ESU 59925 LokPilot with E24 interface now available

[peteski]

In stock at SBS: https://sbs4dcc.com/products/esu-59925-lokpilot-5-nano-nmra-dcc-decoder-esu-e24-integral-connector.html

Like I suspected, it is basically a "neutered" LokSound unit. ESU did somethgin simiilar with one of their N scale LokSound4 decoders. 

I hope that ESU also comes out with a  LokPilot version of their E24-based Kato Widebody adapter board. That would make  it easier to install silent ESU decoders in all the Kato locos using that size board.

[ryan_wilkerson]

Does this new decoder snap into a board with the E24?

[C855B]

Does this new decoder snap into a board with the E24?

Yes. You'll want to secure it with kapton tape, though. Doesn't take much to dislodge it.

[ryan_wilkerson]

Yes. You'll want to secure it with kapton tape, though. Doesn't take much to dislodge it.

Thanks Mike.
Like Peteski said, I will be interested if they make a Kato wide body adapter board so either a sound or silent E24 decoder could be mounted.

[reinhardtjh]

I hope that ESU also comes out with a  LokPilot version of their E24-based Kato Widebody adapter board. That would make  it easier to install silent ESU decoders in all the Kato locos using that size board.

Looks like you got your wish - On the ESU Site: https://www.esu.eu/en/products/lokpilot/lokpilot-5-micro-dcc-direct-kato-usa-widebody/ for delivery in Q2/24

At Streamlined Backshops - https://sbs4dcc.com/products/esu-59941-lokpilot-5-micro-direct-nmra-dcc-decoder-n-drop-in-board-for-kato-wide-body-type.html

It's on backorder but at least it's coming.

[ryan_wilkerson]

Nice find John! Thank you for both links.

[peteski]

Yes, that is a good news.  Very helpful for ESU decoder installs on those Kato locos.
Too bad that the piggybacked decoder design will not work in some of the Kato widebody diesels.  But that applies to both LokSound and LokPilot versions (since they are basically the same).

[wmcbride]

Too bad that the piggybacked decoder design will not work in some of the Kato widebody diesels.  But that applies to both LokSound and LokPilot versions (since they are basically the same).

Which will it not fit?

[peteski]

Which will it not fit?

It will not clear the shells of PA/PBs, and I also think E-units.

We recently tried installing them in PAs and ended up installing Digitrax sound decoders. 

[ryan_wilkerson]

Will they work on P42 and F7 locos?

[peteski]

Will they work on P42 and F7 locos?

I know they work in P42s, and it fits F- and E-units.  Of course you will have to make room for the speaker and enclosure.  They will also fit F40PH (those have lots of space up the top), but you'll have to get creative with speaker install (not much room for one).

[wmcbride]

We recently tried installing them in PAs and ended up installing Digitrax sound decoders. 

Digitrax!!!

[reinhardtjh]

Digitrax!!!

Digitrax are getting better, but still not as versatile as ESU. They recently announces the Series 7 decoders which have several improvements.

https://www.digitrax.com/products/sound-decoders/


If you have Digitrax decoders make sure to join the IO Group for John McMaster's AnP railroad. he's a wizard at creating very, very good sound files for Digitrax decoders.

https://groups.io/g/AnPRR

[ryan_wilkerson]

Good info, thank you.

I know they work in P42s, and I'm pretty sure they will work in the F-units, but I haven't done one of those yet.  Of course you will have to make room for the speaker and enclosure.  They will also fit F40PH (those have lots of space up the top), but you'll have to get creative with speaker install (not much room for one).

[wmcbride]

Digitrax are getting better, but still not as versatile as ESU. They recently announces the Series 7 decoders which have several improvements.

https://www.digitrax.com/products/sound-decoders/


If you have Digitrax decoders make sure to join the IO Group for John McMaster's AnP railroad. he's a wizard at creating very, very good sound files for Digitrax decoders.

https://groups.io/g/AnPRR

Thank you. I had NO idea Digitrax was doing sound. My memory of them was from years ago.