ESU Loksound/DCC

I've run some of my HO Loksound engines on DC track before with no problems. Obviously you cannot control the lights and sounds, but the train will move just fine.

Interesting question. I figured Max was correct but I wanted to confirm. I went to the ESU website and under the operating manual for version 4.0 it states:

"All LokSound V4.0 decoders are true multi-protocol decoders with automatic detection of the operating mode „on-the-fly.“ The decoder analyses the track signal and filters out the part that is reserved for it. Changing from digital to analogue and back represents no problem whatsoever. This is important in case your e.g. fiddle yard still works in analogue mode. Furthermore, all LokSound de-coders support the relevant brake modes such as ROCO®, Lenz® or Märklin® and stop as intended."

So, just for clarification....Running analog DC, an engine with ESU loksound will run fine, but there will be no sound.  Correct?   I run AC/TMCC on my 2 rail, so im used to engines that still have the sound working, even when not using the TMCC radio control.

I found this on a sheet entitled additional information. So for sure it will run under DC. I also found this:

5.2.4. Analogue Mode: Quite a few LokSound decoders replace analogue directional relays. Therefore, you can not only set the starting speed and the maximum speed as well as pre-select which functions should be active in analogue mode: even load compensation works in analogue mode!

While I couldn't find anything that specifically says the sounds work under DC I would assume that since stuff like load compensation works that the sounds will work also.

I have an Atlas engine that has a ESU decoder in it. If I can find it I will try it out for you under DC.

I'm confused, you said it was equipped with DCC and Loksound (Loksound is DCC.) but no DCC decoder (Loksound is a DCC decoder.).  So what is it you have?

But all Loksound decoders can fun DC, it they are configured to do so.  I know most DCC folks actually disable the decoder's ability to run in DC so that if the locomotive doesn't see the DCC signal it doesn't take off on them.  As for your locomotive, you'd have to know how it was configured.  If it's a factory install then you need to see what the manual says.  If it was an upgrade, you'll have to ask the one that added the decoder.

FYI, as for Loksound decoders there are several versions.  The L and XL decoders also can be run on AC conventionally, so you have run them with your other 3R trains.

ESU Loksound will have sounds and headlights in the direction the engine will travel on straight DC wired to the track with a sound decoder. DO NOT wire up AC straight to the track, you will fry the decoder.

Glad you got your question answered. I found the locomotive but I couldn’t find a DC power pack. Too many projects going on.

@DL&W Pete posted:

ESU Loksound will have sounds and headlights in the direction the engine will travel on straight DC wired to the track with a sound decoder. DO NOT wire up AC straight to the track, you will fry the decoder.

This is not completely true, it depends on the decoder.  Here are the feature charts for both the V4.0 and V5 LokSound decoders, from the decoder manuals.

This is why I picked the ESU decoders, because you can run them AC conventionally.  But as you can see, not all of them can, so you must know which version of the decoder you have before trying it.  And as the V5 chart shows And from experience V4.0 is the same way.) it can be selected if it'll run that way, and from my DCC friends in other scales DC operation is normally turned off.