Locomitve for Laney’s consist

DCC controller addition

Starting with a Proto2000 DC GP7. I need to put a DCC decoder in this loco. Decoder is slated to arrive on 7/13. I’ll be using an ESU LokSound Decoder with 8 pin plug. I’ll also be adding a sugar cube speaker for sound.

07-11-2026

Loading sound files and setting basic CVs

This was my first time using my LokSound programmer. Process took about 30 minutes to perform. No issues whatsoever, worked as advertised.

Other than setting the address (short) to 72, no CV edits were done yet.

Setting horn to Nathan M-3

This is a bit daunting as I have not used the ESU software before and definately need to “phone a friend” on this, or find a YouTube University video to explain the process.

CV163=6 for a Nathan M-3 horn.

CV164 for the bell. I left it at default for now.

Testing the decoder

Pretty straightforward with the ESU decoder tester. Decoder checked out just fine.

07-12-2026

Installing the decoder

Critical upgrades

• Upgrade headlamps for higher voltage or use LEDs
  • Delay in game as I was not planning on the lamps needing immediate replacement
• Add sound

07-26-2026

DCC testing and lighting installation

DCC run testing in the locomotive passes and the lighting harness with golden white 3mm LEDs are functioning.

Sugar cube speaker installation

One of the speaker wires touched the track and decoder is now dead. Replacement ordered.

Future upgrades

• More custom lighting FX use