DCC Impulses Column - 3
ESU and locomotive manufacturers
You will be seeing LokSound Select decoders factory-installed
in lots of locomotives soon. Part of that shift relates to the
improvements that Matt has pushed for in the LokSound prod-
uct (new recordings plus very sophisticated algorithms for
sequencing sounds, motor and light operations). The hidden
part is that ESU has significantly reduced the supply chain to
the plants in China through a local warehouse with program-
ming and repair capabilities.
When Matt explained the details of the process, I realized
that ESU is significantly reducing the inventory, shipping, and
handling costs to the loco manufacturers. Part of this savings
relates to JIT (just-in-time) delivery to loco factories in China.
The factory in China can get next-day delivery on produc-
tion releases and less than a week turnaround on warranty
replacements.
One of the cost-saving elements of ESU’s distribution method
is that every manufacturer uses the exact same hardware.
Every HO loco, for example, uses a LokSound Select 21-pin
[2] decoder. This decoder just plugs into a mother board
installed in the loco, making installation and repair a snap, or
a plug, actually.
Even though they use the same hardware, each manufacturer
selects the sound, features, and function mapping that individ-
ualizes the decoder for their locomotive. ESU’s warehouse bulk
programs the decoders just before delivery to the loco factory.
Why do you care about who is putting what decoder into a
locomotive? The modeler will be able to duplicate the sound
and feel of a newly purchased LokSound-equipped locomo-
tive in any LokSound Select decoder-equipped loco in their
stable. It doesn’t matter if the loco came from a different
manufacturer or was originally a non-DCC loco that has had
the decoder installed after the fact. All OEM sounds are avail-
able for free download on the LokSound website
The end user or dealer can use a LokProgrammer to load
the OEM sounds and settings to any LokSound Select decoder,
even in a different size.
ESU is not offering stripped-down decoders to manufacturers
to save a dollar or two.
Currently ESU is partnering with the following North American
manufacturers.
Atlas
Bowser
Fox Valley Models
Co
MRH-Dec 2014
