Search The Inn

Monday, May 25, 2026

LokProgrammer v 5.2.18 Released By ESU 2026-05-01

 Version 5.2.18:

  • ==============
  • - Bugfix:
  •   
  • LokSound 5 Fx / LokSound 5 Fx DCC
   Soundeditor -> State -> Output - AUX12 was not displayed.
   Function outputs - Physical output configuration -> wheel sensor warning at wrong AUX.

  • LokSound 5 family / LokPilot 5 family / Essential Sound Unit:
     new firmware version 5.14.183
  •     new CV 11: DCC Settings - Packet Timeout Time
  •     Soundslots 3 and higher now have an additional flag "Drivesound" to define any sound slot as a drivesound enabler. See figure 1.
  •     Soundslot 1 and 2 are always drivesounds

Figure 1. Drive Sound Enabler (courtesy of Mark Granville)

<Author's Note>
The new CV11 brings ESU more into alignment with American decoder makers (notably Soundtraxx). Soundtraxx has this same setting and has for a long time. The values are different, however, they accomplish the same thing.


If you have an idea for a blog post here, let me know. If I can comment on it, I will or I'll see if someone else can and post it. 

Saturday, May 16, 2026

Model Railroad Sizes By Scale

These pictures were taken from a display at the Hostlers Model Railroad Museum in Ogden, Utah. Hopefully they givn some relative sizes for those that are unfamiliar with the various scales. The signs for HO, N and Z scales are all the same size so you can get an idea of model sizes. The signs for G,O and S are slightly larger but you can still get some relative size information from them by watching how the scales grow in size relative to the signs.

All of these are shown from smaller to larger. SO that you can get a starting point for the size, the Z SCALE sign is 3 inches high.









    



Pick the size you like the most and above all - have fun!


If you have an idea for a blog post here, let me know. If I can comment on it, I will or I'll see if someone else can and post it.

Tuesday, May 12, 2026

New ESU youTube Videos

ESU has picked up where Matt Herman left off. They have started a new series of videos concerning the LokProgrammer and the CabControl on a youTube channel. They look good and go into depth concerning various topics that have been constant questions on the forums.

The channel is located here.


If you have an idea for a blog post here, let me know. If I can comment on it, I will or I'll see if someone else can and post it.