Scale: All
Article Number / Manufacturer: 50200 / ESU
Item: High Tech Color ECoS Control System
Condition: New
Box: Original
Quantity: 1
Special Features: Here is a You Tube Link that explains the Unit by an independent Presenter:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ApxjEciFr40
Review from a customer:
ECoS 50200 DCC System
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 alredy 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.
Connections
The command station from ESU has quite a lot of “plugs”. Most of them are directly related to train control, and thus fall out of the scope of this article:
- Track, programming track
- DCC booster
- S88 feedback system
- ESU proprietary bus system (ECoS Link)…
As opposed to the Märklin Command station, it does not have a USB port or a “card slot”. The most important and versatile plug on the ECoS II is simply a classic Ethernet (RJ-45) network port.
The ECoS can thus be connected to your home network, along with your computers. Although there is no integrated WiFi, a €20 adapter can be connected to the Ethernet port itself. This is what I did, with a TP-Link TL-WR702N in “client” mode.
Now, armed with our Ethernet connection, let’s see what we can do.
1) The web interface
The ESU ECoS II, once on the home network, can be access through a standard web browser (you need to know its IP address):
The main options are:
- Update
- Picture upload
- Backup
- View screen
· Firmware updates
· We’ve entered the “everlasting beta” era. No device is considered reliable if it can’t be updated regularly. I have had the ECoS for more than 2 years, and it seems ESU is indeed still actively developing their firmware (about every 3 months).
Those updates have been free
· The only small caveat: the update process is not automatic. By that, I mean there is no button “search and install updates”. Manual firmware updates are however easy for anyone with basic internet knowledge: go to the ESU Website, download an update file (if any), then go to the ECoS interface and upload the update file. The process takes about 5 minutes, and though the browser may appear to freeze temporarily, I have never had any problem.
· Picture uploads
· Another neat function of the ECoS that was added with the first upgrades, was the ability to upload custom pictures of your engines or cars. The small caveat here is that the ECoS is very strict about the image format (BMP, 190×40 px, 24 Bits colour).
Another (often forgotten feature) is that the background should be gray with an RGB colour code of 182, 182, 182. This is not a requirement, but looks way better: this gray colour is used as a “transparency mask” by the command station when displaying the pictures
· Backup
· This is self-explanatory. This function allows you to save a backup file to your computer, containing all the configuration (including custom pictures). I love backups, so this is an important function to me
Screen view
This produces a still picture of what is currently shown on the screen of the command station, a simple image file that can be saved on your computer.
I’m not really sure this is useful for many people. But in my case, it surely was: all screenshots in this blog are made thanks to this function.
2) The network connection
The web interface is one thing, but that’s not what you may be using the most. The most important functionality of the network interface are the protocols that you cannot see. They allow you to control your layout by computer or mobile devices, via the command station.
PC Control
The ESU is one of those many command stations compatible with many train control software packages.
This includes commercial software such as:
And open source and/or free software, such as:
- JMRI (popular in the US)
- Rocrail (more Europe-centered)
Now, one thing should be clear: PC connectivity is not an exclusivity of the ECoS. Most command stations support a standard protocol for PC connection, which can take the form of a USB or a network connection.
One should note however, that the Viessmann Commander (also in the “high end” range) does not offer any connectivity at all.
Another note as well, is that the protocol used by ESU does not seem to support decoder programming (at least with TrainController). So you “only” have access to train and accessory control.
Mobile devices
This is a gadget for most people…but I like gadgets. Controlling your layout with a smartphone or a tablet always makes a good impression (seriously, especially on people who don’t care much about model trains).
The ECoS was not “designed” for mobile connectivity, as opposed to Roco’s newer Z21 (which basically focuses on mobile connectivity). But the standard protocols are here, and leave us two possibilities:
- Indirect mobile connectivity, through a PC software
This is what I use most of the time: the ECoS only really speaks with a PC software (TrainController in my case), and the PC software has a mobile connectivity option. In that case, mobile control is only indirect: the PC software is just using the devices as additional interfaces, and relays orders to the command station
- Direct mobile connectivity
Since the ECoS supports a connectivity protocol, it is possible for a mobile software to directly speak to the command station through your home network. ESU has not developed an official App, but I have used without a problem. This independent app costs less than $8 and allows you to control engines and switches directly from your smartphone. Unfortunately, you don’t have access to your layout map though.
· Conclusion
· It was important for me to write something about the ECoS’ connectivity. The command station is upgradable, usable with PCs and mobile devices, while still being an advanced colour touchscreen device for local control. It has been around for a while, but I don’t think that should be a deterrent.
· Of course, other options are out there. Cheap command stations, that you connect to a PC via USB; or even now the fancy Roco Z21, which totally gets away of “local control” by offering no buttons whatsoever, being designed only for PC/mobile connectivity.
· All in all, the ESU ECoS may not be for everyone. But as a customer, I am happy to see that ESU stands by their product with regular updates, and by developing “social” functions such as the shared locomotive image library. ESU is an important actor in the DCC world, so their command station will likely be supported by most (if not all) PC or mobile control solutions out there
Manufacturer Description:
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 alredy 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.
Please see the pictures for detailed info.
Shipping & Packing: I will wrap the item in tissue and then seal it with bubblewrap prior to placing it in its shipping cradle. This is the only way to assure the delicate item will not be damaged during the travel to its new home.
I am happy to answer any questions that might arise, please just contact me.
I will combine shipping on all my listed items won or purchased in my store within 14 days as applicable.
I ship worldwide.
!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I am not responsible for any Import Taxes or Fee's in foreign Countries !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
