February 7, 2006

ESU LokSound Micro N Scale Sound Decoders Arrive

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LokSound Review
LokSound Micro Introduction

Believe it or not, ESU LokSound has just released a miniature version of their popular LokSound HO decoder that is small enough for many N Scale installations.

Pricing is the same as HO version.

Also, coming soon, MRC has just anounced an N scale version of their Brilliance HO DCC sound decoders. A major challenge for N scalers wanting onboard sound still remains ... finding the best speakers! The Mini Oval and the 0.62" Dia in the TDS series are the best options for now.

LokSound Micro Preliminary Report:

This Super-Small sound decoder from ESU will be a solution for some people but not others.

Pros

• Very small speaker & decoder will fit in most N scale tenders without much problem;
• Comes with an oval speaker, no enclosure;
• Steam & diesel sounds available;
• Downloadable sounds from the ESU website;
• A smaller round speaker will be available sometime in the future.

Cons

• Limited use for N scale diesel locos as there are precious few 'dummy' units out there;
• For some inexplicable reason it comes with a euro-style 6-pin plug which is useless in the American market. Most people would be hard-wiring anyway but it does make pre-programming less
  convenient;
• Uses 100 Ohm speakers as does the HO version;
• Only 0.5 Amp - the distributor has been testing it with an HO engine and finds that when lights, sound & motion are working together the loco cuts out. The decoder has an overload protector that will re-start. HO installations requiring more that 0.5 Amps are not advised

More information on the ESU Micro will be forth-coming as available.