To all users of LokSound 5 DCC decoders.
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I am an ESU decoder installer and I also do some programming.
With all the decoders that I have installed in the last year, I connect TVS diodes in order to
protect the decoder from network surges and fluctuations generated by the motor
(Thanks Roy Davis, Protecting decoders from track shorts, published in MRHMAG. COM, April
2022).
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I systematically put into practice all the recommendations of ESU and Soundtraxx.
I take many precautions to ensure the integrity of each decoder; I always validate the
consumption of the motor using the Stall Motor test, I validate the installation of the
loudspeakers and the resistances for each AUX output for the LEDs, I protect the ends of all the
wires that are not connected before carrying out a download of a sound program (with the latest
LokProgrammer available) and I carry out tests with the Decoder Tester before connecting to the
locomotive.
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This year I have experienced several failures with the LokSound 5 DCC decoder, the 8-pin model
NEM652 (58410 / 58420). Either the decoder burns out during initial programming, or on the
first try, or even gives up the ghost after only a few weeks of use! Each time, the heat-shrink
tubing melts opposite the AUX5 contact and it is no longer possible to read or reprogram the
decoder. In other words, it is dead!
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My research on the web revealed that ESU has issues with microprocessor availability, similar to
that which are experiencing the global car manufacturers. Therefore, manufacturers must use
parts of various quality and which may cause problems.
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Bottom line if you have issues with an ESU decoder the problem is probably with the ESU
decoder itself and not necessarily your connections. Keep your purchase receipts and feel free to
return the blown decoder to ESU USA for warranty replacement. Of course, the shipment to ESU
USA is at your expense and they don¡¯t want to officially acknowledge a problem... Imagine the potential number of returns this could mean... Does this remind you at all of a recent episode of a faulty electrical cable of battery with Toyota electric vehicles?!
littlered