LS decoders, what was Massoth thinking??????

[Tim Brien]

With a pocket full of dollars I was all fired up to purchase a few 'LS' decoders from Massoth. I checked the Massoth site and they are on backorder. Several other sites have none in stock. Some have the new all singing, all dancing direct interface model, which in reality is as useful as the proverbial **** on a boar hog!

I can understand Massoth bringing out a direct interface model for newer LGB production, but given that the 'old' 'LS' was ideal for the mainstay of many modellers rosters, the venerable old Stainz, how many would actually be able to utilise the direct interface feature? It appears Massoth shut down production of the 'old' LS to manufacture the new 'improved' model.

Knowing Massoths production schedules, how long will it be before one is able to purchase the older more useful model decoder???? Massoth is not the only chip manufacturer out there as I am quickly finding out.

 

[muns]

Massoth have not discontinued the 4 wire LS decoder - what you call "old" model.

In fact, the new LS decoder board design makes it easier to have the 4pin and the 10pin connection versions. Adding a 10pin connector to an older design LS was a bit fiddly, now solder pads are for all connections.

I have no idea when the 4pin versions will be available again.

 

[Tim Brien]

Section 4.2, illustration 6 of the "LS" user's manual shows the new board. This is the only reference to it that I can find. Basically, the four track/motor wires are supplemented with an additional six wires allowing direct connection to a ten pin LGB interface board.

Thus one only needs to snip off the ten pin plug and hardwire the decoder. No drama.