Motor Control; Adjusting Load Compensation; Parameter For Frequently Used Motors; Adjustments For Other Motors / „Fine Tuning - Esu LokPilot V4.0 Instruction Manual

Motor Control

11. Motor Control
LokPilot V4.0 LokPilot V4.0 DCC
LokPilot micro V4.0 LokPilot micro V4.0 DCC
LokPilot XL V4.0
5th generation load compensation enables LokPilot decoders to
execute precise motor control. Even with the default settings,
most locomotives run perfectly.

11.1. Adjusting load compensation

Should you find after programming and doing the initial test that
the locomotive does not run smoothly particularly at low speed or
that the locomotive jerks a little after having stopped or if your are
simply unsatisfied with the driving performance, then you should
adjust the load compensation of your LokPilot decoder.
Due to the large number of different types of motors and drive
systems there is no single setting that suits all. Load compensation
can be influenced with 5 CVs.
Firstly, check if the irregular performance is due to any mechanical
faults. Bent driving rods are one common cause. When you turn
off load compensation (set CV56 to 0) and the problem persists
then it is likely there is a mechanical fault.

11.1.1. Parameter for frequently used motors

We have listed the correct settings for the most common motors
in table fig. 25. If a motor is missing, it means either that the
default settings produce good results or that we have not yet suf-
ficient experience about these motors.
Set the suitable values and test-drive your locomotive.
11.1.2. Adjustments for other motors / „Fine Tuning"
Unfortunately, the motors available in the market have consider-
LokPilot V4.0 M4
able variations due to tolerances. This is even true for the same
type. Therefore, LokPilot decoders enable you to adapt load com-
pensation to the motor with CVs 53, 54 and 55. If the recom-
mended values above do not lead to acceptable results, you can
further optimise them.
Especially for the slow driving sector (speed step 1) the LokPilot
V4.0 with CV 51 and CV 52 to change the gain control. This helps
to avoid any jerking while driving extremely slowly.
However, before doing this you must make sure that there are no
capacitors wired between the motor terminals and the chassis.
The commutator of the motor must be clean and the drive system
should run freely. The wheel contacts and other contact plates of
the locomotive must also be clean and make reliable contact.
11.1.2.1. Parameter „K"
Parameter „K", stored in CV 54, influences how strongly load con-
trol will affect the driving performance. The higher the value, the
more load control will respond to any changes and try to adjust
the revs of the motor.
Parameter „K" needs adjustment if the locomotive runs unevenly
(jerks).
Reduce the value of CV 54 by 5 and test-run the locomotive to
see if there are any improvements. Repeat these steps until the
locomotive runs smoothly at speed step 1.
11.1.2.2. Parameter „I"
Parameter „I", stored in CV 55, provides important information
to the decoder on how much inertia the motor has. Motors with
large flywheels naturally have more inertia than smaller ones or
coreless motors.
Adjust parameter „I" if the locomotive jerks somewhat just before
it stops or „jumps" at lower speeds (lower third of the speed step
range) or simply does not run smoothly.
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