May 2011

There may be some confusion about to where OO/HO ESU Loksound decoders have advanced recently.

The existing Loksound Version 3.5 has stopped production and has all but run out in the shops.  Loksound Version 4 is now available in most outlets.

The Lokprogrammer software Version 2.7.9 (for programming 3.5 decoders), is the last edition of that Version.  There is a new Version 4 Lokprogrammer software available for downloading.  This Lokprogrammer software is to be used to programme Loksound Version 4 decoders, however it has not been fully developed.  There are enough controls in it to programme the operating parts of the decoder, but at this stage it does not support any part of the Sound Schedule.

I have downloaded a Version 4 Lokprogrammer and it happily sits on the desktop alongside the Version 2.7.9 unlike earlier upgrades which uninstalled the encumbent Version as a part of the upgrade.  So, it works like this:-

If you're like me and have dozens of Version 3.5 Project Files and you want to load one of them into a Version 4 decoder, FIRST launch the 3.5 Project File in Version 2.7.9 and make all of the changes you want to have - especially in the Sound Schedule.  Import any of your own sounds or sounds from other Projects and set it up exactly how you want it to be.  Then Save the file in a folder called, for example "Ready Project Files."

THEN launch your Version 4 programmer, select Upload a Project File; and select the Project File you have saved.  In the menu "File" there is an option, "Import Decoder Project."  This option is where you convert the 3.5 file to version 4, ready to upload it into your Version 4 decoder, using the Version 4 programmer.

This change will work successfully with both Lokprogrammer hardware versions.  I have an old blue one and a new black one and it works properly in both machines.

The new Version 4 decoders are on sale here at exactly the same price as the old Version 3.5.  The ones I have seen still have the speaker supplied in the pack.  The improvements can be read on the web site http://www.esu.eu so there's not much point in me repeating them here.

Just as Zimo is starting to challenge the Loksound decoders, ESU have leapt ahead of the field again.  Even though the new programmer is not fully developed, they have released it in a form which will allow owners of 3.5 and 4.0. decoders to continue uninterrupted.

Just looking at South West Digital's page on British Sounds - there seems to be a surfeit of diesel sounds !!  Does this mean steam isn't particularly popular or that it's too difficult ?

It's still early days, Peter.  I think you will see more appear as the development continues.