intelligent energy storage device that, amongst other things,
disconnects itself when the decoder is being programmed. To
use a conventional unit, the installer should provide a method
of disconnecting it (with a small switch) during programming.
The LokSound decoders have a playable horn. Not in the sense
of the Digitrax version where you modulate your pressure on
the F2 key to change the horn. No, this is not quite as exotic as
that, but also doesn’t require any specialized hardware. Varying
how long you hold down the F2 key (or whatever key you have
assigned to your horn), will give many different lengths of horn
with a few different exit sounds. Thus, with a bit of experi-
mentation, you can make some very interesting sounds. It is
especially notable that LokSound decoders have eliminated the
need for a short horn button as their method has this all built
into the main horn button. As many throttles only give you
easy access to about 10 buttons, this frees up one button for
another use.
Function mapping can frustrate modelers. Multiple versions
of what functions-are-where throughout a stable is no fun.
LokSound allows any function to be mapped to any button. If
you establish a standard set of sounds or effects for specific
buttons throughout your stable, LokSound will be able to com-
ply. This does lead to a lot of CVs needing to be programmed,
but more on that later.
The myth of the LokProgrammer
One of the biggest myths is that one must have a
LokProgrammer to work with LokSound decoders. Nothing
could be further from the truth.
You do not need a LokProgrammer to do any of the adjust-
ments you can do normally with other decoders. If you want to
change the sounds in your locomotive or tweak the logic that
runs the sounds, or update your decoder firmware, you will
need access to a LokProgrammer. Many dealers offer this ser-
vice for free or for a small fee.
10. ESU BR151 German electric locomotive. ESU photo.
10
DCC Impulses Column - 9
MRH-Dec 2014
