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Welcome to
South West Digital
Ltd
The ECoS System |
Important Info
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Please note: All ECoS systems are checked and tested for operation upon arrival from Germany so that they can be setup with English language and have an adapter plug fitted by ourselves in order to meet trading standards requirements prior to dispatch. We do not offer support for ECoS network configuration. If you require assistance connecting ECoS to your computer or network for software updates, please contact a local computer expert.
50200 Command Station
The ECoS 50200 is already the second generation of our successful ECoS command station. With the latest ECoS command station, ESU continues to offer state-of-the-art digital technology combined with contemporary functional range and easy handling all this for a fair price-performance ratio. The ECoS has - like most of the recent central stations - a large coloured display with high resolution. In combination with its ground-breaking and easily operated user interface and excellent contrast values of the coloured screen, ECoS reaches unprecedented ergonomics: unlike all the other central stations, the ECoS can be also operated without a stylus - all symbols and writings are hugely marked and clearly structured. ECoS has 9 function keys per integrated cab. The light and function keys 1 to 8 show the current state of the function via LEDs. Discover the fascinating possibilities of the ECoS command station on the following pages. But take heed: ECoS performance is so good, that even we had to re-read a few passages to believe it! ECoS Features With an ECoS command station you acquire an open system. As is expected of ESU, from the beginning we wanted to be open to, and compatible with, present systems and norms. Just like our decoders, the ECoS is a real multi-protocol command station. As a multi-protocol command station, ECoS supports DCC, Märklin® Motorola®, Selectrix® and the M4 data protocol. M4 drives and controls locomotives equipped with mfx® decoders without any restrictions. M4 is completely compatible. You can even continue to use almost all of your present loco decoders. ECoS is therefore the only digital command station worldwide that unifies 4 data protocols. With an ECoS you can run locos: via two integrated cabs with large, easy-grasp motor driven throttle knobs and nine precise click-function keys you control your locos. In combination with the touch screen, you can control up to 20 functions per engine. ECoS controls turnouts and magnetic accessories: a large, graphical control panel provides you access for up to 1420 turnouts (DCC or Motorola® protocol). With ECoS you can plan and control routes: simply put turnouts and magnetic accessories graphically in groups and switch them together. Routes will be activated either by feedback contacts or by key. You can even use s88 occupancy detectors or ECoSDetector feedback modules. With ECoS you can operate shuttle trains very easily: put a rail contact at both ends of the track and ECoS will do the rest. The ECoS built-in booster has so much power that, in most cases, you don‘t need additional ones. ECoS supports EcoSlink, a high-speed bus system, based on CAN, that transmits data instantaneously to the command station. With ECoS, never before has it been so simple to program your decoders: the large, colored TFT screen offers good contrast and displays a lot of information in unabbreviated text. A programming track establishes contact with your decoders. Of course, the ECoS has a pre-installed DCC RailCom® function: with its „global detector“ it recognizes RailCom®-compatible decoders (e.g. our LokPilot V3.0 decoder) directly on the main track. You also have the possibility to feedback the turnout position via the SwitchPilot to the ECoS command station. ECoS is compatible. Besides Selectrix®, Märklin®-Motorola®, and M4, ECoS speaks all variants of the DCC-Norm. With the integrated analog controllers (joysticks) you can even control the whistle of LokSound decoders, never before more precisely. ECoS is expandable. Each ECoS command station sports a network port for connection with a computer. Thus you can update software or use a computer for operation. Who needs ECoS? ECoS is basically the command station for all. Beginners, who are looking for a simple-to-operate cab, will be at home right away: the large, graphic touch screen display shows all information in plain text; in case of doubt use the integrated help function. Never was it easier to switch to digital control. And ECoS runs DC or AC driven trains. Even model railroaders, who already own a digital command station, should step up to ECoS: next to the extreme simple inputs, and the possibilities for route-and shuttle train programming, you will learn to appreciate the manifold programming features for decoders. You can connect your present equipment to the input of EcoSniffer, and continue to use it: you don‘t need to discard anything that you want to keep using! Due to its enormous output-performance, the ECoS command station is recommended especially for operators of Gauge 1 or G layouts: at last you can run multiple trains without an external booster. Total interplay with our LokSound XL V3.5 decoders is matter of fact.
The ECoSControl Radio gives you the opportunity to control locos, stationary decoders and routes via state of the art radio communication.
Freedom through wireless radio communication
The ECoSControl Radio handheld is equipped with ultra-modern radio technology that enables it to communicate with a radio receiver. The radio receiver is plugged into the ECoSlot terminal of your ECoS command station and the ECoS powers it. This modern, fast and duplex communicating radio technology achieves a range that allows a reliable operation of your layout under normal circumstances at any time. Due to its radio technology you do not necessarily need intervisibility between the handheld and the radio receiver; radio waves even pervade walls and there is no interference by sun or neon light, whether outside or in the basement.
Ergonomics and function combined
Once you hold the ECoSControl Radio in your hands you will immediately find that its shape was influenced by ESU´s long lasting experience about the design of throttles: Due to its ergonomically engineering you can reach all function keys very easily, the arrangement and marking of the buttons is plausible. A large display informs you about your locos and turnouts. The handheld is to handle as easy as your mobile phone. One unique feature is the thumb joystick. The more it is pushed up, the more acceleration the loco gets. This kind of innovative operation, developed by ESU, can even be controlled blindly: You can concentrate your attention to your layout and locos.
Interaction
Fantastic possibilities come apparent when you use the ECoSControl Radio handheld in combination with your ECoS command station: Since both devices synchronize their data you have to put in the name and symbol of the loco only once and it remains up to date with all units. The ECoSControl Radio is also able to switch magnetic-electric accessories and routes, whose names, addresses and symbols are indicated correctly on the display. This does also apply to your locomotives, all basic properties such as the name of the loco, its symbol and function key assignment is indicated on the display.
How to operate a loco
The ECoSControl Radio is capable to control up to 100 locomotives. It naturally recognises 14, 28 or 128 speed steps and it takes over all settings of the corresponding loco. Each loco controlled by the ECoS command station can also be controlled by the ECoSControl Radio handheld, independent of its protocol. For each of the function keys assigned to a loco you can decide whether it will be latching or non-latching.
How to switch stationary decoders
All in all you can transmit and control up to 8 ECoS keyboards together with respectively 16 accessories such as turnouts or signals. The difference between 2, 3 and 4 aspect magnetic- electronic accessories will be retained.
More fun at play
A dot matrix backlit LCD display always informs you about the most important operational parameters such as loco address, loco symbol, speed (in mph or speed steps) as well as function key status. The ECoSControl Radio indicates if a loco was assigned by another operator or if there is an emergency stop on the layout.
Extension
You can use up to 4 ECoSControl Radio handhelds per receiver module. In this way every family member is able to control his or her locos independently. 50010 4 Amp 50011 8 Amp
Indispensable components of any large model railroad are amplifiers (here called „Booster“): If the power consumption of all of your moving trains including their functions, car illumination, and function models is larger than the current the central station is able to put out, you have to split up your layout into several blocks, the power for which is supplied by their own booster. The ECoSBoost(er) is designed for precisely that task: It is matched perfectly for the use with our ESU ECoS or the Märklin® central station. The ECoSBoost is being offered in two variants: The 4 Amp version is perfect for HO and smaller, while an 8 Amp version is suitable for the garden railroader. Just like ECoS, each booster comes with its own suitably dimensioned power supply.
Mode of operations
The ECoSBoost is connected directly to the ECoSlink jack, from where it gets its control signals. Basically it is capable of amplifying and delivering to the track these data formats: DCC, Motorola, Selectrix® and mfx®. Which data format will be put out in a given case, depends of course entirely upon the command station that’s being used, and its capabilities: Therefore the booster, connected to an ESU ECoS, will handle DCC, and Selectrix®, while, if attached to a Märklin® central station, it will amplify and deliver Motorola®-, respectively mfx® data signals. Thanks to „Plug&Play“, all ECoSBoost(ers) are included automatically into a list of extern ECoSlink components, and can be controlled and configured centrally on the ECoS display.
The correct firmware status is essential to make the ECoSBoost work properly with these command stations: If the interior software is too old, the booster will possibly not be recognized. Please check the sytem reqirements.
Functions
ECoSBoost amplifies data signals generated by the digital central station, and delivers them to the designated track outlet. Depending upon model, there are 4, respect. 8 Amps continuous current available. Subject to current draw, the 4 Amp version, designed for HO and smaller, can handle up to 10 locos. ECoSBoost power comes from an included power supply, featuring a stabilized DC output. Each ECoSBoost is controlled and configured comfortably directly by the ECoS: For each booster you can individually determine its max permissible output current. What’s more, the display can be dialled up to show you the present power consumption of each booster, so you know how much „reserves“ you still got. Extremely sensible is the option to tell each booster individually, weather or not to shut down its section in case of a layout short circuit. For example, if you have your switch (turnout) decoders hooked up to a separate ECoSBoost, you can still control your switches reliably in case of a track short.
Feedback
An ECoSBoost can do more than amplify and deliver track current: Each one has incorporated, as a standard feature, a feed back function (Global Detector) for the NMRA Bidirectional Communication. With its help, appropriately equipped locos can send back information to the ECoS, as soon as the relevant DCC – norm is adopted. This is immensely helpful in finding the loco’s position on the layout, or reading out engine data. ECoSBoost reads the data and sends them via the ECoSlink high speed bus to ECoS for further processing.
Protection
Each ECoSBoost of course meets the relevant requirements regarding safety and operation on a layout: The track outlet is protected against overload as well as short circuits. Of course ECoSBoost can differentiate between a „genuine“ short, and a momentary current drain when passing over switches or gaps. We place value on the indestructibility of the device, just like we do with our mobile decoders.
Future built-in
The operational software of each, in an ECoSBoost integrated micro controller can be updated, of course, if need be, and augmented by additional functions: The required upgrade is performed automatically bythe ECoS central station, if necessary. No action on your part is required! In this way your ECoSBoost is literally always „up to date“!
Our ECoSDetector feedback modules should be used to automate
train operations. Beside the usual track occupancy detection, the
train specific identification number can be read. It also enables
the implementation of an external track control board. Detection and feedbackThe
ECoSDetector is able to monitor up to 16 track sections and reports
the presence of a loco (track occupancy). Each of the 16 inputs has
a maximum current capability of 3A. The ECoSDetector module also has
two separate power inputs, and can be supplied from two separate
Booster units. Input devicesUp to 16 regular switching devices can also be used as inputs. Reed switches, detection track sections, push buttons or toggle switches can all be connected to the inputs. The information is then processed in the command station. Train ID detectionBeside conventional track occupancy detection, each ECoSDetector has the additional ability to monitor four of the 16 track sections for train identification: Via the RailCom® technique (so-called „local detectors“) you will not only easily find out that there’s currently a loco on this track section, but also identify which specific loco it is (train ID detection). However, this only works with RailCom®-compatible loco decoders. SmartWith
the knowledge of the train specific position, new functions can be
implemented, using the route control module of the ECoS command
station. For example, you can automatically activate the horn of a
loco when it is about to pass a railway crossing or determine which
loco is parked in the hidden yard. ECoSlink connection
Every ECoSDetector can be directly connected to the command station
via the ECoSlink bus. Beside all ECoS command stations you can also
use the Central Station® (updated with the Central Station® with
software upgrade by ESU) The galvanic isolation of the bus systems
and the command station guarantees the best-possible reliable
operation and a reliable data transmission to the command station.
UpgradeableWhen needed, the ECoSDetector software can be upgraded to add new functionalities. The command station will perform the required updates completely automatically. This will guarantee at all times that the ECoSDetector remains at the most current technical status.
If required, each ECoSDetector can be supplemented by a ECoSDetector Extension module, which can be easily connected to the ECoSDetector. Every ECoSDetector Extension module offers 32 transistor outputs. OutputsEach one of the 32 outputs provides current up to 100mA max. Since these outputs are conducted as "open collectors", you are able to connect either small light bulbs or LEDs with current limiting resistor directly to it. The total current of all outputs must not exceed 1.5A! Any DC or AC transformer (15V - 19V) can be used for supply. Track occupancy and block signalsOutputs can be used to display the state of each single-track section externally (e.g. on the track control panel). Alternatively, you have the possibility to show each track section´s state on the display via a block signal (red/green). The transistor outputs of the ECoSDetector Extension module can be easily programmed within the required operational mode via your ECoS command station. Track control panelHowever, the combination of the ECoSDetector and the Extension module is capable to do even more: Just go ahead and built your own track control panel! To make this possible, you need to connect push buttons or toggle switches to the ECoSDetector´s outputs, which is then able to operate turnouts and routes over the command station. The transistor outputs of the Extension module are meant for illuminating track sections. The whole configuration procedure can be easily completed on the display of your ECoS command station. If you wish to built a larger track control panel, you can also combine several ECoSDetector modules. In doing so, you are able to built and control up to 100 track control panels per layout.
If your train layout is growing and you are running out of connectors, you should buy the ECoSlink Terminal. More roomThe ECoSlink Terminal will be connected to the ECoS or central station® via the provided bus cable to the „extend" jack. It offers on the front panel two jacks for hand controllers (e.g. mobile station®) and at the back four sockets for devices mounted under the layout. These include mainly ECoSBoost booster and ECoSDetector feedback modules. The ECoSlink Terminal can provide power to all attached devices either from the ECoS power supply, or for a section from an external power supply through the ECoSlink themselves. This is especially useful for larger systems with many hand controls, boosters and feedback modules. More distanceIf more than one ECoSlink Terminal is used, the terminals can be connected to each other with standard Ethernet patch cables with RJ45 connectors. These patch cables can be purchased in any computer store in any length. More organisationEach ECoSlink Terminal is usually at the front panel of the layout installed: Only the front panel is visible. This reduces the cable clutter under the layout. More flexibilityThe ECoSlink Terminal can be used on ECoS and central station®. The CAN bus is only passively distributed together with the supply and booster cables and the termination is ensured. The function is transparent for the digital control unit. Since an interference in the communication of the bus does not take place, thus alone decide the control unit and the connected devices whether they will work together.
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1 Savernake Road, Weston - Super - Mare, North Somerset, England, BS229HQ. |
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Tel: ++44 (0) 1934 517303 |
Email: info@swd4esu.co.uk | |||||
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Callers strictly by appointment only |
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Copyright © SWD Ltd 2011 |
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