LokProgrammer v5.3.0 Released 27 October 2026

LokProgrammer PC-Software for all LokSound 5, LokPilot 5, LokSound V4.0 and older Decoders v5.3.0 has been released by LokSound. It is available here.

Release notes detail these additions:

Version 5.3.0:

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- Soundsimulator:

  * Sound project overview - multiple selection using Ctrl, Shift, or the arrow keys

• additional information.
• multichannel simulation of the selected sound slots (maximum of 10 channels)
• delete all selected sound slots.
• edit all selected sound slots.

- Sound slot settings:

  * Sound slot configuration - multiple selection using Ctrl, Shift, or the arrow keys

• multichannel simulation of the selected sound slots (maximum of 10 channels)

- SignalPilot:

  *  new signals (DB H/V Signals/DB Ks Signals/SNCB Signals/SNCF Signals/FS                               Signals/USA Santa Fe Signals)

- LokSound 5 family:

  * new firmware version 5.14.184

•  Auxiliary steam chuff trigger now used from sound slot 21 (instead of sound slot 4)

  * Soundeditor - Actions

•  a register can be assigned to SoundCV

- Sound settings:

  * Steam chuffs

• new arrangement of trigger

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Explanation Of Atlas Locomotive Lines - Updated 2026-10-20

Although this information is available from Atlas not everyone knows where to find it.

Master Series: The top model of Atlas' lines. It is broken down into two categories:

• Gold – includes sound and a dual mode DCC decoder (will run on DC or DCC)
• Silver – no sound or DCC decoder, most will have an 8 pin DCC plug included

<Update> As of 2018 Atlas equips their Silver line with a 21 pin decoder plug and a pre-wired speaker

Classic Line: This line consists of older tooling that has been upgraded with features such as separate grab irons and other minor retooled pieces. These are generally only offered without sound and usually have an 8 pin DCC plug, space permitting.

Trainman: This is Atlas' “budget” line. These use the same drive train as the other lines, but the shells have less separate detail added, and are generally only offered in one or two variations or phases for each model.

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From Atlas:

Atlas is proud to offer the newest version of its downloadable track planning software for your use in creating magnificent layouts in HO, N & O scales using Atlas track. This software allows you to create and customize your very own layout, view it as a 3D model and then generate a shopping list to make your dream layout a reality.

New Features in ATPS 2.0:

• Create precise transition curves/easements
  
• Build complex helices in just a few steps
  
• Automatically create parallel track routes
  
• Faster, smarter flex-track connections
• A dramatically faster 2D editor, modern Windows interface, improved 3D performance, better high-resolution display support, and improved handling of large layouts.

Features:

• Select pieces from Atlas’ 9 track lines and build your dream layout with ease
• Model flex-track routes in an easy, intuitive and realistic way
• Arrange your layout on multiple levels with different heights and grades
• Easily draw figures to create train stations, houses, industries, roads and infrastructure
• Measure distances and track section lengths
• View and print a list of the Atlas track pieces you need to begin building your layout
• Layout libraries will be available with future library updates
• And much, much more! (For a complete list of features, click here)

How much does it cost?

Atlas Track Planning Software 2.0 retails for $54.95

Customers who purchased ATPS before January 1st , 2026 will be able to upgrade to a new license at the discounted price of $29.95 — Save $25

Customers who purchased ATPS 1 during 2026 will receive this upgrade for free.

(Note: Licenses purchased for ATPS 1 in 2026 will work also for ATPS 2. However, ATPS 1 needs to be upgraded to ATPS 2 on the same PC, where ATPS 1 was activated and used. If that PC is broken, lost or not operational, please contact Atlas for a reset of the license)

Important: Every licensed user of ATPS 1.x.x will be able to continue to use ever ATPS 1.x.x version as long as they wish. The upgrades for these users are voluntary, not mandatory.

The users of the last demo version ATPS 1.9.10 will be required to upgrade to ATPS 2 after 30 Sep 2026 or to pay for a license. They have a choice to:

1. Continue to use ATPS 2 in demo mode;
2. Pay for a new license for ATPS 2
3. Pay for a new license and register the old ATPS 1.x.x.

Purchase the Software License

Purchase an Upgrade License (Users who Purchased ATPS 1.0 before January 2026)

Purchase Layout Files for Use in ATPS

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Recommended Test Track By Good Deals DCC

Good Deals DCC sells many products but the author invested in one of their test tracks several years ago. He purchased their TT-1 which is a portable HO track. See figure 1.

Figure 1 Good Deals DCC TT-1

It has nice features:

• Non-marring padded feet
• Made of non-warping PVC
• Equipped with a rerailer
• End posts have soft pads to protect the locomotive being tested/programmed

The reason for this article is that, as sold, it comes with hex nuts to secure wiring and the author needed a more easy tightening and loosening capability. So he contacted the owner and found out they are 8-32 nuts. A quick trip to the local Lowe's provided 8-32 wing nuts, problem solved. See figure 2.

Figure 2 Nuts replaced with wing nuts

One other device they offer that the author purchased for the club he belongs to is the TT-10 shown in figure 3.

Figure 3 The TT-10

This is a double test track of both HO and N. It will come in handy not only at train shows but also estate sales and swap meets. Due to some lack of space because of the four posts the wing nuts were placed at the outside posts and everything was fine. They are also 8-32 posts. See figure 4.

Figure 4 TT-10 wing nuts secured to outside posts

In addition to the test track they have a plethora of other products and the owner said that he was ready to release several new products as of this writing.

So if you are thinking about purchasing a test track or even building your own, take a look at these. They are well worth it.

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Sountraxx PTB-100 Discontinued

The author is probably a little late with this but Soundtraxx has discontinued the signal amplifier PTB-100. There have been rumors of this having happened but he called Soundtraxx and they confirmed that it has been discontinued.

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