Sound Functions; Functions For Steam Locomotives; Functions For Diesel Locomotives - Esu LokSound micro V4.0 Instruction Manual

General Properties of all Decoders
with LokSound. You may continue to use any universal motors
provided you replace the stator coils with a permanent magnet.
You will find more info on this topic in chapter 6.7.4.2.
Fifth-generation load compensation works with 20 resp. 40 kHz
and assures extremely silent operation, particularly with coreless
motors. Due to 10-bit technology, your locomotives will crawl at a
snail's pace if so desired. Load compensation is easily adjustable to
various motor and gear combinations (compare with chapter 11).
With Dynamic Drive Control (DCC), you can limit the influence
of load control. Thus, you can control your locomotive in small
throttle notches for instance in the yard or on turnouts while the
locomotive responds like the prototype at high speed on the main
line (for instance when climbing a gradient). In other words, if you
do not change the throttle setting then the locomotive will slow
down up the hill, as does the prototype. There is more info on
this in chapter 11.4.
The minimum and maximum speed of the LokSound V4.0 is ad-
justable by setting three points or the speed table with 28 entries.
The table is effective for all speed step ratings (14, 28, and 128
speed steps); many decoders by others do not offer this feature.
Due to unique load compensation by ESU, there are no visible
jerks between speed steps – even in 14-speed-step-mode.

5.2.3. Sound functions

LokSound V4.0 decoders inherit their reference for good sound
from the successful LokSound family, introduced since 1999.
Compared to all its forerunners, the sound part of the fourth
generation decoders has been significantly extended with the aim
to offer you a much more prototypical sound experience. So all
LokSound V4.0 decoders come with a 32MBit memory chip on
which you are able to store twice as much sounds than before.
All of the sounds saved are original sounds recorded from the
real prototype loco.
ESU records the original sounds directly from the locos using the
latest recording equipment. After recording, the sounds are digi-
tally remastered for the best audio possible by ESU sound engi-
neers before they are finally played on a decoder.
LokSound V4.0 decoders have a completely new designed audio
amplifier concept. The new „Class D" last stage amplifier pro-
vides, in combination with new special 4 Ohms loudspeakers, a
full sound which is up to 3 times (!) louder than usual. LokSound
V4.0 decoders are able to play 8 sounds simultaneously, of which
3 channels are used for the simulation of the drive motor. This en-
ables an authentic representation of the possibilities given by the
prototype locos. Up to 28 additional sounds can be triggered via
functions keys. With random sounds as well as wheel-synchron
brake squealing your model railroad hobby grows more realistic
than ever before.

5.2.3.1. Functions for Steam locomotives

All ESU LokSound decoders are distinctly audible: Steam loco-
motives reproduce changing chuffs. Those are coupled to motor
control and are load-dependant. When accelerating, chuffs sound
harsh, while, when the throttle is closed, only rod-clatter is dis-
cernible. The reproduction hereby is so faithful that you can dif-
ferentiate between the rhythms of a two-, three, or four cylinder
loco. The rhythm can either be triggered by an external sensor,
absolutely r.p.m.- synchronous, or via back E.M.F (load compensa-
tion), speed step dependant.

5.2.3.2. Functions for Diesel locomotives

Diesel engines come in various designs, which are all correctly re-
produced: Dieselhydraulic locos first rev up, before they start mov-
ing. Engine r.p.m.-sound is in ratio to speed. LokSound decoders
allow your loco, prototype like, to move only when engine r.p.m
is high enough. This is only possible through the entity of sound
module and decoder. When accelerating or straining, the sound
is more intensive, while, when you close the throttle, the prime
mover revs down to idle. Diesel-electrical locos keep their prime
mover r.p.m nearly constant, but you hear the soft whine of the
electro motors.
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