WHY I DISLIKE LOC-SOUND DECODERS!

[woodone]

Well this might be interesting? I am doing a sound install into an Kato C44-9W. Using a ESU 73100 select direct micro decoder.
I have it all installed but I can’t get it to program the Select sound file #75819. What really gripes me is the amount of time before the programmer tells you that the decoder is not supported. 3 to 5 minuets . I do know the loco is wired correct, has I use a Power Cab and on the Power Cab I was able to set the address and then make the loco run forward and backwards- lights work and the sound works as well as the horn and bell.
Go to the ESU programmer and waste some more time finding the decoder is not supported??
I did the latest programmer up date- but that did not change anything.
What the h@3$ am I doing wrong?
I tried a different sound file NO change!
Every time I install ( or program)one of the ESU decoders and try to fire it up,I break into a sweat!
Any ideas out there-
This one is setting on the bench while I go do something simple- like installIng a Tsunami into a brass steamer.

[jdcolombo]

I always program my decoders BEFORE I install them.  I use the LokSound decoder tester.  This way I know immediately if there is a problem with a decoder BEFORE I install it.  However, with a board decoder, you would have to solder wires to hook it up to the tester.  Still, that's probably a lot less effort in the long run that installing the decoder and then wondering what the heck is wrong when it won't program.

Are the engine wheels and the programming track clean?

If you can't get it to program installed, then my only advice would be to take it out, solder leads to the motor and pickup pads, connect the motor wires to an old motor, connect the pickup wires to the LokProgrammer, and then try to program it that way.

John C.



 

[peteski]

Woodone, if you dislike ESU decoders so  much (this is not the first time I seen you mention that), why not dump them and install your favorite Tsunamis?  Or other brands of decoders (there are plenty others to choose from).   

I agree with John - it is safest to upload the sound file to the decoder before installing the decoder.

There is a current thread (about ESU-brand decoder not supported) on the ESU LokSound group on groups.io about a simlar problem (decoder is not seen proeprly by the LokProgrammer).

I think this link will work (you might have to be a member of the group to read it).
https://groups.io/g/Loksound/topic/windows_10_64_bit/48408325

Do Tsunamis have downloadable sound files?

[woodone]

John, pulling a drop in decoder is not a big problem. I only have two wires to unsolder.
Has for clean wheels and track- you bet! Plus the loco will run with my Power Cab. Not the correct sounds, but I can hear the prime mover and sound the horn and bell and the light work. So it works with what ever the default is.
Peteski, if this were mine the ESU would not be in there. I do work for other people and some request a decoder of there choice.
And that is what they get.
No, Tsunami's do not let you download any sound files.
Not sure that is a bad thing?
I install a Tsunami, program a few CV's and I am off running.
With an ESU, yes I can pick a sound file- then wait almost 1/2 hour for the download and then tweak a few CV's and then go.
some ESU's are a bit more of a problem because there are so many things to change with the ESU programmer.
I may be the only person unable to down load sound files but I find that strange?
I must be doing some thing incorrect?
I am just trying to find out where I go astray.

[peteski]

If Tsunami doesn't even have capability to download dound files to the decoder, how can you possibly compare it to more advanced decoders like ESU (or ZIMO for that matter)!?  Those are more complex devices, which means more things to go wrong. That's life.  With Tsunami you get what you buy and that's it.  You install it and you're done. So it would be more fair to compare Soundtraxx decoders with  MRC sound decoders.

[tehachapifan]

Any chance the LokProgrammer is open in more than one window? I've unknowingly opened it twice before and had gotten some error messages that I think were different from what you got, but it's worth asking I suppose.

[woodone]

How in the hell did we get to comparing decoders? Did I say anything about one being more advanced than the other?
I just told you why I dislike the ESU's.
I could have used stronger language than that, but did not think it was appropriate.
MRC??    Seriously, you must be joking!
I am just try to understand why the download is giving me problems.
When I do an install and have to wait- 3-5 minutes to find a problem with my download, then try to figure out why??

3 or 4 minutes may not sound long, but adds up, when I got 5 or 6 more installs to do waiting to be done.

[nightmare0331]

so 75819 has 3 different download options including the middle one being select/direct micro.

Are you using the correct version of the 75819 file for the 73100 select/direct micro?

Enjoy!

Kelley.
www.dufordmodelworks.com

[woodone]

0331, guess I don’t understand. I thought the 75819 file was just that? That is the only file I found for a Select decoder.
Where did I miss that?
Thanks will look again- but maybe you could point it out for me-
Thanks

[RBrodzinsky]

Jerry, what version of LP software are you using? If 5.0.9 or 5.0.10, try reverting back to 5.0.8. There have been numerous reports of problems with the latest version. I have also kept the last version 4 instance (4.7.2) installed, which sometimes seems to communicate better with the Selects.

[peteski]

How in the hell did we get to comparing decoders? Did I say anything about one being more advanced than the other?
I just told you why I dislike the ESU's.

Um, you did that by saying that you hate ESU but like Tsunamis.  Liking one and disliking another sounds to me like a comparison.   But whatever. . .

[nightmare0331]

0331, guess I don’t understand. I thought the 75819 file was just that? That is the only file I found for a Select decoder.
Where did I miss that?
Thanks will look again- but maybe you could point it out for me-
Thanks

When you go to the page for 75819, under the download, there is an arrow down.  It will pull down 3 choices for download, including the middle 75819 - LokSound Select direct - micro

http://projects.esu.eu/projectoverviews/search?q=75819

Anywhoo...hope this helps!

Kelley.
www.dufordmodelworks.com

[woodone]

Follow up for John C.
Pulled the decoder from loco- double checked all wiring and found no errors nor shorts.
Soldered jumpers to the decoder and hooked up to my decoder tester.
Was able to program- no problems. The only difference between the loco and the decoder tester would be the motor.
So for now all is well.
Tomorrow,  I will install said decoder into the loco- let you know how that works out.

[carlso]

Jerry,

please pardon me if I turn your thread around the corner but Rick just mentioned something for the 2nd time that I have heard and am not sure what is going on.

Rick mentioned reports of LP versions 5.0.09 & 5.0.10 having problems. Well I had updated to 5.0.10 and did require reverting back to 5.0.08 to get the thing to work properly. I was getting strange messages such as yours. But after reverting back the programming worked OK. Do not know that the file version was the issue or not.

One other thing, all of a sudden a few weeks ago I can not download anything from ESU using Google Chrome. I called ESU and spoke to Alec and he was going to check their website for problems. Never heard one way or the other but that is OK. I have to use my Microsoft Edge when wanting to download from them. Have not tried Chrome again.

Just my 1/2 cents worth,
Carl

[Steveruger45]

I’ve had issues with LP and Chrome too. I believe Carl and I were discussing it on another thread a little while ago.
I use LP 5.0.10 but only download sound files now using MS Edge, no issues.......yet.