Overload Protection Of Function Outputs (Blinking); Suitable Light Bulbs; Using Leds - Esu LokSound micro V4.0 Instruction Manual

Installing the Decoder
Please make sure that the load does not exceed the permitted
maximum current and there are no short circuits. The outputs
of the LokSound have protection but if an external voltage is
applied, the outputs may suffer damage or destruction.
Remove capacitors!
orange
Figure 10: 5-pole Märklin® motor

6.9.1. Overload Protection of Function Outputs (Blinking)

The function outputs of LokSound decoders have electronic pro-
tection against overload and short circuit. The decoder keeps
checking the sum of all function output currents. If the current
is too high, the decoder will switch off the outputs. After about
1 second, the decoder tries to switch them on again. Should the
current still be too high – perhaps due to a short circuit – the same
procedure starts again.
When using light bulbs (incandescent lamps) please note the fol-
lowing: they draw a very high „inrush current" when they are
switched on, that becomes lower after a few moments. Therefore,
it can happen with 12V bulbs that the headlights „flash" briefly
during switch-on and then extinguish due to the overload protec-
tion of the decoder. The lights will be shortly switch on and off
again in a one-second cycle. This results from a much too high
inrush current of the bulbs; the decoder is not able to distinguish
between the bulbs´ high inrush current and an overload. There-
fore it is important to install the correct bulbs.
18
grey

6.9.1.1. Suitable Light Bulbs

Only install bulbs rated 16V or higher and with a nominal current
draw, that does not exceed 50 mA.
Many older models by ROCO® and Fleischmann® have 12V bulbs
installed. They draw a high current, become very hot, and may
cause damage to the locomotive. Replace them with 16V bulbs.

6.9.2. Using LEDs

If you like to use LEDs, then a resistor must be wired in series
with the LEDs. It should have a rating between 470 Ohms and
2.2 kOhms. Running the LEDs without this resistor will lead to
their immediate destruction! Unlike lightbulbs, LEDs are polarity-
sensitive. The minus (cathode) end of the LED is connected to the
function output, the plus (anode) end is connected to the blue
(function common) wire.
AUX2
+
violet
+
green
AUX1
blue ( function common )
Figure 11: wiring LED to output AUX1, AUX2
Please to not forget to switch the respective function output to
LED mode. This will ensure a prototypical presentation of all light
effects. Please refer to chapter 12.3. for more details.
470 Ohms
resistor
R
R
470 Ohms
resistor