New LokSound V.5 replaces Select, old V.4

[Jbub]

I wonder what the problem is? Is it component failure or a design issue. I would hope it's the former since you can source the component elsewhere, but if it's the latter... That's going to be a long problem to solve.

[RBrodzinsky]

I would hope to see a definitive statement from ESU concerning this.  Only a single poster has stated the issue (and some of the other posters there are dealers as well).

[tehachapifan]

Looks like the 73100 board got restocked quite nicely at one online DCC shop, so we don't have to go completely without...if the above rumor(?) is indeed true.

[RBrodzinsky]

The 73100 doesn't help me with the stack of Kato Mikes I have awaiting install 

[GM50 4164]

Looks like the 73100 board got restocked quite nicely at one online DCC shop, so we don't have to go completely without...if the above rumor(?) is indeed true.

Russ would you mind letting me know which place you are referring to in regards to the 73100's?

[reinhardtjh]

Streamline Backshop has 49 73100's and 36 73199's in stock at this instant.

https://store.sbs4dcc.com/search.aspx?find=Select+Direct+Micro

[reinhardtjh]

Matt Herman of ESU USA posted on the ESU Yahoo group and their Facebook pages yesterday the following:

FINALLY, we have a LokSound 5 shipping update for the North American and Australian markets!
It has been confirmed that the last piece of the puzzle for the HO, L and XL LokSound 5s has been shipped and is en route!!!
We will begin to ship these exciting new decoders on April first.

Included in this shipment will be:

58325 - LokSound 5 L DCC "blank decoder", Pinheader, Retail

58420 - LokSound 5 DCC "Blank decoder", 8-pin NEM652, Retail

58429 - LokSound 5 DCC "blank decoder", 21MTC NEM660, Retail

58315 - LokSound 5 L DCC/MM/SX/M4 "Blank decoder", Pinheader with adapter, Retail, Gauge: 0

58410 - LokSound 5 DCC/MM/SX/M4 "Blank decoder", 8-pin NEM652, Retail, with speaker 11x15mm, Gauge: 0, H0

58419 - LokSound 5 DCC/MM/SX/M4 "Blank decoder", 21MTC NEM660, Retail, with speaker 11x15mm, Gauge: 0, H0

58449 - LokSound 5 DCC/MM/SX/M4 "Blank decoder", 21MTC "MKL", Retail, Gauge: 0, H0

58513 - LokSound 5 XL DCC/MM/SX/M4 "Blank decoder", Screw Terminal, Retail, Gauge G, I

58515 - LokSound 5 XL DCC/MM/SX/M4 "Blank decoder", Pinheader, Retail, Gauge G, I

 
*Please Note: We are waiting on a small component for the LokSound 5 Micros. This is held up with our supplier and we are working very hard to rectify the problem and will ship these as soon as possible.

Also…. We are moving!!!
Due to our constant phenomenal growth over the last few years, we have outgrown our facility. As a result, we will be shutting down this week and will open again April 1st at 8am EST in our new office and warehouse located at:

ESU LLC
1304 Jordan
Montoursville PA 17754

Our Phone numbers and all email address will remain the same.
570-980-1980 Sales
570-980-1982 Service
866-591-6440 Fax

We had originally planned on remaining open during the move, but unfortunately due to internet and phone crossover, set up of our server, packaging stations and new shipping facility we feel it is best to close and set up everything in a proper and efficient way. We are very sorry for any inconvenience this may cause. And we are very sorry for the last minute notification of this. It was unfortunately unexpected.
While our phones will be down, Our tech support will be unavailable, but you can email and we will TRY to do our best to get back to you in a timely manner.

Last but far from least, we have 2 new employees!

Savannah Umstead will be taking over our sales department starting next week!
Savannah.Umstead@esu.eu

Dillon Kerstetter has been a welcomed addition to our Tech Support team!
Dillon.Kerstetter@esu.eu

Both are high energy motivated people that we are excited to have join our ESU team! Please welcome them with the same kindness you have all treated the rest of our great staff with over the years!

We will send out an update on Monday, April 1st to give an update and shipping schedule on the LokSound 5!

Thank you for all your patience and understanding during our move! We can’t wait to come back and serve you all again next week by beginning to ship the best new decoder on the market!!!
Lastly, because of the move I will not really be able to answer many questions on this post. Please be patient with us and we will answer all questions when we can. Thank you in advance for understanding!
Best regards,
Matt Herman
ESU LLC

I guess this makes it official.  The Micros are MIA and their ETA is unknown - whenever ESU's fabricator gets the missing chip and can run a set of boards and then we will see them.

[RBrodzinsky]

^ saw that.  Have been grumbling since.

[tehachapifan]

I really have no idea but waiting on a component seems less ominous than, say, a design or manufacturing problem. Hopefully this is resolved fairly quickly.

[peteski]

I really have no idea but waiting on a component seems less ominous than, say, a design or manufacturing problem. Hopefully this is resolved fairly quickly.

Interesting.  So V4 was hurriedly discontinued due to problems purchasing the "old" components (how old were they?!), and the V5 Micros are not being made due to a problem in obtaining components?!  Insert an eye-rolling emoji here.

[RBrodzinsky]

Well, the V4s came out in 2012, so I expect the components were spec’ed in 2010/11, with normal development lead times. I also don’t anticipate ESU being a high-priority customer for supply chain issues, depending on what the problem is and the components involved. If there are much larger companies also waiting, they will probably get theirs first. (Not knowing specifics, it is really hard to say)

Basically completely shutting down a large and growing segment of their business for an unknown period of time, though....

[RBrodzinsky]

On the positive side, maybe the shipping delay will give Dave Heap time to get the JMRI programming for the new decoders done

[conrad]

Checked out new location on Google maps and it looks like ESU is moving to the same building (around corner?) as English's Model Railroad Supply, 201 Streibeigh Lane,  Montoursville, PA

This is great, hobby shop visit and maybe a "factory" tour

Conrad

[conrad]

AND at 1302 Jordan ave is BOWSER MFG, HO trains and N scale cars.

Conrad

[reinhardtjh]

Checked out new location on Google maps and it looks like ESU is moving to the same building (around corner?) as English's Model Railroad Supply, 201 Streibeigh Lane,  Montoursville, PA

AND at 1302 Jordan ave is BOWSER MFG, HO trains and N scale cars.

Conrad

The English family owns both Bowser and the hobby shop.  They also run Toy Train Heaven Online store.

http://www.bowser-trains.com/aboutus.html

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bowser_Manufacturing