I have a Spectrum 44 tonner with a LokSound Micro 3.5 decoder that has a strange problem. The engine sound stops when the engine does. The horn and bell sounds continue to operate however. When the throttle is “cracked” just a single speed stop, however, the engine sound resumes. I purchased a LokProgrammer by ESU but cannot discern a particular perculiarity with any CV. Can someone with some knowledge of CV’s and the ESU LokProgrammer help?
TRNJ
I cannot help you with the Lok Sound Programmer, but I DO have the same decoder in the same loco. I set up and save all my CVs in DecoderPro. If you have that available to you, I think I can send you my list of CVs from the file. Contact me directly off list if that helps.
Scott Groff
Sumner, WA
I use Micro-Tsunami decoders with a NCE Power Cab and have seen the same issue. Crack the throttle one notch and speed resumes to what I last sent to the decoder. Usually intermittent pickup from the wheels, plus a short wheel base. I have used a stay alive capacitor for a problem loco. Do not know about the LokSound decoders. Here is a link about Stay alive. Your mileage may vary. You also need clean wheels and track, plus solid electrical connections in the track work. This is a downside to DCC.
http://www.members.optusnet.com.au/mainnorth/alive.htm
Rich
It could be there is a CV you need to set to activate idle/background sounds, or it may have a separate idle volume CV that needs to be increased.
My sense is that one of the ff. settings has been changed. I use DecoderPro for programming and CV archiving. In it on the tab for ESU Extra, there are check boxes for the ff.:
Store Direction = Yes
Store Function State = Yes
Store Current Speed Setting = Yes
Start Again with Acceleration Ramp = Yes
Deactivate Load Dependent Sound - No
These are the default settings. I am new enough to Lok Sound products so I cannot tell you what the CV settings are that match these. You should be able match these with the CV settings in the decoder manual. If you cannot find them, contact me by email and I will look them up.
I have found the tech support person at Lok Sound in MN to be very helpful. Contacting them might be the best route to success.
Scott Groff
Yes, I think downloading Decoder Pro is a good idea, even if you cannot connect it to your layout.
I primarily like it for its ability to give me a printed copy of all the CVs of my loco stable. I can compare it to the relevant mfgr’s. decoder manual.
Sould you decide to do that, be sure to download the latest edition of Java FIRST; then DecoderPro.
Attached is the CV file for my 44-tonner. I hope you are able to read it. If you are using Windows/DP, the software will set up a roster file in the following path:
C:\Documents and Settings\Your Name\JMRI\roster
This is where you will want to file the attached list of CVs, and the operating XML file. Then when you open DP, select the drop down for “Roster” and you should find this file.
I received your request in a “do not reply” email from Kalmbach. Contact me directly by email (“send a personal message” from this forum), and I will send this email WITH the attachments.
Another suggestion: go to Yahoo Groups and do a search for Lok Sound. Navigate to it and join the group. There is a very active group there and I received a lot of good help when I asked for it.