It certainly does have some interesting new features.


http://www.esu.eu/en/pro...s/lokpilot/lokpilot-v40/




Thomas

Pardon my ignorance what is PlusX??

NN

I like the "energy store" connection points, and look forward to seeing what the power pack looks like. That would remove one of my greatest frustrations to do with modern decoders, their inability to cope with dirty tracks.

When will these decoders be available? I'm thinking of trying one of these out on my next digital conversion.

Märklin and ESU created a 21 pin connector called MTC.

NMRA and NEM created a connector with 8, 12, 16, or 22 pins called PluX.

So there are two incompatible solutions for the same problem.

The PluX standard defines maximum sizes for decoders (and locos must reserve that amount of space). AFAIK this is not standardized with MTC (some users tried to add sound to the Märklin Rh. 1012 loco #37309 but had to find that the LokSound decoder doesn't fit; this should not happen with PluX).

PluX sound decoders require more space, but the loco manufacturer should tell you if there is space for a sound decoder.

A decoder will fit into sockets with more pins (e. g. 8 pin decoder in 22 pin socket).

Lokshop doesn't seem to have them in stock yet. I might put in an order anyway. Thanks John!

Yes, and I have noticed that Eurolokshop.com has cut their price on v 3.0 but does not have the new ones yet.
Eric

Edited by moderator 01 November 2010 20:06:08(UTC)  | Reason: Not specified

Hi Mark,

anything new stand out for you? Better worse?



regards,

Thomas

I don't have that new decoder yet.

To change the function mapping you must access CVs above 255 - and reports on Stummi's Forum indicate that this is a problem with some controllers (including ESU's CS1reloaded).

Hi all,
If you have an ESU lok programmer, you must download and install new lok programmer software V4.0 for the new V4.0 lok pilot decoder.
This is only for lokpilot V4.0 decoders at the moment, may be V4.0 loksound in the future??
You run this parallel to V2.7.7 software.

Cheers,
Brian.

I find it a bit annoying, now we have 2 lokprogrammer programs.

I assume, it's ok if you have several locos and you are aware of, which decoder is in each loco.
When you have hundreds of them it becomes a problem, sometimes your loco may not have contact with the rail or pukos, so it doesn't respond and you'll open it up to the other lokprogrammer and it still doesn't work, secondly you don't know which decoder is in which loco.
Both programmers allow you to access locos fitted with Märklin decoders under the motorola protocol

And it looks like there is more to come: availability for 28 functions.

1.) marker light front
2.) marker light rear
3.) panto up front
4.) panto up rear
5.) drivers cab light front
6.) drivers light rear
7.) high beam front
8.) high beam rear
9.) Machine room light
10.) Sound on
11.) Station master whistle
12.) coal shuffling
13.) Station announcement
14.) doors closing
15.) Loco whistle long
16.) loco shunting whistle short
17.) locos horn high pitch
18.) locos horn deep pitch
19.) Water pump
20.) brakes squealing
21.) Generator
22.) Gear light
23.) coal fire light
24.) Telex coupling front
25.) Telex coupling rear
26.) Smoke generator
27.) Ejectors
28.) Video camera on

Although these functions are combined between E-Loco and Steam loco I can't see how you can create 28 functions in 1 loco unless you have a special train pulled by a steam loco and pushed by an E-loco.

John

It seems like the mfx support has been dropped? The LokPilot 3.0 exists in a version called "M4", which seems to be the "mfx" with a different name. But there is no indicaton of a 4.0 M4. My guess is that since CS2 can handle DCC, there is not much demand for mfx decoders from 3rd party.

Hi Stephan,

I assume you can still do the basic changes with a 6021, like change loco address, acceleration etc.?

„Better is the enemy of good“ it is said in colloquial language for generations. We fully agree with this proverb and are proud to present to you the brand-new LokPilot V4.0 Decoder. This decoder supersedes from now on the „well and good“ LokPilot V3.0 Decoder, which has achieved an excellent reputation among model railroaders all around the world. The new LokPilot V4.0 is much „better“ in many respects based on the LokPilot family’s high standard performance.The LokPilot V4.0 Decoder will be offered in several varieties like its forerunner. It comes either as a fully-equipped multiprotocol decoder (DCC, Motorola® and Selectrix®) or as DCC version only. A further range of interface options enables you to find the appropriate decoder for your loco any time.

Operational modes
The LokPilot V4.0 supports, like its forerunners DCC, Motorola® and Selectrix®. It can also be used for DC and AC operation and recognises operational modes automatically „on-the-fly". As a matter of course there are up to 9999 addresses in DCC operation or 255 in Motorola® operation. The LokPilot V4.0 supports all common braking sections such as Zimo® HLU, Märklin® or Selectrix® diode braking sections. A new feature is the ABC braking mode. Introduced by Lenz®, it simplifies stoppage in front of the signal thanks to its asymmetrical DCC signal. The LokPilot V4.0 also fully supports the RailCom® standard and can be programmed with all current digital command stations.
Also new is the additional connection facility for an external „Power Pack". This optionally (coming in 2011) available energy store is able to energize the motor up to 2 seconds if the power supply is interrupted and makes you finally forget dirty tracks!

Motor management
From a LokPilot decoder, you rightly expect an excellent motor management. With the LokPilot V4.0, ESU introduces the once more improved fifth generation of load control. The standard frequency is adjusted adaptively to the speed with a basic frequency of 40 kHz. The result is an even better slow driving performance, ideal for older 3-pole or coreless motors. It’s also child’s play to adjust the regulation to the respective model. With this ESU sets a new standard. Nowhere else will you find better motor control. Promised!

Mechanics
Despite all its new functions, the new LokPilot V4.0 is 9% smaller than its forerunner and thus easier to install. Beside the known LokPilot versions, with 8-pin or 6-pin NEM interface as well as with a 21MTC connector, there is now a further version with a PluX12 plug (at the wire harness) which can be directly plugged into many of the new ROCO® locomotives.

Analog operation
With LokPilot V4.0 it’s not only possible to limit the start and top speed of your loco in analog mode, you can even determine which of the functions should be active. Even load control is active. Therefore, the LokPilot V4.0 is ideal for locos, which are too fast with a conventional reverser relay. At last your locos crawl in analog mode as slowly as you’re used to with digital layouts.

Functions
The LokPilot V4.0 decoder has 4 function outputs which achieve 250 mA load each. They are separately dimmable and can be allocated individually to different light functions such as flashing light, firebox flicker, strobe – and double strobe, Ditch Light etc. Beyond that, the 21MTC connector version has two logical outputs which can be made alive via the adapter board 51968. Of course, the decoder is able to control the automatic decoupling move and push time for Roco®, Krois® and Telex® couplers and also offers a high beam function as a new feature. The „LED mode“ ensures that the light effects are set correctly when using LEDs.

Programming
The LokPilot V4.0 supports all DCC programming modes including POM (Programming on the Main). All programming is done electronically; for Märklin® stations 6020, 6021, Mobile Station® and Central Station®. For these units the LokPilot V4.0 employs a time proven, easily acquired programming procedure. Programmed modifications during Motorola® operation are valid with DCC and Selectrix® operation and vice-versa. Programming configuration variables (CV’s) is especially simple for owners of our ECoS control station: all options are displayed in plain language on the large screen and can easily be edited – even during operation on the layout.

Accident prevention
The LokPilot V4.0 supports the indispensable wrongdirection bit for operation on Märklin® layouts, preventing locos leaving an analog section and entering a digital part of the layout, from instantly reversing direction and backing out again. After an interruption, the decoder remembers its last status and starts up again, as quickly as possible.

Peace of mind
The LokPilot V4.0 is overload and short-circuit protected, updatable and can be programmed comfortably from you command station or from your PC with the help of the ESU LokProgrammer. You are able to download brand-new software versions from our website as they become available. The software helps you to configure the decoder. That´s how comfort should be. With the LokPilot V4.0 decoder you do not only purchase a very good decoder but also benefit from ESU’s years of experience in producing innovative digital decoders.

M4 was always been M4 (mfx), lokpilot V3 has been dropped and lokpilot V4 is the new one.

John

You can use a 6021 or Mobile Station (1) to change some values, but only in the range 0-79, so a few options are unavailable because the CV has a higher number or the desired setting is higher:
* Max speed for analogue mode can't be set (CV128)
* Mapping the function outputs to different F-buttons is unavailable.
* Swiss light changeover (3 white front - 1 white rear) can't be set (CV298/314)

A few more functions are only available with DCC programming, but it is quite possible to do the basic programming with older Märklin equipment.

With a CU 6021 you can program registers and values up to 255 (see pages 25/26 of the manual) - same as with V 3.0.
The ESU "long mode" would allow CVs up to 799 - so maybe the ESU manual is outdated and all registers up to 511 are supported.

While function mapping was available with v 3.0, it may no longer be available for CU 6021 users with v 4.0 (if the restriction given in the manual is correct).