With the LokPilot DCC V3.0, ESU introduces the third variation of the successful LokPilotDCC decoder. Those who thought that LokPilot decoders are good enough not to merit an improvement will have to change their minds. Our untiring designers know better. The LokPilot DCC V3.0 is first choice for all those model railroaders, who always want the best. Thanks to its prepared hardware, it’s ready for the coming NMRA Bi- Directional communication. As soon as that’s official, a simple firmware update brings you expanded play value – free of charge.

Operational modes

The LokPilotDCC V3.0 handles DCC with 14, 28 and 128 speed steps and recognizes the speed step numbers automatically. It supports Lenz® LG 100 resp. Roco® braking sections as well as Zimo®’s HLU commands, or braking in DC braking sections with reversed polarity. You can either use two digit (1 – 127), or four digit addresses (1 – 9999), or assign a consist address. Also, it automatically converts between control modes. Since it’s prepared for the NMRA/DCC Bi-Directional communication, a simple update will enable it to capitalize on that feature. Especially in combination with our ECoS station, the future will bring unprecedented play options.

Motor management

The LokPilotDCC V3.0’s slow and top speed can be customized by three steps or a loadable speed table, defined by 128 steps. The loadable speed table is valid for 14, 28 or 128 speed steps, which is not necessarily the norm for other decoders. Due to ESU’s unique mass simulation, no abrupt transits are discernable – even with 14 speed steps.

Fourth generation load control (back EMF) utilizes up to 32 kHz pulse width frequency, achieving super silent, smooth motor operation, especially with coreless motors. The load control can easily be adapted to various motor and gearing combinations. With Dynamic Drive Control (DDC) you can limit the influence of load control and glide smoothly around the depot area and over turnouts; while on the (fast) main, when going uphill, the loco slows down prototypically.

Analog operation

With LokPilotDCC V3.0 it’s not only possible to program the start and top speed of your loco in analog mode, you can even determine which of the functions should be active – including load control! At last your locos crawl even in analog mode as slowly as you are used to with digital layouts.

Functions

Individually programmable acceleration and deceleration (both de-selectable) and selectable switching speed is self-evident with LokPilotDCC 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, as well as time limited functions (e.g. for coupler). The special ESU function mapping allows you to assign each function freely to keys F0 – F15; even multiple assignments are no problem.

Programming

The LokPilotDCC V3.0 supports all DCC programming modes including POM (Programming on the Main). Especially simple is the programming of configuration variables (CV’s) for owners of our ECoS command station: all options are displayed in plain language on the large screen and can easily be edited – even while operating on the layout.

Accident prevention

If desired, the LokPilotDCC V3.0 can measure and memorize the loco’s last speed. After an interruption it starts up again as quickly as possible.

Safeguard

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

Built-in future

The LokPilot DCCV3.0 is firmware updatable. As soon as standardization is completed, you can update it to the latest DCC Duplex norm.