Lokprogrammer, yea or nay?

[fotoflojoe]

After installing one in a GP40-2, I've decided to standardize on using Loksound Micro Select decoders. Love 'em!
I use a Digitrax Super Chief, with an added PR3 and laptop/JMRI/Decoder Pro setup. That gives me all I need.


Or does it?
Is there any proprietary must-have functionality in the Lokprogrammer - other than being able to install sound files - that would make it worth integrating into my setup? Obviously, I can specify a sound file when I order a decoder, and honestly, once it's installed, it's never coming out.


Thanks,
-Joe

[RBrodzinsky]

Well, nothing you absolutely have to have it for, if you never want to change the files. Besides updating sound files, it will also update the the decoder's firmware. That way, any bugs they fix will be able to eliminated from your decoders. As to sound files, ESU updates them, and there may be new ones you want to load (example, in my case, I have preloaded generic steam decoders, but now there is the new Mikado sound file). There are other benefits, such as being able to quickly read and write the full decoder, and even import the CV read from LokProgrammer into JMRI.

In short, no, you don't HAVE to have one. And, if you have a friend with one, for the rare instances you do want to change files.... I do like having mine.

[lyled1117]

Another strong reason in support of getting the ESU programmer is the software that comes with it. If you want to start using more of the capabilities of the decoder, their software does things in plain text. Much like Decoderpro does, but because it is focused on the ESU decoders it makes it much easier to do things like remap functions, etc. While these things can be done with DP, some things are much more complex than one might think without somewhat deep knowledge of how the program an ESU decoder manually. The decoders have the ability to do more complex things with their functions, their software makes it understandable. If you want a function be on only if the loco is in motion AND the loco is in reverse AND the headlights are on AND F3 is NOT on, you can do that with Loksound/Pilot decoders. The software makes it straight forward to accomplish that conditional. You can d'load the software and test drive it. I've been using the programmer for about 8-9 years. I couldn't do some of the things I've done without the software except by lengthy and frustrating trial and error.

Lyle Dowell

[RBrodzinsky]

You can export the CV values from a LokProgrammer (software) project without ever having the program  connected to any hardware.

[fotoflojoe]

Thanks for the information, I didn't realize that using the device and its software made things so easy. Also didn't realize that ESU updates their existing sound project files. Given all of that, plus being able to perform firmware updates, I guess I'll be getting a Lokprogrammer.


Thanks,
-Joe

[reinhardtjh]

Even if you decide not to get the LokProgrammer hardware, get the software.  You don't need the programmer hardware to run it and, as Rick and Lyle say, you can set up and play with CV configurations and then export the CV settings to JMRI or whatever you use to program your decoders.

But if your standardizing on ESU decoders and have a fair number of them then odds are down the line it will be an advantage to have the programmer hardware as well.  You could put it off as long as possible and see if they put them on sale again.  Last summer when the diesel Full Throttle sound files came out they lowered the MSRP to $150 and places like Streamlined Backshop (www.SBS4DCC.com) had them for $100.  I don't know if that will ever happen again, but it's something to consider.

[jdcolombo]

Second what John R. said.  I got my Lokprogrammer when I decided after one experimental sound install that I was going to be doing many more.  You can get by without it, but doing things like function remapping and lighting effects are just light years easier with it.  And you can't update sound files without it.  I've already updated several sound files to FT versions, and now will surely update my steam sound files as they release new ones.  I think it is just an indispensable tool if you're going to do more than a couple of installs.

John C.

[fotoflojoe]

Even if you decide not to get the LokProgrammer hardware, get the software.  You don't need the programmer hardware to run it and, as Rick and Lyle say, you can set up and play with CV configurations and then export the CV settings to JMRI or whatever you use to program your decoders.

Ooooh... At first, I didn't pick up on what that statement actually means. That's cool!

But if your standardizing on ESU decoders and have a fair number of them then odds are down the line it will be an advantage to have the programmer hardware as well.  You could put it off as long as possible and see if they put them on sale again.  Last summer when the diesel Full Throttle sound files came out they lowered the MSRP to $150 and places like Streamlined Backshop (www.SBS4DCC.com) had them for $100.  I don't know if that will ever happen again, but it's something to consider.

Yes, I saw that sale!
Said to myself that I should come back and get a Lokprogrammer at that price. By the time I actually returned, their sale was over, and the price was back to normal. 


Thanks,
-Joe