5
Unpacking & Set-Up
• Controlling accessories. You can assign names and symbols to
up to 2048 turnouts, signals and other accessories with soleno-
id drives and comfortably control them with the integral switch
panels.
• Multi-traction (consists) are a basic function for ECoS: Assemb-
le any locomotives to a consist and control them simultaneous-
ly.
• Routes are really no problem for ECoS. Group your accessories
and then switch them together; either manually or triggered by
an s88-feedback contact.
• The integral switch panels (turnout control panels) enable you
to graphically display the topology of your layout and to switch
accessories or routes directly on the panel(s). Several panels
and an extensive choice of symbols allow you to display even
complex layouts.
• The shuttle train mode caters for up to 8 different “out and
back” lines with two each s88 contacts. This enables you to run
shuttle trains between two points in a simple manner.
• The integral turntable control feature displays the Märklin®
turntable on the monitor and enables you to directly select the
desired track position.
• Programming decoders: Due to the monitor programming
becomes as easy as never before: All parameters are shown
in plain text and avoid mistakes. Set your locomotives onto
the programming track or use P.O.M. (Programming On the
Main).
• In most cases you can continue to use your „old” digital sys-
tem: Provided it „speaks” DCC or Motorola®, you may con-
nect it to the ECoSniffer port and thus use all your present
handheld throttles.
5. Unpacking & Set-up
5.1. Opening the package
The ECoS – command station is safely protected in two cartons
when delivered. First open the brown shipping carton at one
end and pull out the printed carton. Now pull out the two-part
blister pack and place it on a table with the monitor of ECoS
facing upwards.
The upper half of the blister is secured to the lower part with
several buttons. No adhesive has been used. Pull both blister
halves apart at each button until you can separate the two
halves.
Please keep the packaging in a safe place for later use. Only
the original packaging guarantees protection from transport
damage. Pack your ECoS into the blister and both cartons prior
to dispatch by mail or parcel service.
5.2. Locating the device
Place ECoS on a flat, clean and dry surface within sight of your
model train layout. Assure a stable position of ECoS and an
optimal distance between yourself and the command station.
The monitor is tilted at 12 degrees against the support surface
and is best suited for a sitting operator (easy reading of text,
etc. on display).
Avoid reflections of bright walls or lighting equipment on the
monitor.
Provide suitable conditions for your ECoS: ideally operate ECoS
at room temperature. Avoid heat sources in the immediate sur-
roundings. Generally it can be said that any room conditions
that are comfortable for you will be good for ECoS.
5.3. Inserting rechargeable batteries
We recommend always operating your ECoS with batteries in
place. A set of batteries is supplied with your ECoS. The batte-
ries assure trouble free shutdown by saving all settings in case
of a power cut. This “emergency power supply” is needed in
order to bridge the short time span between power cut and
shutdown of the device.
The batteries may be removed without any problems once the
ECoS has shut down. All settings are safely stored in the flash
memory. The batteries are automatically recharged during ope-
ration.
If the ECoS has been turned off for an extended period (sum-
mer break) it should be operated for at least four hours in order
to recharge the batteries sufficiently. Please also take note of
the hints regarding switching off your ECoS in chapter 9.2.
The battery compartment is located at the back of ECoS.
• Remove the cover by pressing the clip in the direction of the
arrow.
• Insert four rechargable batteries in the correct polarity. The po-
les („+“ and „-“) are imprinted in the battery compartment.
• Close the cover of the battery compartment.
• Only use rechargable high-quality batteries or accumulators.
• Remove the rechargable batteries only when ECoS is switched
off (pull mains plug).
• After longer periods without operation (e.g. after the summer
vacation) please remove the rechargable batteries to avoid any
leakage.
• Never attempt to insert ordinary batteries in your ECoS! The
electronics of the charger cannot detect this fact and will try
to recharge such batteries as well.
Figure 1
Figure 2
