ESU, TCS, Zimo sound decoders — Thoughts & Advice

[davefoxx]

I converted to exclusively ESU LokSound decoders, ESU CabControl DCC system, and LokProgrammer several years ago and have never regretted the move.  I’m presently upgrading my fleet to V5.0 decoders, so I can take advantage of a few features not available on V4.0 and earlier decoders, e.g., certain brake settings and bass/treble settings.  Those brake settings are key when using the ProtoThrottle.  This conversion to V5.0 was made easier to do when I sold off about a third of my motive power fleet recently.

DFF

[GGNInNScale]

I converted to exclusively ESU LokSound decoders after installing about 35 TCS, NCE, DigiTraxx, and a couple other non-sound decoders.  I use ESU V5 sound decoders exclusively now.  I run the layout with an NCE PowerCab, and an SB5 booster.  I bought a LokProgrammer also.  I use it to install the initial sound file and CV settings, then the NCE takes over for any adjustments to the CV set.  I have 48 diesels with ESU decoders so far.  I have a new Kato 4-8-4 that needs an ESU decoder- installing soon.  Some installs into the old Atlas, and Atlas/Kato and Arnold can be challenging, but a bit of machining, Dremel work and a good set of small files helps a lot.  I have read about ZIMO, but no further interest.  TCS- I might have gone with them but once I started with ESU I stuck with one company. 

[Ed Kapuscinski]

We're an ESU household too for the reasons mentioned above: availability, features, quality and their fantastic service.

This goes so far as to get "stealth" versions of models that don't have them or swapping out lesser (cough, BLI, cough) decoders for them when I can.

The ONLY non-ESU sound decoder I have intentionally bought was for my O Scale 2-8-0. I got the TCS one because I didn't want to have to figure out how to connect my programmer to an O scale programming track and the onboard programming stuff was really handy in that case.

[JeffB]

Just received an ESU LokSound V5 Micro and installed it on my regauged Rapido HO 44 tonner. 

My first experience with DCC sound.  But I have to say...  WOW!!!  Sound is pretty good with the stock speaker, but I purchased a Scale Sound Systems "Cab speaker" for it, which I'll be installing next.

I also can't say enough about the ease of use of these NEXT18 plugs!

After watching several videos on using the ESU LokProgrammer, I decided to pull the trigger on one.  It looks like it makes programming a decoder SO much easier!  This alone should make guys question using anything but ESU decoders.  I buddy of mine is a die hard, unswayable Soundtraxx guy, but he struggles with programming his decoders using the single line display of the handheld throttle units.  It's unlikely I'm going to get him to switch, but at least this might make him see it can be a lot easier...

Looking forward to playing with this!

Jeff

[davefoxx]

After watching several videos on using the ESU LokProgrammer, I decided to pull the trigger on one.  It looks like it makes programming a decoder SO much easier!  This alone should make guys question using anything but ESU decoders.

The LokProgrammer is a game-changer.  As a result, I standardized on ESU LokSound decoders years ago.

DFF

[Myracan]

ESU all the way. Just finished 2 LokPilot 5 Micro DCC 59820 installs using the techniques in some other threads. Using the old kato light boards and hardwiring. One was an SD90MAC and the other an SD40 both at least 20-25 some odd years old. Both had NCE decoders I installed about 4 years ago when I made the jump from DC to DCC. They run as good or better than the Alas LokSound units I just purchased in the last while. The smooth slow starts is incredible. Even my best running TCS units cannot match them. I program all of them with JMRI with no issues. Also ditched my NCE Powercab for the homebuilt 5 amp DCC-EX CS. Now that was the best thing I've ever done. I am going to see  what I can do with my NCE equipped GEVOs with more 59820s. Dont know anything about ZIMO so cant say. My son does LEGO builds all custom made locos doing deadrail with Blunami decoders. Now they sound awesome. All that space for big speakers!

[_trainski]

I really appreciate the kind words and advice about choosing a great sound decoder. After much consideration I have decided to stick with ESU LokSound 5 series decoders. I especially love the versatility of the Nano for smaller locomotives. Recently I started using pin header socket connectors from Digikey. Learning how to cleanly wire up my locomotives with proper quick disconnects is a game changer for sure. My latest project was a Lima 0-4-0 Plymouth MDT switcher with a Kato 11-109 coreless motor chassis, the ESU Nano, and a OWS 9x16mm speaker with a Buckambool custom baffle. ESU motor control was absolutely stellar!!  Thank you so very much fellas.

_trainski

[peteski]

The LokSound 5 nano uses the E24 connectors.  Have you actually succeed in soldering wires to a bare E24 connector?!  I would love to see some photos of that install (I have tried, and even just soldering few wires to an SMD connector with such a fine pin pitch is almost impossible).

What is the Digikey part number of what you are using?

[_trainski]

The LokSound 5 nano uses the E24 connectors. Have you actually succeeded in soldering wires to a bare E24 connector?! I would love to see some photos of that install (I have tried, and even just soldering few wires to an SMD connector with such a fine pin pitch is almost impossible). > Yes soldering anything to an SMD or tiny pin header socket connectors can be a challenge for sure. I use a digital optical viewing stand similar to your stereo microscope.

What is the Digikey part number of what you are using?

> https://www.digikey.ca/en/products/detail/gct/BC034-06-A-V-0150-L-C/12549983, https://www.digikey.ca/en/products/detail/gct/BC065-06-A-L-D/12549997

Hi Peteski, I am using the standard ESU 53953 adapter board, but I re-solder the wires to run length-wise away from the E24 connector, nicely cleaned up and tightly packed. I then carefully measure, cut, and terminate with GCT 6-pin header socket connectors. This allows for easy removal of the body shell and quick disconnect when servicing the locomotive in the future, etc. I hope that my explanation makes sense. I will post a few pictures shortly, I have been attempting to document my unique custom rebuild/retrofit projects much better — married life can be complicated, thankfully I have an amazing partner that is kind and patient with me.

Oh, I just realized that the Plymouth MDT body shell that I purchased off eBay Canada was in fact a Bachmann and not a Lima (Italy) body shell that I reported in my previous comment — sorry for the confusion. The Lima body shell is humungous in comparison to the Bachmann body shell, almost bordering on HO scale and not N scale — weird...


_trainski

[peteski]

Ah, I thought you were soldering wires to a bare E24 connector that would mate directly with the one on the nano decoder.  Thanks.