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I recall both of those back in my HO Scale DCC days.
I stayed with DCC from Digitrax. I figure these units you speak of works well with the European models over there.
I use Zimo decoders because of their awesome motor control but I use an MRC Prodigy Advanced as the command system.
Richard
Hi Richard,
Thanks. I actually went ahead and bought the ECos and love it so far. Was simple to get up and running, so easy, I thought I was missing something. Can you tell me more about your Zimo decoders Pros & Cons? Are you using them just for motor control or are they controling lights and sound as well?
I use the Zimos for motor control (MX32s) and Tsunamis for sound and lights.
Even with the Zimo's the issue I have with DCC in general is the lack of a braking function. The Zimo's at least have an on off deceleration function that allows you to go from a very slow deceleration if you just throttle to zero or a quicker deceleration. That at least allows a very limited binary braking function.
Lots of tweaking the acceleration values and speed tables can get you pretty close to matching any two or more locomotives of any source for consisting. You have to create what I would call a baseline or single source locomotive from which to match all the others. It takes a long time and a lot of tweaking but it you want to consist a Lionel SD70Ace and an OMI SD70ACe it's about your only alternative.
I have done a little tweaking of the QSI Magnums in my 3rd rail E7s (because I'm impressed enough with them to try) but just haven't spent enough time to really match them to anything else. So far I don't have anything to consist them with so has not been an issue.
Richard
I just posted a vid of a quick set up of the ecos with mth locos. I got it a few weeks ago and I love it. Link below:
Great video Santiago. Really nice walk through of adding the image and setting up the function icons. Whether people use the ECoS for O, HO or N, your video does a really nice job of giving them a good look at the ECoS. I really like mine because of all of its functionality and flexibility. It lets me build cars and add sound and function with being locked in to one manufacturers control system. Do you plan on trying out its track mapping and automation functions, like for turn outs?
Looking forward to seeing more on Your ECoS.
Chris
thanks newtoO! I do, next week I'm getting a digitraxx ds64 as I have tortoise machines. That should be fun! where can I see your videos or work? The next vid will be about the ecos ans the touchcab app.
Hi,
I haven't made any videos yet. I do traction modeling mostly (heavy electric, commuter, trolleys and LRV).
I am building a couple 2-rail O scale LRV/Tram kits right now of Philadelphia and Tucson cars, they run off live overhead. I am putting ESU Loksound4 decoders in them and installing the LEDs for lighting now. The EcoS/Loksound motor tests were impressive though. The system compensates for no fly wheel and was gliding to a stop, I had to grab it before it ran off the end of the test track and fell.
I could put something together once I have them together. I am trying to get them ready for shows this fall.
Chris
Sounds good, you're right esu decoder are pretty amazing. I'd love to get an OMI and install one some day.
I know there were some concerns about remote control with the ecos, so here is a video I just posted on controlling your layout with your smartphone or tablet using the touchcab app.
Santiago,
I enjoyed your YouTube video on the ECoS Command Statin with the MTH PS3.0 locomotive. I knew about your post when you posted it a year ago but I just viewed it recently since I am seriously looking at purchasing a DCC system for the first time & after seeing your video, the ESU ECoS is one of my top choices.
I understood that you directly connected your ECoS command station to the track but going through the ESU website, they offer ECoSBoost DCC Amplifier in an 8-amp version for larger scales. Would you know when this amplifier is needed? Is it needed for running multiple O-Scale locomotives at one time, or is it recommended for programing decoders or is it only needed for really large layouts?
Thanks,
Naveen
I just posted a vid of a quick set up of the ecos with mth locos. I got it a few weeks ago and I love it. Link below:
Enjoyed you video. Have a few questions for you on the DCC system. Does DCC have all those features (icons) embedded in the control system for crossing signals, coupler sounds etc... Or does it just extract it from the MTH loco DCC file and know to add those items to the screen. Is that part of the protocol for DCC?
Or does the system have all those features built in, and if the engine has them they can be activated?
Just trying to get up to speed on DCC. G
Santiago,
I enjoyed your YouTube video on the ECoS Command Statin with the MTH PS3.0 locomotive. I knew about your post when you posted it a year ago but I just viewed it recently since I am seriously looking at purchasing a DCC system for the first time & after seeing your video, the ESU ECoS is one of my top choices.
I understood that you directly connected your ECoS command station to the track but going through the ESU website, they offer ECoSBoost DCC Amplifier in an 8-amp version for larger scales. Would you know when this amplifier is needed? Is it needed for running multiple O-Scale locomotives at one time, or is it recommended for programing decoders or is it only needed for really large layouts?
Thanks,
Naveen
I just posted a vid of a quick set up of the ecos with mth locos. I got it a few weeks ago and I love it. Link below:
Naveen, thanks a lot. The Ecos is a wonderful system. You don't need the booster to program decoders or run multiple locomotives. I have run up to 4 MTH locos on 20ft of track w/out issues. You only need the booster for large layouts in my experience. I will buy one when my layout asks for it.
Enjoyed you video. Have a few questions for you on the DCC system. Does DCC have all those features (icons) embedded in the control system for crossing signals, coupler sounds etc... Or does it just extract it from the MTH loco DCC file and know to add those items to the screen. Is that part of the protocol for DCC?
Or does the system have all those features built in, and if the engine has them they can be activated?
Just trying to get up to speed on DCC. G
G,
The icons come built in the Ecos, and you assign them depending on the function. It's more convenient to have symbols for the functions than to remember F1 to F28 on each locomotive. The system only activates the function (and customizes it), the features depend on what's included with each decoder.
This is me showing some of the things you can do with an ESu Lokpilot Xl decoder. May be interesting to you.
Santiago,
Thanks for the reply. Not requiring the $500 ECoSBoost DCC Amplifier would make the ECoS command station a lot more affordable as an initial purchase. I liked it that it comes with a power supply unlike some other high-end offerings from other competitors that required a separately purchased power supply.
But to me the most attractive feature in the ECoS was the color-touch screen & icons. ECoS appears very user-friendly like my Android smartphone while some other DCC command stations appear less intuitive like the Texas Instruments graphing calculator I used in college that was very capable but not user-friendly. I understood from reading these forums that the prevalent advice on buying a new DCC control system was to choose what other hobbyists in the local geographical area used, but the color touch screen on the ECoS makes it very desirable.
These are just my opinion,
Thanks,
Naveen Rajan
Santiago,
I enjoyed your YouTube video on the ECoS Command Statin with the MTH PS3.0 locomotive. I knew about your post when you posted it a year ago but I just viewed it recently since I am seriously looking at purchasing a DCC system for the first time & after seeing your video, the ESU ECoS is one of my top choices.
I understood that you directly connected your ECoS command station to the track but going through the ESU website, they offer ECoSBoost DCC Amplifier in an 8-amp version for larger scales. Would you know when this amplifier is needed? Is it needed for running multiple O-Scale locomotives at one time, or is it recommended for programing decoders or is it only needed for really large layouts?
Thanks,
Naveen
I just posted a vid of a quick set up of the ecos with mth locos. I got it a few weeks ago and I love it. Link below:
Naveen, thanks a lot. The Ecos is a wonderful system. You don't need the booster to program decoders or run multiple locomotives. I have run up to 4 MTH locos on 20ft of track w/out issues. You only need the booster for large layouts in my experience. I will buy one when my layout asks for it.
Santiago,
Thanks for your advice. I recently ordered the ESU ECoS command station. I will have more questions when I receive it.
Naveen Rajan
Santiago,
Do you know how to connect the ECoS command station to a wireless router? I have the ECoS connected to the router with a CAT5 network cable but I was reading the “ESU product highlights 2016” catalog today & the features of the “Mobile Control II” handheld throttle mentions the following paragraph.
“The Mobile Control II applies the WiFi standard for communication. Therefore you must connect the command station to a WiFi network. Should you already have a WiFi router you may simply connect the ECoS to it. The ECoS and the Mobile Control II will find each other automatically.”
The ECoS User Manual does not mention connecting to the network wirelessly.
Thanks,
Naveen Rajan
Naveen, I believe the Ecos must be connected to the modem via a cable. The mobile control II is a wireless controller that speaks to the Ecos through the modem.
I do the same with the touchcab app
I have the ECOS 50200 and just tried it out with an MTH SD70Mac set to DCC 3 rail--works great (just starting up an O gauge layout after years of HO and N). I use my ECOS for my N scale layout and it is such a nice controller (and given its expense) I wanted to see if I could use it for my O scale layout--only thing I need to do now is get a power booster so I can run the O gauge at one voltage and the N at another--Of course I need to decide between the 4amp or 8 amp booster. Initial testing shows the SD70 pulls about 0.35amps, and the passenger cars (5 of them) pull 1.2 amps. I will likely also run an MTH GP40 and a switcher too--with automating switches, I figure 8 amps to be safe and allow for growth, but the stock 4 amp power supply would definetly work.
I have used DCS in the past (for an HO layout) but I still prefer the ECOS system--having my graphical display of the layout to throw switches plus dual throttles, and the multi function for each throttle just makes it very easy to control multiple locomotives. I figure I will use one throttle for the N layout and one for the O.
Hi Orind,
Glad you like your ECoS, I love mine also. You can run both your N and O scale layouts off of the ECoS without an additional power booster. Look closely on the side of the black "brick" on your power cord to the ECoS, there is a small circle with a slot for a flat head screwdriver. You use this to adjust the voltage to your layout. Refer to the manual and it will tell you what screen your ECoS will show the voltage you are giving the layout. You will only need a power booster if you are running several engines simultaneously on your O layout and a dozen+ on your N. I am not experienced with "older" O scale engines but, I am told from some club members that the newer engines (last 10 years +/-) draw less power than the older engines, so you may be fine for a while, depends on what and how much you are running.
Separately, check out YouTube for fun and helpful ECoS videos. There is a gentleman "Hovermotion" in the UK who has several very useful ECoS videos on how he started basic and then grew to using more and more of its functionality. There are other really good videos from ECoS users there as well.
Hope this helps.
Chris
I understand about setting the voltage on the power supply, but I do not want to run my N gauge at 18 volts, so that is why I was going to use a booster....one at 14 volts for N (stock power supply) and the booster at 18 volts.
Well--I turned the voltage down to 16 volts and everything O gauge seems to be working fine, so I guess i can run it all off of the stock power supply---Cool. I am going to convert my MTH passenger cars over to LED which will lower my amperage draw by 1.2 amps so I will have plenty of power for both my N and O layouts.
Hi Orind,
Glad that worked out well for you. The LED conversions will give you even more capacity and god reliability. The ECoS is a very well built piece of equipment and lives up to the German engineering reputation. I think you will out as you move forward that it can do more than the average command station, much more.
Chris
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