DCC: All vehicles are or will be equipped with decoders from various manufacturers (Esu, Uhlenbrock, Digitrax, some with sound). We use the Ecos from ESU as our control center. In addition, we use Esu radio hand controllers so that we can control the trains from any location. We also have a Multimaus from ROCO, which we can use for testing purposes. On our first day of operation, Carnival 2010, we connected the Roco control center directly to the Ecos. This made it possible to operate both systems independently throughout the entire layout without any problems. We will not be “digitizing” the control of turnouts, signals, lighting, etc. for the time being. Given the size of the layout and the fact that it is operated by several people, “local control” makes more sense anyway.
The Ecos are on the shelf. Next to them is a transformer that we use for the light current. This transformer has now been replaced by Märklin light transformers mounted under a module. Both devices are connected to the system via built-in sockets. Above them is Andy's radio-controlled EcosControl. A carrying strap included in the scope of delivery can be attached to the plug under this device. Bernd also received a radio controller (daughter device) for Ela's birthday. This means that four trains, including the Ecos, can now be controlled independently of each other. The camera on the left of the picture is not needed to operate the layout, of course!
During our first test run on the layout, we connected Bernd's Roco Multimaus control center directly to the Ecos. This allowed us to run both devices simultaneously on the entire layout. Jimmy the cat had heard about the “mouse”! And there he was!
We now have four EcosContols available. Unfortunately, Andy's Ecos failed for the second time with the same error during our driving weekend on October 14. The Ecos crashes when entering locomotive parameters into the locomotive decoders. After that, it only rebuilds one speed controller and goes into an endless charging loop for the second speed controller. My beautiful old Märklin 6021 doesn't do such nonsense. Club friends report that the newfangled stuff from Märklin also has constant errors. Result: send it in. Fortunately, we were able to fall back on Harry's Ecos2. Otherwise, we would have only had a nice diorama for our driving week! The Ecos was sent to ESU. A circuit board was defective. ESU offered to exchange our old ECOS for an ECOS 2...at a very reasonable price. Thanks to ESU for this service! It certainly wasn't a matter of course.