I connected the PowerPack 54670 to my new LokSound V4.0 (M4) decoder according to the users Manual. I did also define the buffer time in CV 113. In contrast to the older LokSound Decoders that I own, the PowerPack simply does not work. What am I doing wrong?

Most likely, you got one of the latest Versions of the LokSound V4.0 (or LokSound V4.0 M4). We started shipping these modified Decoders from january 2015. Now, these Decoders have up to 8 function outputs on certain Versions: The 21MTC Version offers 4 powered and 4 logic Level outputs, whereas the PluX22 Version provides 8 powered outputs. Unfortunately, you can't use all outputs at the same time. You Need to decide:

• You can either use AUX5 or the sensor Input for steam chuff synchronization
• You can either use AUX6 or the PowerPack

If you opt to use the PowerPack, you must disable the AUX6 Output. By factory Default, this is not the case right now unfortunately. To disable AUX6, you should Change the following CVs:

It is of course much easier to use the LokProgrammer for doing These alterations:

You can easily identify the new decoder Generation by having a look on the Memory chip (Flash chip). On the bottom of the decoder, the new chip has 8 "legs" (4 on each side):

( The Memory chip is located in the top right Corner)

I want my steam locomotive retrofitted with a LokSound  decoder. Unfortunately, the supplied speakers is to large. Can I install a smaller speaker?

Of Course. For all LokSound V4.0, and V4.0 micro LokSound we offer a large selection of matching speakers with the correct impedance of 4-8 ohms. Each of these speakers is appropriate. You should always use the most largest speakers. The larger the speaker, the better the sound.

Note:
All loudspeakes, which are delivered in a doublepack, can be connected in series or parallel. They can also be used individually, since every single loudspeaker has an impendance of 8 Ohms. The series connection represents a total impendance of 16 Ohms.

What are the load control values for PIKO locomotives?

To set the correct load control values for PIKO locomotives you may follow the values given down below:

CV  2 = Value 3

CV52 = Value 20

CV53 = Value 80

CV54 = Value 30

CV55 = Value 30

CV56 = Value 255

The new values mentioned here will, of course, replace the previous ones and need to be used from firmware version 4.3.8991 onwards.

What are the load control values for Märklin® SFCN and Märklin® DCM?

To set the correct load control values for the big and small Märklin® SFCN as well as the Märklin® DCM you may follow the values given down below:

CV  2 = Value 4

CV52 = Value 30

CV53 = Value 50

CV54 = Value 40

CV55 = Value 175

CV56 = Value 200 

The new values mentioned here will, of course, replace the previous ones and need to be used from firmware version 4.3.8991 onwards.

You will find more information in the LokSound V4.0 and the LokPilot V4.0 manual.

What are the load control values for HAG locomotives?

To set the correct load control values for HAG locomotives you may follow the values given down below:

CV  2 = Value 4

CV52 = Value 15

CV53 = Value 100

CV54 = Value 40

CV55 = Value 175

CV56 = Value 200

The new values mentioned here will, of course, replace the previous ones and need to be used from firmware version 4.3.8991 onwards.

RailComPlus® defines e.g. a new DCC command, which also transfers, beside the speed, all function keys together rather than individually. This will save a lot of time. Furthermore there will be new commands to block read or write CV data. This will considerably accelerate the readout of a decoder.

Basically every DCC manufacturer is able to obtain a licence RailComPlus® from the companies responsible, namely Lenz and ESU. We assume that RailComPlus® will become very popular during the next time as as the legitimate and logical successor of RailCom®.

The list of symbols will be continuously extended. This ensures that all possible functions will have a respective symbole in the future.

Unfortunately not. LokSound V3.5 decoders don´t have the electronics required for RailCom®.

The hardware of the LokPilot V3.0 is prepared for the use of RailComPlus®. We are currently examining if and when a firmware update for the LokPilot V3.0 family can be provived.

It depends on the decoder. Basically all RailCom®-compatible decoders are prepared in terms of their hardware. For further information please refer to your decoder manufacturer.

All LokPilot V4.0 decoders will be shipped ex works with RailComPlus® from March 2011 onwards. For LokPilot V4.0 decoders which have been previously shipped a free of charge firmware update will be available. The update can be directly played on the decoder with the aid of the ESU LokProgrammer and your Windows-PC.

All LokSound V4.0 decoders will be shipped ex works with RailComPlus® activated. With the ESU LokProgrammers or a RailComPlus®-compatible command station you are able to change the name of the loco, its symbol and function key allocation and -symbol at any time.

Basically, RailComPlus® is suitable for all track systems and gauges. RailComPlus® can also be used for 3-rail AC layouts. Depending on the central station, it is also possible during a mixed operation Motorola®- or mfx® decoders. Our ECoS command station can do this split without any problems.

Yes, of course. Every RailComPlus®-compatible command station is a complete DCC station. As a matter of fact, central stations are neither able to perform any magic or clairvoyance: with older DCC decoders you need to type in the loco address and the functions manually.

Of course. RailComPlus® is fully downward compatible with all relevant DCC norms. If needed, RailComPlus® can be switched off via a CV.

RailComPlus® has been thoroughly defined and documented by the responsible companies Lenz and ESU. Before a product is allowed to wear the logo (and thus signalises that it will work properly with your other components) it undergoes extensive tests. RailComPlus® a whole package of functions and internal commands, which all have to be completely implemented.

The real address can be displayed at any time. RailComPlus® remains in the background in a noble manner: If the address of the »new« loco is hasn´t been used yet by the command station, it will be retained. Otherwise, the command station allocates a new address to the loco: automatically or by your choice.

RailComPlus®-compatible products can be identified with the logo. Only products with a 100% RailComPlus® compatibility are allowed to have the logo.

The registration of the loco only takes a few seconds, due to the fast RailCom® feedback.

You will need a RailComPlus®-compatible command station as well as decoders equipped RailComPlus®.

What can I do to ensure a safe M4 operation on my layout?

The are some important factors that you can control:

1. Layout wiring. Track power feeder on a H0 layout at least every 1.5m (3 to 5 feet) and before and after each turnout/switch.
2. Lay track power wires (B+0) from a booster and separately from each individual booster to the layout, you may connect the ground wires over there together to build a common ground.
3. Power bus wires and supply lines of ECoS and ECoSBoost should be as short as possible and not fall below a wire gauge of at least 1.5 mm² (AWG 16), where more than 8m (24’) distance. Wire gauges under 0.5mm² (AWG 20) are for general supply lines for ECoS / ECoSBoost unsuitable (1.0mm ² (AWG 18) for ECoSBoost 8A).
4. M4 Loks nur programmieren, wenn sich diese auf M4 rückmeldetauglichen Abschnitten befinden.
5. The command station should be shut down by pressing the STOP button (hold for 3 seconds and wait until the STOP button is flashing).

A new registration of a M4 loco takes always place when:

1. You make programming modifications with the LokProgrammer or with another (not M4-) central station.
2. After a data back-up carried out on your central station.
3. When in the meanwhile the M4 locomotive has been driven by another M4 speaking command station, also by the Märklin mobile station.
4. When the M4 loco stands on a breaking section, block section or a currentless section. Also when the loco has not been put onto the layout before (showcase) or another loco has been deleted.
5. After a RESET of the M4 central station.
6. When the M4 loco has been deleted (the same when in Setup 2, "delete objects", all locos had been deleted before).
7. M4 loco gets a decoder reset.
8. While stopping, some loco will be deleted.

A new registration must never be interrupted, also not by breaking or block sections.

To make it possible that a locomotive with a M4 or a Märklin® mfx® decoder will be automatically recognised by the sytem, it has to comply with the following requirements:

1. The loco must not stand on a 6017 booster circuit, or onto another booster circuit which doesn´t speak the M4 protocol.
2. The loco must neither stand on a breaking section, nor a block section.
3. The loco must not stand on a currentless stopping section.
4. The M4 protocoll is activated in Setup 2 of the command station.
5. The software version of the command station is not older than V3.0.1.
6. Especially if temporary registration problems occur, we recommend to delete all M4 locos, shut down your command station by stopp, re-boot it. The command station will recognise all M4 locos and register them. Please wait until the command station is finished.