10
7.5. Routes
In practice it is often useful to switch groups of turnouts and si-
gnals and bring them into a pre-defined status instead of swit-
ching them individually. ECoS allows you to combine them to
a so-called route. Switching a route is done in the same way as
switching an individual turnout except that all devices that are
part of this particular route are quickly switched in sequence on
after another to reach the required status.
Routes are also stored internally and can be displayed with a
specific symbol on the turnout control panel. ECoS can handle
up to 1024 routes with 256 individual devices each.
Each accessory can be part of as many routes as desired and, of
course, with different status or aspect.
ECoS transmits the appropriate signals in sequence – with an
adjustable gap between the individual signals. The duration of
the pulse depends on the type of accessory.
Routes can also be switched with s88 contacts: you can link
any s88 contact with any route. Thus it is possible to arrange
sequential processes and block protection.
7.6. Switching panel and track diagrams
The ECoS offers an integral track diagram feature. This enables
you to display the topology of your layout on the screen and
to switch accessories and routes directly on the track diagram.
Each panel has 23 x 11 fields for the entry of symbols. With the
available symbols you can draw just about any track configu-
ration. Larger layouts can easily be divided over several panels.
Direct references to other panels assure quick and easy access
without the need of time consuming searching.
7.7. Programming decoders
In principle the command station “supports” three types of
programming and two types of protocols: The ECoS supports
both DCC programming as well as Motorola® and M4 pro-
gramming.
7.7.1. Programming track
The programming track must be completely (!) isolated from
the rest of the layout and must be wired directly to the pro-
gramming track output of ECoS.
There should always be only one loco on the programming
track at any point in time. You may read out and write new
values. All DCC decoders are suitable for programming on the
programming track as well as programmable Motorola® deco-
ders (e.g. LokSound M4, LokPilot M4). DCC decoders cannot
only be completely re-programmed on the programming track;
it is also possible to read the values.
7.7.2. Programming On the Main
DCC decoders can be re-programmed directly on the main
(also known as „Programming On Main“ or „POM“). The great
advantage is that any new settings can be monitored while
running the loco and without having to take it to the program-
ming track.
7.8. Feedback with s88
ECoS offers a factory built-in galvanically isolated (!) input for
the very popular s88-modules. They serve as track occupancy
detectors and may be used for controlling routes and shuttle
train operations.
The s88-bus consists of up to 32 s88-modules that can process
either 8 or 16 feedback signals each. These modules are wired
in a „chain” (bus). s88-modules are available from various ma-
nufacturers.
The number of existing s88-modules is configured in ECoS in
such a way that response times are as short as possible: since
the modules are checked continuously in sequence, only really
existing modules should be monitored.
7.9. Continue to use your old system with ECoSniffer
ECoSniffer represents a very special feature of ECoS. It allows
you to use your existing digital system even when upgrading to
ECoS. Simply wire the track output of your old system to the
ECoSniffer sockets. ECoSniffer then monitors the signals trans-
mitted by your old system and „translates” them into ECoS
commands.
Therefore it is possible to use any existing command station as
long as it is suitable for either Motorola® or DCC since ECoSni-
ffer is multi-protocol-capable (since the update V3.0.0).
It „understands” commands for locos in DCC (14, 28 or 128
speed steps, auto-detection, up to 12 function buttons), Moto-
rola® (14 speed steps, 80 addresses, Motorola® old and new,
up to 4 function buttons) as well as commands for accessories
in DCC and Motorola®. All other commands from the old sys-
tem (perhaps programming commands) will be ignored.
One can connect only one digital command station to the
ECoSniffer. The number of cabs that can be connected to your
old system is subject to the limitations of your old command
station. Thus you may for instance hook up your “Lokmaus”
system with up to 32 “Lokmaus” cabs or your Loconet® com-
mand station with all its connected cabs and continue to use
them as before.
If you wish to control accessories with your old system you
must first enter them locally in your ECoS. Otherwise the
commands will be disregarded. Chapter 13 explains how to
enter accessories. In the same manner locomotives that you
want to control via your old system must be entered in the
memory of your ECoS. Chapter 11 provides details.
7.10. ECoSlink bus system
Our bus system ECoSlink allows for the extension of your ECoS
command station. You may connect external handheld thrott-
les, feedback modules, boosters and other extensions. ECoS-
link is based on the CAN industrial standard, is suitable for a
maximum cable length of 100 metres and provides excellent
data transmission. ECoSlink operates with 250 kBit / second
and is ”hot-plug” and „plug&play” capable. All devices report
automatically to the system and can be removed or re-connec-
ted during operation. The ECoSlink system can comprise of up
to 128 devices. You will find more details in chapter 20.
Features of the ECoS
7.11. ECoSlot module extension compartment
On the underside of the ECoS housing is a compartment suita-
ble for extension modules. Thus ECoS can be extended.
ESU, for instance, offers a suitable receiver module for the radio
control cab “ECoSControl Radio”. This receiver expands your
ECoS with a wireless cab. A real advantage of your ECoS!
