The LokSound 5 Fx is a special member of the LokSound family: it has no motor output and is specially designed for use in control cars or dummy heads, which require sound but do not have a motor of their own. By omitting the motor section, it can still offer all the sound features of the other LokSound 5 members in a size of only 21.5 mm x 15.5 mm.
LokSound 5 Fx decoders are always supplied with an 11 x 15 mm "sugar cube" loudspeaker and sound capsule kit. This version is equipped with a 21MTC interface.
Modes
Like all family members, the LokSound 5 Fx is a true multi-protocol decoder. It masters the DCC data format as well as Motorola®, Selectrix® and M4. In DCC format, 14 to 128 speed steps are as self-evident as 2- and 4-digit addresses and up to 32 functions. With the help of RailComPlus® technology, the decoders register fully automatically at a suitable digital command station.
It masters all DCC programming modes and can be both driven and programmed with compatible digital command stations. Thanks to RailCom®, it is possible to read out the CV values on the main track with suitable control panels. Auxiliary registers exist for control panels that can only program the CVs from 1-255.
Motorola® users benefit from up to 28 speed steps at 255 addresses. Three additional Motorola® addresses enable the triggering of 16 functions. A built-in programming mode also makes reprogramming possible with the venerable Control Unit 6021. The M4 protocol allows automatic login to mfx®-compatible control stations.
The LokSound 5 Fx decoder detects the Märklin® braking sections as well as ZIMO® HLU brake commands or the Lenz® ABC system. Braking with DCC brake blocks or with DC voltage is also possible, and it also stops with a Selectrix® brake diode. An ABC shuttle system allows automatic commuting between two stations. The LokSound 5 decoder can be used on analog DC and AC layouts. The decoder switches "on-the-fly" fully automatically between operating modes; most of the time, nothing needs to be adjusted.
Sound
The LokSound 5 Fx decoder can play up to 12 channels simultaneously. Each channel can be resolved with up to 16 bit / 31250 kHz and offers hi-fi quality on your system. A Class D audio output stage with up to 3W output controls the speakers, which may have between 4 ohms and 32 ohms impedance. A 128 Mbit sound memory provides enough capacity.
The volume of all individual sounds can be adjusted individually. The super-flexible sound engine without a rigid schedule allows the prototypical simulation of all conceivable rail vehicles.
Functions
There are also lights to switch on in the control car or dummy head. That is why we have equipped the LokSound 5 Fx with 6 reinforced function outputs. In the version with 21MTC interface, 6 additional outputs are available for controlling servos or as logic-level outputs. All important lighting functions are available, and the brightness of each output can be set separately.
Motor
Although the LokSound 5 Fx itself does not have a motor output, it still "simulates" one. This is used for synchronization with the powered car, where ideally a full-fledged LokSound 5 decoder performs its service. Within the train consist, this ensures that the brake squeal occurs at the same time or that the lamps switch with the direction of travel at the same time.
Operational reliability
A PowerPack can be connected to the LokSound 5 Fx on request to bridge dirty rail sections.
Protection
Of course, the outputs are protected against overload. We want you to enjoy your decoder for as long as possible.
Please note that LokSound decoders ship without a preloaded sound file (they are blank).
If you do not have a LokProgrammer interface, we can load the sound file of your choice onto your decoder at no additional charge.
You have two options: you can tell us what model of locomotive you have (e.g., EMD SD40-2, MLW M630) and we will select the right file for you, or you can give us the item number (e.g., S0821) of the sound file you want from the ESU website.
To let us know your choice, simply add a note in the "Comments" section when entering your payment details at checkout, or send an email referencing your order number to info@modelebt.com.
To listen to the sound samples and choose your file, visit the ESU website's download page by clicking one of the links below:
LokSound sound files for North American and Australian locomotives
LokSound sound files for European locomotives
If you prefer, you can also purchase an ESU LokProgrammer interface. Note that this interface is not required for regular programming (address, CVs, etc.) of ESU decoders.
The LokSound 5 Fx is a special member of the LokSound family: it has no motor output and is specially designed for use in control cars or dummy heads, which require sound but do not have a motor of their own. By omitting the motor section, it can still offer all the sound features of the other LokSound 5 members in a size of only 21.5 mm x 15.5 mm.
LokSound 5 Fx decoders are always supplied with an 11 x 15 mm "sugar cube" loudspeaker and sound capsule kit. This version is equipped with a 21MTC interface.
Modes
Like all family members, the LokSound 5 Fx is a true multi-protocol decoder. It masters the DCC data format as well as Motorola®, Selectrix® and M4. In DCC format, 14 to 128 speed steps are as self-evident as 2- and 4-digit addresses and up to 32 functions. With the help of RailComPlus® technology, the decoders register fully automatically at a suitable digital command station.
It masters all DCC programming modes and can be both driven and programmed with compatible digital command stations. Thanks to RailCom®, it is possible to read out the CV values on the main track with suitable control panels. Auxiliary registers exist for control panels that can only program the CVs from 1-255.
Motorola® users benefit from up to 28 speed steps at 255 addresses. Three additional Motorola® addresses enable the triggering of 16 functions. A built-in programming mode also makes reprogramming possible with the venerable Control Unit 6021. The M4 protocol allows automatic login to mfx®-compatible control stations.
The LokSound 5 Fx decoder detects the Märklin® braking sections as well as ZIMO® HLU brake commands or the Lenz® ABC system. Braking with DCC brake blocks or with DC voltage is also possible, and it also stops with a Selectrix® brake diode. An ABC shuttle system allows automatic commuting between two stations. The LokSound 5 decoder can be used on analog DC and AC layouts. The decoder switches "on-the-fly" fully automatically between operating modes; most of the time, nothing needs to be adjusted.
Sound
The LokSound 5 Fx decoder can play up to 12 channels simultaneously. Each channel can be resolved with up to 16 bit / 31250 kHz and offers hi-fi quality on your system. A Class D audio output stage with up to 3W output controls the speakers, which may have between 4 ohms and 32 ohms impedance. A 128 Mbit sound memory provides enough capacity.
The volume of all individual sounds can be adjusted individually. The super-flexible sound engine without a rigid schedule allows the prototypical simulation of all conceivable rail vehicles.
Functions
There are also lights to switch on in the control car or dummy head. That is why we have equipped the LokSound 5 Fx with 6 reinforced function outputs. In the version with 21MTC interface, 6 additional outputs are available for controlling servos or as logic-level outputs. All important lighting functions are available, and the brightness of each output can be set separately.
Motor
Although the LokSound 5 Fx itself does not have a motor output, it still "simulates" one. This is used for synchronization with the powered car, where ideally a full-fledged LokSound 5 decoder performs its service. Within the train consist, this ensures that the brake squeal occurs at the same time or that the lamps switch with the direction of travel at the same time.
Operational reliability
A PowerPack can be connected to the LokSound 5 Fx on request to bridge dirty rail sections.
Protection
Of course, the outputs are protected against overload. We want you to enjoy your decoder for as long as possible.
Please note that LokSound decoders ship without a preloaded sound file (they are blank).
If you do not have a LokProgrammer interface, we can load the sound file of your choice onto your decoder at no additional charge.
You have two options: you can tell us what model of locomotive you have (e.g., EMD SD40-2, MLW M630) and we will select the right file for you, or you can give us the item number (e.g., S0821) of the sound file you want from the ESU website.
To let us know your choice, simply add a note in the "Comments" section when entering your payment details at checkout, or send an email referencing your order number to info@modelebt.com.
To listen to the sound samples and choose your file, visit the ESU website's download page by clicking one of the links below:
LokSound sound files for North American and Australian locomotives
LokSound sound files for European locomotives
If you prefer, you can also purchase an ESU LokProgrammer interface. Note that this interface is not required for regular programming (address, CVs, etc.) of ESU decoders.