Loksound Select Direct Micro 73100 availability?

[EL3632]

When doing inventory for my LHS/employer I noticed these decoders were "temporarily discontinued" when I looked them up for inventory. We ran out, unfortunately. I need these decoders too, so I hope the day comes when they, or an LS5 equivalent, are available once again.

[tehachapifan]

Just talked to Bryan at SBS and this is not an exercise, the 73100 and 73199 are indeed discontinued and OOS. He is, however, under the impression that both the 73100 and 73199 will get a V5 replacement, though he hasn't heard anything definitive yet. He expects to hear at least an announcement in the first quarter of 2021, if not see actual product.

While hopeful, I feel a little like Kramer when the Kenny Rodgers Roaster sign when out. Keeping fingers crossed!

[wazzou]

Any word on the ESU Groups.io list?

[peteski]

If a V5 version of 73100 gets made I hope they include extra solder pads for the AUX 1 and 2 outputs which on the current decoder are only available on the super-tiny solder pads for the on-board 0402 LEDs, after unsoldering those LEDs without damaging the pads.

[tehachapifan]

If a V5 version of 73100 gets made I hope they include extra solder pads for the AUX 1 and 2 outputs which on the current decoder are only available on the super-tiny solder pads for the on-board 0402 LEDs, after unsoldering those LEDs without damaging the pads.

I also wish they'd reduce the onboard resistor values for the front and rear LED solder pads. The LED's are a bit dim for my liking. The end user can always make them dimmer, but not brighter.

[peteski]

I also wish they'd reduce the onboard resistor values for the front and rear LED solder pads. The LED's are a bit dim for my liking. The end user can always make them dimmer, but not brighter.

If you can do some miniature soldering, you could try to piggyback (solder) another resistor on top of the factory-installed resistor. That parallel connection will lower the total resistance value.  But I don't think that will be an easy task.

[tehachapifan]

If you can do some miniature soldering, you could try to piggyback (solder) another resistor on top of the factory-installed resistor. That parallel connection will lower the total resistance value.  But I don't think that will be an easy task.

Yeah....that's beyond my capabilities.

[reinhardtjh]

Any word on the ESU Groups.io list?

No.  It's primarily HO so there aren't a lot of 73100/73199 users.  Matt Herman does post occasionally but I'd expect he's going to keep quiet until there is a formal announcement.

[conrad]

Oh boy, just missed out on the last of the 73100's.  Had several in SBS's cart for a post Christmas order - now gone.

Looks like John Colombo's "LokSound Installation Threads and Techniques List (Updated 12/20/20)" will be getting several updates.

Although the replacements won't have a connector, I'm hoping the new versions will not have the height problems that the V5 micros have with their PCB mounted connector.

I'm with Peteski on the need for Aux 1 & 2 solder pads.  A couple of common ground pads would also be nice.

Conrad

[reinhardtjh]

Any word on the ESU Groups.io list?

Now there is...

Hi John,
There IS something coming but we are not quite ready to spread the details just yet. Multiple board formats, lots of outputs! And all I'm willing to say about timeframe at the moment is "soon". We have an immediate need for OEM decoders so those will ship first in the next few weeks... Then ESU LLC retail production will be released.

We are working on an announcement with more details... Stay tuned!!!

Best regards,
Matt Herman
ESU LLC

-----Original Message-----
From: Loksound@groups.io [mailto:Loksound@groups.io] On Behalf Of John H. Reinhardt
Sent: Sunday, January 03, 2021 10:25 PM
To: Loksound@groups.io
Subject: [Loksound] Replacements for Loksound Select Direct Micro 73100/73199 for N-Scale

So, as we've been discussing on TheRailwire.Net (https://www.therailwire.net/forum/index.php?topic=51181.0), it appears the inventory of the 73100 and 73199 ESU LokSound Select Direct Micro have finally run out.  They are no longer available from ESU USA and shop stocks are becoming depleted.

Can Matt give some guidance when replacements will be available? And what is in the pipeline?

The LokProgrammer V5 software release notes have mentioned the "LokSound 5 micro DCC Direct" since V5.0.0 and recently the "LokSound 5 micro E24 DCC" and "LokSound 5 micro KATO" have made an appearance.  What can we be told about these?

Inquiring N-Scale minds would like to know.

--
John H. Reinhardt
   PRRT&HS  #8909
   C&O HS  #11530
   N-Trak   #7566

[tehachapifan]

Well, that sound promising! Kato board? Nice! This is good info to have as we head into Direct Micro scarcity.

[peteski]

Sounds like a German manufacturer of really good decoders (ESU) finally acknowledged that there is a untapped market in USA, and is doing something about it.  I have feeling that Kato's USA Kobo installs of hundreds of ESU decoders played a big role in this.

Lots of US modelers are not happy just using Digitrax, TCS, Soundtraxx, MRC, or NCE decoders.  The European stuff is so much more advanced, with better motor control, and sound/lighting effects.  And in most cases the prices of European-made decoders have become quite competitive wit most Amercan brands.

[reinhardtjh]

I have feeling that Kato's USA Kobo installs of hundreds of ESU decoders played a big role in this.

I'm sure it doesn't hurt that ESU is the sound decoder of choice for Atlas, Intermountain, Rapido and Scale Trains in N Scale.

[peteski]

I'm sure it doesn't hurt that ESU is the sound decoder of choice for Atlas, Intermountain, Rapido and Scale Trains in N Scale.

Very true, but I wanted to mention Kato, since their installs so far have been all custom (even thought they do hundreds of them). 

[samusi01]

A drop-in Kato board for narrow hood diesels (SD40/70/etc.) would destroy my budget for the year. For years to come, for that matter, if they had non-sound versions as well.