Martin-C

Late last year (Nov. 2021) I tried a Roco Multimaus as an additional controller on my (now rather dated) Lenz 3.6 DCC system. I was very impressed with the operation of the rotary speed control and the relative simplicity of configuring the controller with loco running data.

However, with the then current Roco V1.05 firmware, Multimaus function control above F10 behaved erratically, making the higher F numbers largely unuseable on my Lenz system....

After a recent tip-off from a fellow Multimaus enthusiast, I have now had the Multimaus firmware updated with the new Roco V2.00. (Thanks to the helpful gents at Coastal).

The good news is that the new firmware seems to have successfully resolved the earlier issues, with the controller now behaving correctly on my Lenz system, including the operation of all functions F0 to F28. (In fact it works so well, I've sourced a second unit to simplify simultaneous train operations on our village MRC layout, while the Lenz press-button controller is now mainly used for CV adjustments... see photo.) 

In case this is useful to other Deltic owners, here are the LokSound V motor control CV settings I have programmed on my 9020 Nimbus. Its not perfect, but its not half bad either: The critical ones for slow speed operation are CVs 2, 51 and 52. Many of the other values are probably as received from Accurascale.

CV2: 1,      CV3: 25,       CV4: 12,    CV5:  200,     CV9:  40,

CV51:  20,    CV52:  70,   CV53:110,  CV54:  50,  CV55:  100

CV116:  100,  CV117:  150,  CV118:  20,  CV119:  25

Hope it helps              Martin C.

A further update to this issue:  My friend who previously reported that his Multimaus  worked without problems in conjunction with his Lenz LZV200 V4 system has just let me know that a new Multimaus that he has just acquired, when updated from 1.04 to 1.05, displays similar problems to those I have described with my Multimaus 1.05 operating with my earlier Lenz LZV100 V3.6 system . So my previous conclusions are now in doubt. It looks as if not all currently available Multimaus units behave in a similar manner when operating with Lenz equipment. (Could there be a hardware build standard variation between Multimaus units that can provoke the issue??? )

Hi BoD, Sorry for the delayed response, I'd not anticipated further inputs on the thread...  In answer to your question, the Multimaus was obtained to provide an additional controller for our village MRC layout to control shunting activites in the sidings while simultaneous mainline trains were being controlled via the Lenz hand controller. I've configured the decoders in the shunters so that the most useful lighting and sound functions are controlled by F0 to F9. So that we never need to use the problem range of functions during a display. I like the rotary speed control on the Multimaus, which I find more intuitive than the Lenz LH100 button control, so by avoiding the use of single shift functions, it all works well.  At home I tend to avoid using the Multimaus on locos when I expect to want to use the F13-F20 range of functions. So its not an ideal situation, but neither is it a complete disaster. I have a friend who has the more up to date Lenz LZV200 with V4.0 software installed. He uses Multimaus controllers without the problems that I have encountered on my LZV100 V3.6 system, so I can only guess that Lenz V4 somehow removes the incompatibility that causes my problem. Hope that answers your question. 

On 05/11/2021 at 10:40, Martin-C said:

Thanks for your inputs... I've confirmed the F13+ problem using both LokSound and Zimo decoders on lighting and sound functions that work fine under similar circumstances via my lenz controller.  A friend has now confirmed that his multimouse operates successfully with Lenz LZV200 at V4.0 (up to F20 with Multimaus V1.04 and F28 with V1.05).  Fortunately the retailer has kindly agreed to upgrade my multimaus to 1.05... so if its corrupted firmware, hopefully that will solve the problem. I'll post the results of the upgrade when its been done.

 

Martin C. 

I've just received my Multimaus back from the retailer, who kindly upgraded the unit to V1.05 firmware.  Testing with my Lenz LZV100 (V3.6) the function control behaviour is certainly different. 

The good news is that after dealing with a transient issue, described in detail below, all functions up to and including F28 now operate successfully. Although all numbers above F12 still flash on and off on the Multimaus display, when active. While lower numbers display continuously when active.

The bad news is that when the controller is first switched on, or after selecting a different loco, most (but not all) of the functions F13 to F20 are flashing on and off, and pressing any of these function keys, triggers all the flashing functions between F13 and F20 simultaneously. These all have to be cancelled before proceeding.  Once these are cancelled all appears to work OK except for the flashing of active function numbers above 12. (which i can ignore).

So in conclusion, after a few seconds of confusion when sorting out the above issue, the V1.05 Multimaus works well. But... in a display situation, I can still only use function keys up to 12 if I want to avoid the brief cacophony resulting from triggering a multitude of simultaneous sounds when trying to cancel the rogue keys.  I'm not sure that I'm winning!  

17 hours ago, TPC said:

Lenz 3.6 are capable of F0 to F28.  So you multimouse should work up to F20,  but also keep in mind how many functions the loc decoder might have.  Also with some sound decoders some of the functions only work once the train is moving with sound on.  The flashing of F13+ could be a bug in the 1.04 firmware of the mouse.

Thanks for your inputs... I've confirmed the F13+ problem using both LokSound and Zimo decoders on lighting and sound functions that work fine under similar circumstances via my lenz controller.  A friend has now confirmed that his multimouse operates successfully with Lenz LZV200 at V4.0 (up to F20 with Multimaus V1.04 and F28 with V1.05).  Fortunately the retailer has kindly agreed to upgrade my multimaus to 1.05... so if its corrupted firmware, hopefully that will solve the problem. I'll post the results of the upgrade when its been done.

Martin C. 

I’ve just obtained a new Multimouse to use as an additional controller on my Lenz 100 3.6 system.

It works really well except that I can only action functions up to F12. The Multimouse has software version 1.04, which I understand should action functions up to 20.

When I use the shift key in conjunction with number keys above 2, the display shows a flashing function number and the function is not actioned.

Is this a known Multimouse on Lenz system issue?  Would an upgrade to Multimouse V1.05 software solve the problem?

All advice gratefully received.

Thanks Martin C.

On 06/03/2021 at 07:46, Locoman58 said:

Thompson A2/2 and A2/3 projects to be launched in April.

Not just a copy of an existing locomotive sound, but a new development based on the design and technical data of this class.

 

Can you please advise which decoder family you will be using for the new A2/2 and A2/3 sound project?

(I'm hoping its ESU LokSound as your A3 V5 is currently working very smoothly in my A2/2, so its a low risk option for my A2/3 which is due to arrive on Monday.)

Many thanks

Martin

Just a quick heads up to any modellers looking for guidance on correcting the large headlights 66 lighting error.....

My earlier web page on the subject has been updated to include comments on the Illuminated Models lighting boards and can be found on my new website at

 https://loco-updates.uk/class-66hattons-big-headlights

(New website is still work in progress, but is now "https" to avoid the "http" security warnings and to allow Facebook access.) 

Cheers Martin

8 hours ago, No Decorum said:

According to the Green Book, they all were fitted with chime whistles but about August 1942 they were replaced with standard single-note LNER whistles because it was “considered that these chime whistles could possibly be confused with air raid sirens”.

Many thanks for the info. No Decorum. I guess this also indicates that Mr Thompson’s re-builds (specifically Thane of Fife) almost certainly continued to use the standard single tone LNER whistle. (Hornby's imminent A2/2 release hopefully being a more immediate application of some appropriate decoder sound software.)

P2 whistle types:

I understand that 2001 was equipped with a chime whistle similar to that used on the later A4 class locomotives. In connection with the choice of sound software, to eventually be selected for Hornby’s forthcoming additional P2s,  I wonder if any forum contributors can advise whether chime or more conventional whistle types were fitted to P2 numbers 2002 and 2003?

Look forward to any inputs.....

Martin

Just came across the ESU 50343 on SW Digital's website. They describe it as having an 8 ohm impedance. The EM2 is 4 ohms. So that's another difference.

Martin

In case any “bug eyed” (big headlight) Hattons 66 owners have not come across a way to correct the well known lighting error, my own saga with the loco is now documented at http://s374444733.websitehome.co.uk/class-66hattons-big-headlights/index.htm

It’s not too bad if you can extract the lighting boards from the chassis intact.

Good luck!

Martin

Hi Charlie,

Does Locoman's V5 Britannia also appear yet in your wider family of imminent project releases?

Martin

Apologies as I seem to have duplicated a request for information by David (which of course I had not seen when submitting this post.)    Martin-C

I have therefore deleted the content     and request the moderator to remove it  when convenient

Hi Bif/Charlie,

Can you please let me know what impedance your EM1 speaker has (I guess its 4 ohms or 8 ohms). I'm about to plan how to deal with the power limitations by combining the EM1 with another speaker, ready for when you get them in from China.

I was able to source an EM2 from Charlie at last year's Peterborough show, which I'm hoping to squeeze into a Bachmann Deltic, after a bit of metal work on the chassis block..... for reference, that measures 4 ohms.

Best regards

Martin

Here it is as requested, the updated Deltic is now DriveLock enabled.

 

https://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=merlin+dcc&&view=detail&mid=F264237199B69D6A69F5F264237199B69D6A69F5&rvsmid=C70B3ED943535B726B0EC70B3ED943535B726B0E&fsscr=0&FORM=VDMCNR

Sounds good Charlie!     Is it fitted with an EM2?  Or perhaps Bif's earlier Deltic speaker recommendation? 

Martin-C

The EM1 Should be use in conjunction with another speaker to up the rating to 2Watts +    Charlie

Are you sure Charlie?  

Assuming your EM1 and the extra speaker are both 4 ohms and connected in series……   If you are running the max half watt into the EM1, you will also be running half a watt through the other speaker. So your composite 8 ohm load will be running at 1 Watt, not 2 Watts.

But that’s probably fine, as the LokSound V4 can only produce around 1.5 Watts into 8 ohms, so the only issue is that you are only producing that great earth moving bass sound out of one of your two speakers.

Now if there is room for 2 EM1 speakers in series……  problem solved  

Cheers

Martin

EM dimensions as promised, all in mm;

 

EM1 56 x 25 x 10

EM2 66 x 30 x 15

EM3 89 x 37 x 22

EM4 136 x 55 x 32

Thanks for that Bif....... The EM2 will certainly be quite a challenge to accommodate!  I hope you are successful in your attempts to obtain a higher power rating EM1....which looks only a little larger than a standard 20x40 driver, bass reflex unit. 

But I guess, if the sound quality of the larger EM2 is as good as indicated, it might be worth considering the compromise of fitting an EM2 in the coach or wagon immediately adjacent to the loco. (e.g. I think it might just fit into a 1/76 scale hi cube shipping container.........on its side!)

Good luck with your on-going evaluations.

Regards

Martin

Hello there,

 

I have just finished working on a Bachmann Peak and Class 40. Both with EM2 monsters contained within. The Peak took a little more work helped by the addition of extra speaker power. I will be filming the results on Hawkswood Junction (Our little demo layout) in the next few days and will post on Youtube in the usual fashion. The 40 and Peak have now yielded to sound instead of having to use the"piffling" fuel tank or space on top of the behemoth of a chassis!!! Sound installations will be done in a separate dedicated workshop from mid September allowing the room that houses Hawkswood to return to a Railway Room.

 

Steve, Merlin DCC.

Hi Steve,

Just how large is your EM2?   I'm wondering if it might be possible to fit in a Hornby Class 50 in place of the original fan assembly...... or is it typically a case of needing to remove metal from the chassis block to make sufficient room?  

Regards

Martin

We are constantly on the lookout for better speakers and came across a small range that looked promising. Three different sizes were ordered for evaluation and it quickly became apparent that they were 'game changers', outperform anything of similar size. Their greater bass extension brings out sounds we've only dreamt about in 4mm, the Paxman HST being particularly notable. Their all-round clarity gives a very rounded, natural sound.

 

We noticed that the pair we fitted to the HST could be felt through the baseboard and that's where the 'Earth mover' name came from. For some weeks now we've been thrashing them at shows and at home to see if they stand up in service and they appear to be fine.

 

The smallest (EM1, slightly smaller than a standard bass reflex) does not have sufficient power handling for use on its own (0.5W) but works very well in combination with a second speaker. The 26, 27 and 33 are outstanding with one in the roof and our fuel tank speaker in the tanks. This would be also good option for the Bachmann 47 with the EM1 in the tanks and a 20x40 up top. The EM1 has also enabled the best ever air-braked 26 we've heard (EM1 in the roof, sugar cube in the tanks).

 

The EM2 is bigger than a standard bass reflex but can still be fitted in a fair few 4mm locos with variable amounts of work (HST, Deltic, 40 plus obvious ones like the Pendolino and Eurostar). Steve is shoe-horning them in to models we'd never thought possible, it just has to be done given the results. Of the 3 speakers, this is the one that excites me the most!

 

The EM3 is essentially a standard bass reflex on steroids for O gauge. They will fit in the tanks of a Heljan 7mm 37 in exactly the same way that the 4mm bass reflex fits in a Bachmann loco (with similar but scaled up results).

 

We're just starting to get them in commercial quantities now. They going to cost a bit more than regular speakers but you'll soon forgot about that after playing with them for a while.

 

On the subject of reblows, yes these are now available by email so you can load (and tweak them) yourself, if you have a Lokprogrammer. The files also form a handy backup if you inadvertently duff up any settings. The process is very straightforward and I've written a handy guide. Clubs and customers abroad are finding this to be very useful, saving postage time and money.

 

Finally, on the subject of the APT-E sounds, I'd be interested to hear your ideas on what could be done. I'd happy to take them on board if they're achievable.

Hi Bif,

Many thanks for the additional info and background behind your new "Earth Movers".  Really looking forward to trying them!

With your enthusiasm for the EM2, can you please advise on its exact dimensions? I would like to consider some possible retrofits to existing 4mm locos, so I can hit the ground running, when you are ready to release them for sale.

Also, with your suggestions for twin speaker combinations, I wonder if you are planning both 4ohm and 8 ohm options? 

Regards

Martin

These will be coming On stream when we have finished evaluation in various locomotives with differing sound files, as we don't want them failing on you!!   Charlie

Thanks Charlie,

Look forward to giving them a try when they are released!

Martin

We have a DJM Class 71 on the stand, fitted as normal with one of our Earth Mover EM1 Speakers, OH GOD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!    Its good!

 

The Hornby Class 71 Sound in available and is sparking off the shelves!

 

https://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=merlin+dcc++class+71&view=detail&mid=C5B1483BA5D7987B39BFC5B1483BA5D7987B39BF&FORM=VIRE

Hi Charlie,

Very interested to learn more about the "Earth Mover" speakers EM1, 2 & 3.....  are any details available yet?  (Couldn't locate them on your website) and are they available for sale yet?

Regards

Martin

Thanks Jim,

My mistake....... assumed wrongly that it operated like the 60!  Must make sure I've got a 1/76 photographer close by on the layout when I use the automatic headlight switching :-)

Do you operate the 70 without headlights when in the yard as described in the recent 60 lighting thread.  (I guess with combined lower markers & rear lights, a corresponding "super shunter" lighting mode is definitely not an option for the 70.)

Regards

Martin

Great photos Jim (as always). 

I've been modifying the lights of my Bachmann 70 to provide an optional automatic change between [headlight on with opposite & top marker lights] when on the move; to [headlight off and all 3 marker lights on] when stationary.  (As illustrated in your past & present 70 photos.)

I'm generating a webpage to illustrate the Bachmann 70 modifications. Would it be possible to copy a couple of your 70 photos from the forum and include them in the website to illustrate the lights in operation on the real locomotive?

Regards

Martin