In the 3rd quarter of 2006, ESU introduced yet another improved version of the successful LokPilot decoder – the LokPilot V3.0. Those who thought that LokPilot decoders are so good nothing could be improved, will be coerced into changing their minds by our untiring designers. Driven by the goal to always bring to you the best

possible decoder, the LokPilot V3.0 is the all purpose decoder. Flexible as a Swiss knife, the LokPilot V3.0 supports DCC, Motorola®, DC and AC, and even Selectrix®. Also, its hardware is prepared for the coming NMRA Duplex Communication – as soon as that’s official, a simple firmware update offers you undreamt-of possibilities – free of charge.

Operational modes

The LokPilot V3.0 commands DCC through 14, 28 and 128 speed steps, as well as Motorola® and Selectrix®. The decoder recognizes the speed-step numbers automatically. It supports Lenz® LG 100 resp. Roco® braking sections as well as Zimo®’s HLU-commands, or the braking in DC braking sections with reversed polarity, or the Märklin® braking section (even for DCC). You can either use two digit (1 – 127), or four digit (1 – 9999) addresses or assign a consist address. The Motorola® protocol enables the LokPilot V3.0 decoder to run with Märklin® stations 6020, 6021, Delta®, Mobile Station® and Central Station®. The decoders can command addresses 1 – 255, and come to a stop correctly on the Märklin® braking section. With Selectrix® layouts you have the choice of up to 122 addresses. The LokPilot V3.0 converts during operation fully automatically between all control modes (Motorola®, DCC, DC, AC and Selectrix®).

RailCom® already ensures that the decoder will be recognized by the main track and can send its address. Connected with an ECoS command station and an ECoSDetector feedback module unprecedented possibilities of playing will be possible.

Motor management

The LokPilot V3.0’s slow and top speed can be customized by three steps or a loadable speed table, defined by 28 steps. The loadable speed table is valid for 14, 28 and 128 speed steps, which is unusual for other digital decoders. Even with only 14 speed steps, there are no jerky transits discernable, thanks to ESU’s unique mass simulation. Fourth generation load control (back EMF) employs 32 kHz pulse with frequency, and takes care of extremely silent, smooth motor operation, especially with coreless motors. Your locos will crawl super slowly – thanks to 10 bit technology. The back EMF can easily be adapted to various motor and gearing combinations.

With Dynamic Drive Control (DDC) you can limit the influence of back EMF and glide smoothly around the depot area and over turnouts; while on the main, when going uphill, the engine slows down prototypically.

Analog operation

With LokPilot V3.0 it’s not only possible to limit the start and top speed of your loco in analog mode, you can even determine which of the functions should be active. Even load control is active. Therefore, the LokPilot V3.0 is ideal for locos, which are too fast with a conventional reverser relay. At last your locos crawl in analog mode as slowly as you’re used to with digital layouts.

Functions

Individually programmable acceleration and deceleration (both de-selectable) and selectable switching-speed is taken for granted with LokPilot V3.0. Its 4 function outputs achieve 250 mA load each, are separately dimmable and can be allocated to functions individually. There are dimmer, firebox flicker, Gyra – and Mars light, strobe – and double strobe, flashing and alternate flashing, and time-limited functions (e.g. for coupler). Since December 2008 the LokPilot is also able to control automatic decoupling, if desired. The special ESU function mapping allows you to assign each function freely to keys F0 – F15, even multiple assignments are possible.

Programming

The LokPilot V3.0 supports all DCC programming modes including POM (Programming on the Main). All programming is done electronically; for Märklin® stations 6020, 6021, Mobile Station® and Central Station®. For these units the LokPilot V3.0 employs a time proven, easily acquired programming procedure. Programmed modifications during Motorola® operation are valid with DCC and Selectrix® operation and vice-versa. Programming configuration variables (CV’s) is especially simple for owners of our ECoS control station: all options are displayed in plain language on the large screen and can easily be edited – even during operation on the layout.

Accident prevention

The LokPilot V3.0 supports the indispensable wrongdirection bit for operation on Märklin® layouts, preventing locos leaving an analog section and entering a digital part of the layout, from instantly reversing direction and backing out again. After an interruption, the decoder remembers its last status and starts up again, as quickly as possible.

Safeguard

All function outputs and the motor connection are overload and short-circuit protected.

Built-in future

The LokPilot V3.0 is firmware updatable. As soon as standardization is completed, you will be able to bring the decoder up to the latest DCC Duplex standard.