Esu loksound v5 micro issue.

[peteski]

While we have been discussing the problem, you didn't mention the specific decoder you are using.  Both the misbehaving micro and the latest nano. Which ones are they? How are they installed in the model?


I'm asking because in the more recent Kato F7 locos (like you have?), the ESU LokSound nano decoder comes installed onto the wide-body board.

If the decoder is defective, if you sent it to ESU for repair, even without warranty, they will fix/replace it for a nominal fee.  To find out what to do and the cost, call ESU's U.S. office.

ESU LLC
3625 Betty Dr Suite A
COLORADO SPRINGS, CO 80917
Telephone: +1 (570) 980-1980
Fax: +1 (866) 591-6440
sales@loksound.com
www.loksound.com

The ESU decoder issue you are alluding to was with a voltage regulator chip, resulting in a totally dead decoder.  Your problem sounds more like a cold solder joint causing intermittent connection.

[Vaderta]

Thanks for the information for ESU Pete.

The Micro that I have that was giving me a difficult time is part # 58823. The Nano that I replaced the Micro with is part # 58923. I hard wire the decoders into the Kato F units without a board like you have pictured. The Micro fits a little nicer as the stepped boards fit well over the gray pickup tower almost matching the profile of where I cut the factory DC board. The Nano doesn't fit as nice hard wired and I need to be careful that the shell does not push on the decoder and make contact with the rear flywheel. I wouldn't mind using one of those boards, but not sure of the cost and just not very familiar with all the items ESU offers.  Right now I am getting my decoder with speaker for just under $100. If the setup you have shown is in the ballpark I would probably like to try it out. Definitely a cleaner fit.

The decoder that was giving me issues. If I held it in my hand and squeezed it, the locomotive would be recognized. I re-did all my solder joints to make sure it wasn't error on my end. But when I finally used the voltage tester to see what's going on when the decoder was unresponsive and it was kind of evident what the issue was. Don't know why I didn't do that from the get go but I guess better later than never. Just never ran across a faulty decoder so thought it was something I was overlooking. I guess it is a lesson learned for me and start with the basics. Then go from there.

[peteski]

Ah, I assumed that since you had the recent version of F7, you were using the 58941 decoder I mentioned in the last post, but you are using hardwired decoders.  Both the LokSound5 micro and nano in hardwired version have an adapter board to which the wires are attached.  So each decoder is a sandwich of the decoder board and the adapter.

ESU 58823 LokSound 5 Micro NMRA DCC Sound Decoder hardwire consists of the decoder itself with a Next18 connector and the wire adapter board mating with the decoder.

ESU 58923 LokSound 5 Nano NMRA DCC Sound Decoder hardwire consists of a nano decoder with an E24 connector and the wire adapter mating with that decoder.

It is quite possible that the problem is not on the decoder itself but with the connector.  Sending the intermittent decoder to ESU for repair will take care of whatever is wrong with it.  Just make sure to mention that the problem is intermittent and pressing down on the decoder assembly usually fixes the problem for some time.

As for where to get ESU decoders (for a decent price), I buy mine from Bryan at https://sbs4dcc.com/mobile-decoders/esu-electronic-solutions-ulm/

And I also agree that whenever troubleshooting a problem like this, starting with the basics is the best way to go.

[Vaderta]

Thanks Pete. I appreciate the explanation of how the decoders are comprised. I am very much a rookie in this hobby, so I appreciate you breaking it down in a way I can understand.  I started by paying for people to do the sound conversions but that got expensive quick and the backlog for the people I use is sometimes months. So I decided I best get to learning how to convert the locomotives myself. I have done quite a fee now and everyone I learn something new. The more complex projects I leave to the professionals like my Kato Big Boy. That is beyond my abilities. I have had a couple good installers give me pointers along the way and for that I am appreciative.

Definitely will be giving ESU a call this week and see what they have to say and send it in to them.

Very much appreciate the link for where you get your decoders from I have been getting mine from Iron Planet Hobbies when I am not supporting my local hobby stores. I buy a certain number locally to help keep them in business and remain a resource for me. But at a certain point I have to keep this hobby financially reasonable on my end so I resort to the online hobby shops that don't have the overhead of the brick and mortar stores. It's a balancing act to say the least so the link is much appreciated