Speaker Polarity- ESU Loksound 5 micro direct (Kato board)

[Scottl]

I took the plunge and bought one of these decoders assuming it would be a relatively simple installation.  I was surprised when it did not come with a speaker, but I have acquired several from Digi-key and now I'm assembling everything.

One thing that is not clear from the ESU documentation is the speaker polarity.  I'm pretty sure it does not matter, but the speakers I have include color-coded wires and I want to install this correctly.   The ESU documentation indicates that the two solder pads are Loudspeaker1 and Loudspeaker2 and provides no hint of polarity in this model or any of the other Loksound micro 5 models. 

Should I be worried about the speaker polarity?

[Mike C]

   It doesn't matter as long as you are only using1 speaker . If you use 2 speakers though the polarity must match to get the best sound .    Mike

[Scottl]

Great, that answers my question!  Thanks.

[Dwight in Toronto]

Welcome to the world of ESU LokSound ……..  and their quirky, less-than-ideal user info/documentation!

I’m an absolute fan, totally dedicated to their magnificent product line of sophisticated N scale decoders, and an intrepid explorer of the seemingly endless capabilities of their LokProgrammer software.  But those quick start guides and user documents … argh!

[Scottl]

I have to admit, although the documentation is byzantine, the product is excellent.  I was able to assemble the decoder with Kato motor clips, LEDs and the speaker and it ran flawlessly out of the box.

Unfortunately, the default diesel sound sounds like something from the 1960s and the horn sounds like a Fiat.  I've now discovered that I need to spend another $200 to get a programmer to change the sound because I didn't get my project of choice installed in advance...  I suspect this is the only time I will change a project which makes it pretty hard to justify the purchase of the programmer, so after all of this I'm going to use the locomotive without sound 

[Cajonpassfan]

That would be a shame...
There are sellers who will preload whatever (sound) program you'd like for the price of the decoder. Perhaps your seller is o e of them?
Good luck, Otto

[Scottl]

It's my own fault, but this is the first time I have not dealt with a sound decoder that was not factory set.

I'll try one of the shops around here and maybe someone I know has a programmer.  I'll figure it out eventually 

[Dwight in Toronto]

Scott, I have no idea what your prospects might be as far as acquiring additional LokSound decoders.  But, if there is any chance at all that you might want to tackle another installation or two, the relatively modest cost of a LokProgrammer opens up an entirely new and interesting aspect of the hobby. 

Like most folks, I found the LokProgrammer software to be a bit intimidating at the outset, but after installing and configuring 14 increasingly challenging projects, it has become one of most intriguing, fascinating and rewarding facets of N scale railroading for me.  It’s an incredibly sophisticated, comprehensive and flexible system with limitless programming possibilities.  Well worth the cost!

[dangerboy81]

Scott, I have no idea what your prospects might be as far as acquiring additional LokSound decoders.  But, if there is any chance at all that you might want to tackle another installation or two, the relatively modest cost of a LokProgrammer opens up an entirely new and interesting aspect of the hobby. 

Like most folks, I found the LokProgrammer software to be a bit intimidating at the outset, but after installing and configuring 14 increasingly challenging projects, it has become one of most intriguing, fascinating and rewarding facets of N scale railroading for me.  It’s an incredibly sophisticated, comprehensive and flexible system with limitless programming possibilities.  Well worth the cost!

I have to agree. While it's not something I use often, having a Lok Programmer makes working with these decoders easier and more fun!
Wonder if there is anyone near you who has a programmer to help set you up?

[Scottl]

The ESU software does look interesting.  For me, it is a price too high- I really don't expect to need this again to load a project since I'm now going to get them pre-loaded.  I'm going to see if I can find a local programmer to use for this occasion.  Crossing my fingers.

[mu26aeh]

yes, the decoders have a default european style sound file in there.  Maybe someone here can load a file for you

[peteski]

I have to admit, although the documentation is byzantine, the product is excellent.  I was able to assemble the decoder with Kato motor clips, LEDs and the speaker and it ran flawlessly out of the box.

Unfortunately, the default diesel sound sounds like something from the 1960s and the horn sounds like a Fiat.  I've now discovered that I need to spend another $200 to get a programmer to change the sound because I didn't get my project of choice installed in advance...  I suspect this is the only time I will change a project which makes it pretty hard to justify the purchase of the programmer, so after all of this I'm going to use the locomotive without sound 

A "blank" LokSound decoder comes with preinstalled "test" sound file. Just to make sure the hardware works. I believe any vendor selling LokProgrammer decoder will install any sound project you want for either free or a small fee. That is usually mentioned on the page where you ordering the decoder from.  Not sure what gave you an idea that LokSound decoders come with a "good" sound file installed.

You could likely send the decoder back to the vendor and ask them to install the appropriate project file onto it ( for available projects see http://projects.esu.eu/ ).
Or one of the members here who owns a LokProgrammer hardware and software will likely be willing to upload the appropriate sound project for you.

The fact that both the firmware and sound projects can be repeatedly downloaded (and updated) onto the ESU decoders is IMO a huge advantage over other sound decoders with fixed sound projects permanently loaded onto them. 

The ESU decoders are also much more complex than other decoder when it comes to customizing the CV settings and remapping functions. Doing it manually (especially with indexed CVs) is so cumbersome that it is pretty much impossible.  Using JMRA DecoderPro for programming ESU decoder CVs is very helpful if you have a sound project preinstalled, and don't want to invest in a LokProgrammer hardware, but it you catch "the ESU bug" and start using these decoders, then purchasing a LokProgramer (at a roughly cost of a single LokSound decoder) is highly recommended, as it allows you full control over the ESU decoders.

[jagged ben]

Perhaps a swap could be a arranged with someone who has a programmer?

[Dwight in Toronto]

I really like what Peteski said about catching “the ESU bug”. 

Getting a sound file loaded for you is one thing, but there is a pretty good chance that you will soon want to tweak something - maybe you’d like a gyro lighting effect, or alternately flashing ditch lights, or even something as simple as reducing the sound level of just the bell or horn or whatever.  A LokProgrammer makes customizable tweaks & changes SO quick and easy. 

And THAT’S when the ESU bug bites, and you end up realizing that buying a LokProgrammer was an investment, rather than an unsavoury sunk cost.   

[Scottl]

I'm looking for a ESU programmer here in Calgary to solve the immediate problem (well, the loco runs like a Swiss watch so it is merely an aggravation). I'm still not convinced that it is worth getting my own but we'll see.  Thanks for all your input everyone, I wish I had known all of this before starting down this path.  My other loco in need of DCC will get a TCS decoder- why ESU can't put out a Lokpilot 5 Kato board?