Yes, in time US V4.0 and Select files will be converted to “Full Throttle”. For the Time being there are no plans to convert the European files. There will be US Diesel, Steam and Electric “Full Throttle” files. All Future US V4.0 and Select files will be made to include the “Full Throttle” features.

No! We deliberately did not make it this way. One of the main reasons is that BEMF notching causes problems when in consist. It is difficult for multiple decoders to notch together when the lead engine does not know if the weight behind it is another engine or a string of cars. When the happens the 2 locos do not notch up and down together. It is often challenging to make a scale model preform like it has the mass of a 260,000lb locomotive pulling 5,000 tons or more! Some of this can be done with BEMF - when the loco “feels” a load, it will automatically rev up to work harder to pull this actual load. But this is often a flawed method in modeling. Today, model train car wheels are so free rolling that they often do not simulate sufficient drag to replicate a typical prototype situation. Also, often we do not sufficiently weigh our cars to represent a scaled-down version of the prototype. One of the biggest problems with BEMF controlled load is due to the fact that in our modeling and operations we often “simulate” loads inside a closed car. The payload inside a prototype car can weigh as much as 100-tons more than the car itself. This is especially important at operating sessions. Empties in and Loads out or vice versa. There is no way for a decoder to know the proposed weight of the cars it is pulling. Our “car cards”, showing whether a car is loaded or empty, are seen only by the operator, not by our decoders!

To compensate for what the decoder cannot know, we have created “Full Throttle” decoder features! This series of new features includes “Drive Hold”, “Run 8”, “Coast”, improved “Dynamic Brakes” and a new “Independent Brake” feature.

Yes! To Create “Full Throttle” we have simply reworked our existing LokSound Select and LokSound V4.0 US sound files. All “Full Throttle” files now Contain (FT) in the file description. If the file you desire Contains the (FT) description simply write the FT file over your existing decoder using the ESU LokProgrammer. Every ESU LokSound Select and V4.0 decoder made from the beginning can be upgraded to Full Throttle. There is no need to replace your decoders for this new feature set!

Yes! The notch points were made to work with previously made files. You will not be able to use the “Full Throttle” features of the new files when in consist with older or non ESU Brand decoders. As long as the Full Throttle features are not used, the new and old files will consist as normal.

“Full Throttle” is a new set of features made for the North American market. This feature set is currently only available in the US V4.0 and Select files. This feature, using a new button called “Drive Hold”, allows you to separate the Sound from the Motion to allow more accurate speed versus workload relationships in your modeling. For more info please click here: LokSound “Full Throttle” Features

The LokSound Select is slightly different from other North American sound decoders in that the Sound is OFF as default and can turned on use F8. This is done for a number of reasons.  First, this gives you the opportunity to hear and appreciate the start up sounds. Second, and more importantly, with the advent of sound in DCC many people have a vast collection of sound equipped locomotives on their layout. When the power is first turned on from the command station all these sound equipped locomotives will start up at the same time. This causes 2 problems.  First, there is a very unrealistic start up of everything coming on at once. Second, there is huge drain on your command station that can cause internal breakers to trip. Because of the possible damage this can cause, we have decided to have our decoder be silent until you call upon them. This is an option though and can be changed with CV’s.

If you would prefer to have the sound come on with track power, first you will need to set the Index CV 32 to 2. Then you will need to set CV 403 to a Value of 32.

You will then need to change CV 32 to 0 and change CV 13 to a value of 0 so that the sound will be on in DC mode.

These settings can also be easily changed with our Programmer Software by changing the function mapping for “F8” to be “not F8” in the conditions drop down menu.

PLEASE NOTE:

Some Manufacturers have had our decoders factory equipped in their locomotives and have opted to have the sound ON as a default. If you have a locomotive with these settings and prefer our standard settings above you will need to set index CV 32 to value of 2 then set CV 403 to a Value of 16. After this Change CV32 to a value 0 then change CV 13 to 128.

You can also change this with the LokProgrammer Software by changing the function mapping for “Not F8” to be “F8” in the conditions drop down menu.

Digitrax does not allow programming of CVs above 255. In order to make full Programming possible, we have implemented an assistance tool. This helps to write the number of the CVs desired temporarily into two assisting CVs (so-called address registers), since the usual CVs cannot be reached. 

Afterwards the value of the CV desired will be programmed into another assisting CV (so-called value register). When the value register is written, the content will be copied to the actual desired position and the assisting CV will be set back. Consequently, 3 CVs have to be programmed to write one CV. These 3 CVs are described in the following chart:

Example: You wish to program CV 317 with value 120

Proceed as follows:

Program the value of the CV number in hundreds in CV 96.    

• In this example: CV 96 = 3.

Program the value of the CV number in units and tens in CV 97.            

• In our example: CV 97 = 17.

Program the desired value in CV 99.

• In our example: CV 99 =  120.

As soon as you have programmed CV 99, the value of CV 99 will be transferred into CV 317. Is the programming finished, CVs 96, 97 and 99 will be set back automatically.

This procedure is ONLY needed when programming CV’s above 255 on a Digitrax DCC System

No. In contrast to the LokSound V3.5 decoders, the LokSound Select does not offer the possibility to create your own sounds made from your own recordings. The idea behind the LokSound Select is to make sound installation easier. Instead of playing around with making your own sound adjustments, you can select the LokSound Select's prime mover sound, horn and whistle and bell by just adjusting one (!) single CV.  Have a look on the user's manual to find more information.

The LokSound Select is scheduled to be released in the US by beginning of 2010. By the end of 2010, all sounds should be available. The list of available sounds is shown on the download page.