We offer ESU LokSound decoders and installation. 


ESU manufacturers sound decoders for many different classes of locomotives.  These are the most flexible decoders on the market and the sound is excellent.  They are the first choice of many model manufacturers.

DCC or Märklin digital......we can or have likely already converted it

Whether you are into 2-rail DCC or Märklin digital, HO or N scale, we have the experience necessary to custom install the decoder in your locomotive.  We  have extensive DCC experience in HO and N scale, so feel confident that your DC locomotives are in the right hands.  No sloppy installation work done here!  

Yes, All Märklin HO and I gauge locomotives have enough room for a decoder.   We hear this question frequently.  We have installed decoders in just about every locomotive Märklin has made.  The decoder is your choice.  We install it correctly with reliable solder joints and clean neat wire routing.   Some customers have said they can not tell our installations from factory work!

What's included and how much does it cost?

Please note: Decoder prices recently increased by a small amount.  I will update the prices in this section shortly.

If you have a decoder installed when you purchase a new locomotive from us, there is no charge for labor!  Our normal labor charge is $65.00/hr.  One hour will cover converting most non-sound locomotives.  However, sound decoders require additional programming, downloading of sound files and setting of the decoder operational parameters.  In the case of steam, the chuff rates need to be set to the proper number of chuffs per revolution of the wheels, which takes time.  Also, some motors just do not like to adapt well to the decoder even after cleaning, so they require additional time to tune the motor control CVs for smooth performance.  In some cases, I add sound files that re not in the sound set for a particular locomotive, but are needed or requested.  Unlike some installers, I do not just install a decoder in a dirty locomotive and return it to you with the factory default setting for you to figure out how to set it up.  When labor runs over one hour, you will be billed in 1/10th of an hour increments. Locomotives with Telex couplers, locos that are more complex to overhaul and conversions which require additional programming are billed this way.  All digital conversions include complete disassembly and cleaning of the locomotive prior to installation of the decoder.  This is essential to proper performance and  many shops do not do it!  Please also note, that locomotives that have not been serviced with dirt caked into the gears and lint around axles and side rods require extra time to clean.  The lint has to be picked out by hand and caked on dirt in gears has to be removed using  a three step cleaning process which requires more time.  These typically run 1.5 hours plus even for non-sound decoder installations.

 
ESU Decoder choices for Märklin Motorola format and Märklin MFX (M4): 
Decoder Choices: What are your options and what will it cost? 
 

ESU LokPilot 5 Multi Format Decoder: $40.90 + labor typically 1.0 hours.
Universal multi format  DCC/MM/SX/M4 (M4 is MFX!) decoder for all Märklin 3700 and 37000 series locomotives with high efficiency propulsion motor and all 2-rail DC locomotives Roco, Fleischmann etc.  Requires additional 21MTC interface mounting adapter board @ $10.98.  Märklin locomotives without high efficiency propulsion motors (AC motor wire wound field) require additional high efficiency motor parts kit  @ $32.99 and some require a change of bulbs to 30mA bulbs with insolated sockets to prevent light flicker.  These parts add about $5.00 to the price. Other available interfaces which may be required like 8 pin and plux do not require the 21MTC interface board.

DCC/MM/SX/M4 decoder responds to all formats DCC, Marklin Motorola, Selectrix and MFX which is identified by ESU as M4
 

 

ESU LokSound 5 Multi Format Decoder : $129.99 + labor typically 1.5 hours. 
Universal multi format  DCC/MM/SX/M4 (M4 is MFX!) sound decoder (includes 1 speaker) for all Märklin 3700 and 37000 series locomotive with high efficiency propulsion motor and all 2-rail DC locomotives.  Requires additional 21MTC interface mounting adapter board @ $10.98.  Märklin locomotives without high efficiency propulsion motors (AC motor wire wound field) require additional high efficiency motor parts kit  @ $32.99 and some require a change of bulbs to 30mA bulbs with insolated sockets to prevent light flicker.  These parts add about $5.00 to the price.  Other available interfaces which may be required like 8 pin and plux do not require the 21MTC interface board.  Note, some installations will only have room for one speaker which is fine, but larger locomotives with adequate space require a dual speaker.  In this case, we deduct the price of the single speaker $9.99 and add the price of the dual speaker kit $19.98

 

ESU LokSound 5 Micro Multi Format Decoder : $134.99 + labor typically 1.5 hours. 
Universal multi format  DCC/MM/SX/M4 (M4 is MFX!) very small sound decoder (includes 1 speaker) for all Märklin 3700 and 37000 series locomotive with high efficiency propulsion motor and all 2-rail DC locomotives.  Märklin locomotives without high efficiency propulsion motors (AC motor wire wound field) require additional high efficiency motor parts kit  @ $32.99 and some require a change of bulbs to 30mA bulbs with insolated sockets to prevent light flicker.  These parts add about $5.00 to the price.  Note, some installations will only have room for one speaker which is fine, but larger locomotives with adequate space require a dual speaker.  In this case, we deduct the price of the single speaker $9.99 and add the price of the dual speaker kit $19.98

 

 

 

High Efficiency Propulsion motor parts kit 60941, 60943 and 60944: $32.99
Required in AC motored locomotives (wire wound field coil) when converting to digital.  Includes: 5 pole armature, field, motor cover, brushes, chokes,  (Additional wear parts required like sliders, tires etc. are additional)


AC Motor decoders C80 , Delta and 60906. 

While we do not recommend these decoders, there are certain instances where they are required or someone seeks them as a lower cost option.  (C80 and Delta Decoders are good used decoders and 60906 are brand new) Locomotives with these decoders and an AC motor do not provide the superior running performance of the High Efficiency Propulsion and other types of DC motors when used with the state of the art decoders like those listed above.  (this means no constant speed up or down grades.  
 

Märklin 60906 MFX Basic Decoder $52.99 
This decoder is for converting Märklin locomotives with built-in AC/DC / field coil motors. The AC/DC märklin locomotive decoder supports the digital formats mfx, MM1, MM2, and DCC. It has particularly powerful function outputs for old Telex couplers, light bulbs, and smoke generators. The classic unregulated running behavior under different loads remains preserved on "Old and Youngtimers" upgraded with this decoder.  (this means no constant speed up and down grades like on locomotives with High Efficiency Propulsion or other DC motors and appropriate decoder) 

 
ESU Decoder choices for DCC Installations:
 

ESU LokPilot 5 DCC decoder: $32.99 + labor.
DCC only decoder for all 2-rail DC locomotives.    Requires additional 21MTC interface mounting adapter board @ $10.98.  Other available interfaces which may be required like 8 pin and plux do not require the 21MTC interface board.

 
 

ESU LokSound 5 DCC decoder: $109.99 + labor typically 1.5 hours. 
DCC only sound decoder (without speaker) for all 2-rail applications.  Requires additional 21MTC interface mounting adapter board @ $10.98.  Other available interfaces which may be required like 8 pin and plux do not require the 21MTC interface board.  Note, some installations will only have room for one speaker which is fine, but larger locomotives with adequate space require a dual speaker.  We add the price of the single speaker $9.99 or dual speaker kit $19.98 whichever fits the application and gives the best performance.

 

ESU LokSound 5 Micro DCC Decoder : $114.99 + labor typically 1.5 hours. 
DCC only sound decoder (without speaker) for all 2-rail applications.  Note, some installations will only have room for one speaker which is fine, but larger locomotives with adequate space require a dual speaker.  We add the price of the single speaker $9.99 or dual speaker kit $19.98 whichever fits the application and gives the best performance.



ESU Lokpilot Fx 4 Multi Format DCC/MM/SX Function only decoder: $22.99
For applications where additional function outputs are required in addition to the installed decoder's four function outputs.  Typically used to control additional lighting functions on a locomotive or to use as a stand alone function decoder when needed in a cab control car or to control interior lighting in passenger cars.  These can be used in applications in Märklin articles as well since they respond to Märklin Motorola format signals.

 

 
TCS Decoder Choices for DCC:

We also stock and install TCS DCC decoders.  These are some of the finest DCC decoders available.  In our opinion, they are the best kept secret in DCC!  TCS decoders are feature packed,  flexible, cost effective, easy to program and their goof proof warranty make them the best value out there!  They also offer one of the only decoders on the market with a 1.5 volt power supply built in.  This allows the use of 1.5 volt headlight bulbs without the need for dropping resistors.  Visit their web site by clicking on the TCS logo above and see for yourself why we like them so much.  Call or e-mail us to order

 
ESU Decoder choices for Large Scale Installations:

These decoders are specially designed for installation in O, I and G scales.  We can install them for you or supply them on a special order basis.  Have a look at ESU's website to select your speaker when ordering.


ESU LokSound 5 XL Decoder : $229.00 + labor. 
Universal large scale sound decoder for all Märklin, LGB, Piko and other locomotives.  Equipped with built in buffer capacitors in case of current interruption. Requires additional speaker.  Current rating up to 5 amps.

 

ESU LokPilot 5 L Decoder : $94.99 + labor. 
Universal O scale decoder for all applications with a current limit of up to 3 Amps.  Equipped with built in buffer capacitors in case of current interruption.

 

ESU LokSound 5 L Decoder : $199.99 + labor. 
Universal O scale decoder for all applications with a current limit of up to 3 Amps. Equipped with built in buffer capacitors in case of current interruption. Requires additional speaker.