At this point we like to present to you the latest offspring of the LokPilot V4.0 decoder family. This LokPilot decoder is a real quad-protocol decoder and speaks, aside from DCC, Motorola® and Selectrix®, the M4 protocol! This makes the decoder “first choice” for all Märklin fans who do not want to do without mfx® or wish to have the most possible flexibility to all digital systems. The LokPilot V4.0 is available in all contemporary plug and interface versions, also including a PluX22 version.
Operational modes
The LokPilot V4.0 M4 is multi-protocol decoder meaning it speaks all common data formats such as DCC, Motorola® and Selectix® as well as M4. In DCC mode 14-128 speed steps are possible, as well as 2- and 4-digit addresses. You can activate up to 28 functions. Thanks to RailComPlus®, the decoders will be automatically recognised by a suitable command station. It is able to control all DCC programming modes und thus can be driven and programmed by all DCC-compatible digital command stations. CV values can be read out on the main track with corresponding command stations, thanks to RailCom®. There are indexed CVs for command stations which are only able to program CVs from 1-255. Motorola® users benefit from up to 28 speed steps with 255 addresses. Three further Motorola® addresses allow the activation of 16 functions. The installed programming mode makes re-programming with the venerable Control Unit® 6021 also possible. The M4 protocol ensures an automatic recognition of the decoder by mfx®-compatible command stations (e.g. Märklin® Central Station or mobile station®). Reprogramming of M4 decoders is still possible with the mentioned command stations, like with original Märklin® decoders. The LokPilot V4.0 M4 decoder auto-detects the known Märklin® braking sectors as well as the ZIMO® HLU braking commands or the Lenz® ABC system. Braking with DCC brake generators or with DC (“Brake on DC”) is supported. Furthermore you will be able to stop your train by using the Selectrix® braking diode. The LokPilot 4.0 decoder can be used for both analogue DC or AC locomotives. The decoder automatically switches between the different operating modes “on-the-fly”. In most cases one does not have to adjust anything.
Motor control
The LokPilot V4.0 M4 decoder is equipped with fifth generation load compensation. Load control can either be adjusted to the model manually with the aid of 5 parameters or by using the “auto tune” feature of the decoder. This results in automatic adjustment of the motor characteristics in a test run. Never was it easier to adapt the control parameters to the motor. ESU decoders control all motor types without any problem, regardless if they are “classic” Märklin® motors, Fleischmann® round motors or coreless motors (e.g. Faulhaber®) or modern motors with flywheel(s). With Dynamic Drive Control (DDC) you can limit the influence of load control and thus you will be able to finely control your locomotive in the yard and when traversing turnouts while the speed will be prototypically reduced while travelling (at higher speeds) on a gradient on the mainline. SoftDrive® sinus motors, as used in many Märklin® models, can also be controlled by the LokPilot V4.0 M4 decoder. Thanks to SUSI this will also work for Trix® locos.
Functions
The LokPilot V4.0 M4 decoder has at least 4 function outputs, the PluX22 version even six. Beside that (with 21MTC) there are two unamplified outputs which can be also used for both light or special functions if connected with the appropriate adapter board (e.g. ESU 51968). All important light functions are available. The brightness of each output can be adjusted separately. Of course, the decoder is able to control the automatic decoupling move and push time for ROCO®, Krois® and Telex® couplers.
Safe operation
If desired it is possible to connect a PowerPack (ESU 54670, see »Accessories«) to the LokPilot V4.0 M4, as to all other ESU decoders of the 4th generation.
Protection
Of course, all function outputs and the motor current output are overload protected. We want you to have fun with your decoder as long as possible!