Earlier this year, ESU (The makers of LokSound) debuted a new line of LokPilot decoders which offer some significant improvements over previous versions. These new decoders are now in stock and available to order! In this post we'll go through and explore the features of these new decoders and outline what they replace in the ESU catalog.

An Introduction

In an effort to further advance the capabilities of silent running DCC, these new decoders feature all of the same fine motor control variables and amplified function outputs that LokSound 5 decoders offer, at a fraction of the price. This includes a variably adjustable PWM clock frequency from 10kHz to 50kHz to ensure quiet motor operations. In other words, properly adjusted, these decoders almost completely eliminate motor hum or buzzing. Load control also received an update with 10 different CVs used to adjust load control should you so desire.

Its important to mention that all LokPilot decoders will function just fine out of the box. You may never even have to adjust these CVs, but they are there should you want to. Every locomotive runs differently and it is up to the end user to determine how to adjust the decoders accordingly. The difference between a locomotive that has been properly adjusted and one that hasn't is quite significant. A locomotive with a decoder that has not been tuned will display behavior like stuttering or jumping at low speeds, or pulsing at higher speeds. If you need guidance, please feel free to email us at [email protected]

The LokPilot 5

Measuring 21 x 15mm this decoder will work in most HO scale locomotives and comes in a variety of different flavors depending on what you need for your locomotive. These include:

59620: 8 Pin NMRA, replaces the 54611
59622: 22 Pin PluX, replaces the 54617
59626: 6 Pin NMRA, replaces the 54613
59629: 21 Pin MTC, replaces the 54615

Decoder Features:

  • 21mm x 15mm
  • 10 amplified function outputs for lighting
  • 1.5 amp peak motor current rating
  • 21MTC and 22PluX versions feature 4 logic level outputs for servos
  • DC Compatible
  • Multiprotocol versions available for international users

The LokPilot 5 Micro

Perfect for N scale or smaller HO locomotives the LokPilot 5 Micro is a fully featured DCC decoder available in the following variations:

59820: 8 Pin NMRA, replaces the 54683
59824: 16 Pin PluX
59826: 6 Pin NMRA, replaces the 54684
59827: 6 Pin NMRA Direct, replaces the 54685
59828: Next18, replaces the 54686
59657: 6 Pin NMRA Direct Angled

Decoder Features:

  • 8mm x 7mm
  • Next18 and PluX16 versions are 13mm x 9mm
  • 0.75 amp peak motor current rating
  • Four amplified function outputs for lighting
  • Two logic level function outputs for servos
  • Next18 and PluX16 versions have six amplified outputs plus two logic level outputs
  • DC compatible
  • Multiprotocol versions available for international users

The LokPilot 5 L

For the large scale modelers! This is a true multiprotocol decoder, supporting all major control protocols including DCC.

59315: Replaces the 54640

Decoder Features:

  • 50mm x 25mm
  • 11 amplified function outputs for lighting
  • 6 logic level outputs for servos which can also control RC servos
  • 3.0 amp peak motor current rating
  • DC and AC Compatible
  • PowerPack installed directly on the decoder

The LokPilot 5 Fx Micro

Have you ever wanted to put DCC controllable lighting in your caboose, passenger car, or MOW equipment? This is the decoder for you.

59120: 8 Pin NMRA, replaces the 53620

Decoder Features:

  • 8mm x 7mm
  • Function only decoder
  • Six amplified outputs for lighting
  • Two logic outputs for servos
  • Multiprotocol version available for international users

CLICK HERE to view the full lineup of available LokPilot 5 DCC decoders.