Installing the New ESU XL 5.0 sound decoder -- Part 2

Live from the workshop -- Part 2

By now, Klaus is about to program and edit the new sound into the blank ESU decoder. Using the ESU Lok programmer and his laptop he can easily select a sound file of a locomotive which comes close to the project he is looking for. ESU provides more than 100 recorded sound files of locomotives from all over the world . These you can find on their web page, free of charge.

Within this loco sound file Klaus first defines the driving characteristics by selecting the correct motor (Buehler) and driving curve (e.g.linear or exponential). The acceleration and stop characteristics are chosen next.
The next task is defining the function mapping. According to his standard based on the LGB MTS standard the functions have to be available basically on the same function key. So we have horns and whistles on functions #1 and #2. Function #3 is regularly the bell. Function #6 switches on the sound and function #7 is the smoker. The function keys then must be linked to AUX outputs if necessary. For example, if you have coal shoveling on function #4 the firebox light must be triggered on an output linked to function #4. Thus you have the firebox light come on whenever coal shoveling sound is played.

The next step is to define the function outputs (e.g. light effect and output voltage). In case Klaus is not satisfied with a certain sound he may choose a different sound from a huge sound library. This way he changes for instance the whistle or the air pump to better match it with the type of loco he is working on. He may even add a self produced sound to the library as long as it is a .wav file.

Due to the fact that generally the sound varies with the chosen loudspeaker some sounds need to be raised in volume to fit into the sound scheme.Unfortunately one is limited in the size of the loudspeaker because of the engine body/housing at hand. So the choice of the loudspeaker is critical. Klaus preferred choice are VISATON loudspeakers. For certain locos he has to dig into his vast selection of specialty loudspeakers.

Once programming is done Klaus puts the sound file onto the blank decoder via the Lok programmer. This procedure may take up to 30 minutes depending on the file size.

Now it's time to install the programmed decoder into the locomotive and do the final wiring. Then he reassembles the locomotive. Test driving may show the necessity for slight changes which can always be done by reconnecting the locomotive to the Lok programmer and changing the file accordingly.

ESU Loksound decoders prove to be the most versatile and effective decoder on the market in regard to motor control and sound quality paired with output. Various implemented safety features guard the function outputs and motor control making it not only safer but also more fun programming and editing the ESU 5.0 XL sound decoder.

Klaus is well stocked with ESU decoders. Give him a call or email him. Klaus is always happy to help!