„Better is the enemy of good“ it is said in colloquial language for generations. We fully agree with this proverb and are proud to present to you the brand-new LokPilot V4.0 Decoder. This decoder supersedes from now on the „well and good“ LokPilot V3.0 Decoder, which has achieved an excellent reputation among model railroaders all around the world. The new LokPilot V4.0 is much „better“ in many respects based on the LokPilot family’s high standard performance.The LokPilot V4.0 Decoder will be offered in several varieties like its forerunner. It comes either as a fully-equipped multiprotocol decoder (DCC, Motorola® and Selectrix®) or as DCC version only. A further range of interface options enables you to find the appropriate decoder for your loco any time.

Operational modes

The LokPilot V4.0 supports, like its forerunners DCC, Motorola® and Selectrix®. It can also be used for DC and AC operation and recognises operational modes automatically „on-the-fly". As a matter of course there are up to 9999 addresses in DCC operation or 255 in Motorola® operation. The LokPilot V4.0 supports all common braking sections such as Zimo® HLU, Märklin® or Selectrix® diode braking sections. A new feature is the ABC braking mode. Introduced by Lenz®, it simplifies stoppage in front of the signal thanks to its asymmetrical DCC signal. The LokPilot V4.0 also fully supports the RailCom® standard and can be programmed with all current digital command stations.

Also new is the additional connection facility for an external „Power Pack". This optionally (coming in 2011) available energy store is able to energize the motor up to 2 seconds if the power supply is interrupted and makes you finally forget dirty tracks!

Motor management

From a LokPilot decoder, you rightly expect an excellent motor management. With the LokPilot V4.0, ESU introduces the once more improved fifth generation of load control. The standard frequency is adjusted adaptively to the speed with a basic frequency of 40 kHz. The result is an even better slow driving performance, ideal for older 3-pole or coreless motors. It’s also child’s play to adjust the regulation to the respective model. With this ESU sets a new standard. Nowhere else will you find better motor control. Promised!

Mechanics

Despite all its new functions, the new LokPilot V4.0 is 9% smaller than its forerunner and thus easier to install. Beside the known LokPilot versions, with 8-pin or 6-pin NEM interface as well as with a 21MTC connector, there is now a further version with a PluX12 plug (at the wire harness) which can be directly plugged into many of the new ROCO® locomotives.

Analog operation

With LokPilot V4.0 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 V4.0 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

The LokPilot V4.0 decoder has 4 function outputs which achieve 250 mA load each. They are separately dimmable and can be allocated individually to different light functions such as flashing light, firebox flicker, strobe – and double strobe, Ditch Light etc. Beyond that, the 21MTC connector version has two logical outputs which can be made alive via the adapter board 51968. Of course, the decoder is able to control the automatic decoupling move and push time for Roco®, Krois® and Telex® couplers and also offers a high beam function as a new feature. The „LED mode“ ensures that the light effects are set correctly when using LEDs.

Programming

The LokPilot V4.0 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 V4.0 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 V4.0 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.

Peace of mind

The LokPilot V4.0 is overload and short-circuit protected, updatable and can be programmed comfortably from you command station or from your PC with the help of the ESU LokProgrammer. You are able to download brand-new software versions from our website as they become available. The software helps you to configure the decoder. That´s how comfort should be. With the LokPilot V4.0 decoder you do not only purchase a very good decoder but also benefit from ESU’s years of experience in producing innovative digital decoders.