@TheDCCGuy]

Was it sold with the steam loco sound package installed in it? The factory installs a German diesel as a test and you have to either ask the dealer to install the proper sound package or download and do it yourself with a LokProgrammer.

[@donaldshroyer8633]

The JMRI users group I frequent has indicated that the DecoderPro CVs tab is the best place to write CV changes all at once, including (maybe especially) Loksounds. This is said to produce the best results. If red entries remain when done, repeat the Write Changes until none appear.

[@KimKeyboardKimFokken]

when uploading sound files, does it overwrite the current sound files? or add to it? Also, can primer sounds by themselves be added in? when selecting sound files, do they have to be specific to the locomotive like in my case the walthers emd sd70 ace. So I have two locos of the same model with same loksound decoder and walthers tech said that mainline locos have proprietary sound files. The current sound file settings have prime mover start up sequencer doing its thing every time I bring train speed down to '0' and it will not move till that sequencer is done. I would rather have that sequence happen only either when track power comes on or using F8.

[@TheDCCGuy]

I a not sure of any way to change a project once it has been uploaded. As for the start up stuff that can be changed using Cv setting changes in LokProgrammer or DecoderPro. You just have to dig in and find the right setting. It just takes time to get used to where it is located and I must admit that I don’t do it often enough to remember-I have to find it each time.

[@texkoi]

I need your help regarding the info on exporting from Lokprogrammer into DecoderPro, please I have watched this video 4 or 5 times and have used your procedure but when I try to import into DP the file does not show. What may I be overlooking. Since you made this vid a while ago it may not work with todays version. I am using 5.1.7 LP version and 5.26 DP. That a problem ? Carl Sowell El Paso, Texas

[@TheDCCGuy]

Carl-I need to check this out as you are the second person who has reported problems with this. I will download the latest version of DP tomorrow and give a try and get back to you-Larry

[@texkoi]

@@TheDCCGuy Thanks. I failed to mention that I am using Win10 and google.

[@KimKeyboardKimFokken]

So my locomotive had from factory loksound 5 installed in BNSF emd SD70ACe with sounds already in it so I don't know current sound file in this decoder or what is the precise sound file for this decoder in this Walthers SD 70ACe HO scale. I have two SD 70ACe locomotives with the same decoder, both from Walthers. Would decoder pro or lokprogrammer detect the sound file name?

[@TheDCCGuy]

I’m pretty sure it does provide that info when it starts up and reads the decoder, but I’d have to start it up to confirm that. However, I checked the LokSound website and that loco sound project is not there. This probably means that it is only available from Walthers.

[@KimKeyboardKimFokken]

@@TheDCCGuy the Walthers mainline locomotives have ESU dcc sound with proprietary sound files. Tony’s trains sent me sound files and I try

[@KimKeyboardKimFokken]

@@TheDCCGuy I tried to play the demo for it and prime mover sound was way different then what is in decoder in SD70ACe. I wonder if there are other prime mover sounds available

[@KimKeyboardKimFokken]

@@TheDCCGuy when sound files are uploaded into decoder, does it overwrite sound files that are currently in decoder.? Is there a way to backup the sound files currently in decoder?

[@TheDCCGuy]

Uploaded files overwrite the old ones. I a afraid that we are seeing a trend similar to that in the UK and EU where sound projects are developed by manufacturers or individuals. The manufacturers keep them proprietary and individuals usually sell them or include them free when you buy a decoder from them. I ran into this issue with Rapido when I installed a LokSound decoder in one of their locos and they wan’t way too much for the project alone. You mght want to check with Walthers tech support to see if you can get a copy from them.

[@ricter591]

Thanks Larry, 🐾🚂 Black BearCreek RR, Cov, KY.

[@stephendepaola1402]

Thank you for your reply. I use SPROG III to program my locomotives. Are you familiar with SPROG?

[@TheDCCGuy]

You obviously haven’t watched my current video!

[@stephendepaola1402]

Hi, Enjoyed your video on LokProgrammer. Do you know how to program automatic horn sounds, so that your locomotive will automatically sound a singe horn every time it stops, double horn when starting to move forward and triple horn sounds when starting to move in reverse? Thanks steve

[@TheDCCGuy]

I don’t think it can be done to that extent. And since I hate automatic horn and whistle sounds I have never found the need to dig that deep.

[@stephendepaola1402]

@@TheDCCGuy Thank you.

[@stephendepaola1402]

@@TheDCCGuy selfish answer!

[@TheDCCGuy]

It’s simply the truth, or would you rather I feed you a bunch of BS about it being too complicated to worry with, etc.?

[@SamEaton-lu1qk]

after I have created (in ESU programmer) the file and then read it into Decoder Pro and I realized I want to change the type of horn can I do it from Decoder Pro or do I have to go back to ESU programmer and create a new file and then read it again?

[@TheDCCGuy]

I think it is just easier in the LokProgrammer but it can be done in DecoderPro you just have to understand their slots and which are which.

[@SamEaton-lu1qk]

where do you find info on slots and which one are whuch?@@TheDCCGuy

[@stephendepaola1402]

I have and it is informative, but it still difficult and confusing compared to other decoder manufacturers. You did a great job. I am sorry I purchased a locomotive with a LokSound decoder. Thank you.

[@TheDCCGuy]

I agree they aren’t the easiest ones out there, probably why most of mine are SoundTraxx.

[@stephendepaola1402]

@@TheDCCGuy Thank you. Now I don't feel like an outsider!

[@stephendepaola1402]

Hi. I have an Apple computer and cannot use the Loksound programmer. What CVs can I use on a Loksound 5 decoder to activate auto stop, forward and reverse horn sounds? What CV can I use to activate reverse auto bell? Thanks Steve

[@TheDCCGuy]

As I have shown in prior videos you can use DecoderPro to program CVs in a LokSound decoder and it will also tell you which CVs to change if you want to do it by hand with a throttle. The program is free and doesn’t require an interface to operate in the demo mode even on a Mac.

[@runegrennes4940]

hi Larry I have a problem with the esu decoder, have downloaded an audio file, try to test it, it works ok going forward, it has become very hot in reverse, otherwise everything works as it should.

[@TheDCCGuy]

Sounds like a tech support call is in order, it should not do that. First though unplug the decoder and run it on a DC track to make sure it it not a mechanical issue.

[@bluesboyst]

Hi Larry. Once you makes the changes to the loksound decoder CV’s in Decoder Pro and save the file how do you load it to the decoder?

[@TheDCCGuy]

Assuming you have then correct sound package loaded by your dealer then DecoderPro cane easily write the CV changes to the decoder same as with any decoder. It’s just the sound package that requires the LokProgrammer interface.

[@bluesboyst]

Hi. Thanks so I would use the Decoder Pro with the digitrax PR4?

[@TheDCCGuy]

It always worked for me.

[@bluesboyst]

@@TheDCCGuy Hi Larry. Have you made a video of actually writing the new changes to the LokSound decoder using Decoder Pro and the digitrax PR4? Steve

[@angelmoratroncoso9431]

Hi Larry, great video. I wanted to repeat your steps but I didn't achieve much. When trying to save the project in lokprogramer it asks me to change the configuration port. I use a pr4 and it only allows me to use com3, so the error does not progress. For some reason I ran out of sounds on my locomotive. Can I go back to factory settings? Thank you.

[@TheDCCGuy]

I am not exactly sure what you have done here. The LokProgrammer software does not work with the PR4. If you are using it without the LokProgrammer hardware interface then all you do is run the program, make the desired changes, then export those to a CV text file. You do not try to write them to the decoder. Instead you create a new loco in DecoderPro and use the import LokSound CV list option to read in those modified settings. Then you can use DecoderPro to write all those changes to the decoder. Your sound file should still be intact on the decoder, you just need to either do a factory reset, or reprogram the decoder.

[@angelmoratroncoso9431]

@@TheDCCGuy Hello again Larry. I actually went back to factory settings. Okay. It's clearer to me with your explanation. I got lost when you showed that it took 30 minutes to load and I thought that was the way. I must export and import after modifying the file. Perfect. I'll try. I am working on a scale train locomotive that comes with loksond from the factory. The model is the C 40-9 in scale n. It sounds very good out of the box, much better than most of the sound decos I have and I want to see how to improve it.... Thank you very much for your answer. Greetings.

[@riogrande5761]

Have you much experience with LokPilot 5 non-sound decoders? I fellow model RRer bought a number of DCC ready ScaleTrains SD40T-2's and reports he installed LokPilot 5 decoders and that they all died after less than 20 hours of running.

[@TheDCCGuy]

I have never used one but there should be little difference between the drive circuitry. So what are the symptoms of these dead decoders? Are there any burn marks, funky smell, etc. that would indicate an issue? Have you identified any issues such as frequent shorts caused by running through closed turnouts or others that might be related? How about his wiring, is it neat, properly sized, or a rats nest just waiting for something to happen? Has he tried the CV8 reset?

[@raybrown3971]

Is the interface the only reason for moving the esu work to Decoder Pro?

[@TheDCCGuy]

Well, I actually prefer to use DecoderPro as it is more logically organized so to me it is easier. Plus it allows me to keep a roster of all my locos with their decoder CV settings.

[@raybrown3971]

Thanks for the help. I use an MRC dcc system . It does a pretty good job. But it requires a proprietary connection that isn't available anywhere. I've looked. So JMRI isn't something I can use right now.

[@h2osmokey]

Any news on Loksound damage if programming when a current keeper is attached?

[@TheDCCGuy]

Still not recommended if it is not a 3 wire type.

[@h2osmokey]

@@TheDCCGuy I think I broke several of them before word got out on that. Likely to replace with WOW sound. Thanks for informing on the dark side

[@stevenrowe5047]

hi Larry i am watching hope to learn something. thanks

[@jcjackson726]

Wonderful, thank you. I'll start playing with this. I assume if I save the settings from the Loksound programmer to a "master file" BEFORE I make changes, I can restore the factory setting simply by reloading this "master file"?

[@TheDCCGuy]

I keep the original LokSound file and save to a new file as I show in the video but either will work.

[@TobiasL1000]

It’s sad America does not have the Loksound 5 with railcom. It gives much more opportunity to communicate with loco etc

[@warrengodfrey8011]

Hi Larry, Based on the info in your video, do I understand that you can only upload/modify the CVs via this method using JMRI and if the sound files are not previously loaded by the Loc-Sound Programmer then you can't upload the sound files into the Loc-Sound decoder with JMRI. Is this correct?

[@TheDCCGuy]

Yes, new sound files can only be loaded using the ESU LokProgrammer software and hardware interface. CVs can be programmed using the LokProgrammer, DecoderPro, or other programming method.

[@warrengodfrey8011]

@@TheDCCGuy Thank you so much - It looks like I will still need the the Programmer which ever way I go unless I can find another programming method.

[@angelmoratroncoso9431]

Hi Larry. How are you? I have a question. It is not associated with the topic of the video, but I would like to formulate it in the same way, taking advantage of your experience. I bought a DR5033 to improve my design, but my head unit is a Digitrax DB150. Can I configure it with the Throttle DT402 or with PanelPro? Thank you very much. A hug.

[@donaldshroyer8633]

Nice vid. I don't understand why you use DecoderPro for Loksound decoders at all, since you have the ESU programming software and hardware, especially given your comments about DecoderPro reading Loksounds?

[@TheDCCGuy]

Well, it is a matter of what I consider user friendly to me. I just find that DecoderPro has things organized in a way that actually makes it easier to program the decoders once the sounds are uploaded and the sound slot assignments identified. There are things I have figured out how to do using DecoderPro that I still haven’t found in LokProgrammer! As for reading CVs, DecoderPro has no problems with only a few, it is when you start reading hundreds at one time that read errors can creep in, plus it could take hours to do. So I always export the CVs from LokProgrammer to DecoderPro and then do the edits and actual CV programming.

[@bmet67]

Hi Larry. Thank you for educating us all. This is all too interesting and complicated for me as a newbie to be honest, but always willing to learn. For locomotives with pre-installed Loksound decoders and locomotive specific soundfile, when would I need a Loksound programmer software, interface hardware, and Decoder Pro? Is this only if I'm interested in reprogramming my locomotives? And why should one need to reprogram when the locomotives come pre-installed with a soundfile? Sorry for a basic question; just trying to understand the bigger picture here.

[@douglasallen511]

The processes and steps here are way too involved and complicated for me. So, let's say that a dealer has installed this for you or you bought a loco with everything pre-installed. My question is can you use a handheld cab, like your NCE, to program CVs like in the old days of a decade ago and not go through DECODER PRO or the ESU system?

[@TheDCCGuy]

Yes and no. For simple things like address and sound levels most are not too difficult. However making significant changes like the Mars light swap, etc. can get pretty involved using indexed CVs and multiple steps. So if you buy a factory equipped loco you are probably OK.

[@Arch007]

This the problem with all HOBBYs ,there are the one's who go the straight way, others the complicated way .

[@geraldjones2278]

Great video but I wonder why any manufacturer of a hobby product would make it so difficult to use. I think I'll stay away from LokSound. BTW, the closed captions are missing again.

[@texkoi]

Larry, I have to apologize for asking for help. I figured out what I was not doing and I have successfully imported the LP file into DP. I am sorry. Carl

[@TheDCCGuy]

Carl, thanks for letting me know, I was just about to test this so you saved me a bit of work-Larry

[@michaelfedora5630]

Wow hommy you sure no your stuff

[@Arch007]

Decoder pro to complicated, I do my programming thru ESU programmer is more fast and easy.👍