For the past couple of weeks I've considered getting a dcc system, but all of them seem a bit dated to me. Until I came across this system. Has anyone tried it? They say it's primarily built for o scale and g scale, yet it seems is the ho people who seem to be the ones acquiring it.
http://www.esu.eu/en/products/...em/what-ecos-can-do/
Replies sorted oldest to newest
Trainworld did some videos recently with the GM of ESU, here's link to one and there are 4 or 5 more on Trainworld's youtube channel. One of them demo's the DCC controller.
That's about all I know about them other than they look pretty nice and definitely modern. Something to look at anyway...
Rtr12, thanks for the info, I like the looks of it, the intuitive platform and that it looks like it'll be fully supported by esu for years to come.
KingBruce, anything in particular you didn't like? I can't try it out since I live in Colombia, but I have this year to figure out wether I get it or not. Blogs and YouTube demos have been helpful.
You are welcome. Like I said earlier, I know nothing about them, but thought they looked kind of neat in the video. Good luck with your info gathering.
For the past couple of weeks I've considered getting a dcc system, but all of them seem a bit dated to me. Until I came across this system. Has anyone tried it? They say it's primarily built for o scale and g scale, yet it seems is the ho people who seem to be the ones acquiring it.
http://www.esu.eu/en/products/...em/what-ecos-can-do/
I have this item and it runs my G scale trains, with sound and smoke without any problems. The manual is in english and have an phone number in the states to call for technical support
Hopes this helps.
it is foolish to buy an expensive control system based on the fact that it "looks cool". Even the best DCC systems can need tech support in order to work properly, and without it, can be pretty frustrating. Buying something that is made and primarily marketed in another country can be a headache should you suffer even the most minor of a problem, unless there is a reputable service network behind the product. I would advise carefully checking out the importer and the dealer service & support network for this item before you spend your money. There are established DCC manufacturers in the US who can provide technical assistance and hopefully, local dealers for their customers. With today's shipping costs, getting something serviced can be expensive if it has to be shipped back to the manufacturer.
Bill in FtL
Before you write off DCC, consider, all except Lenz have radio handheld throttles, no wire connection. And CVP (EasyDCC) makes a radio throttle package for use with Lenz. This system you are looking at appears to be some sort of old fashioned console like a lionel ZW. I find walking around with the handheld throttle much more fun and convenient.
A second issue is what is being used by people you know near by, if any. You might consider a system that other hobbiests in your area use. That way if you have questions, you have some one local to talk to about it. The manuals on ALL these systems are bad. Some are worse. They unfortunately seem to have been written by the techs who designed the system. these people know it very well and assume that we know things we don't. So they write manuals at their level and sometimes that is hard for us to figure out.
By the way, DCC is the most common control system for 2 rail trains in HO in the USA. So there are a lot of options and a variety of systems. As for dated, so far all have been upward compatible for the most part. CVP did make some changes when going from 2-3 digits that were incompatible but the others have not as far as I know. That means if you have a 10 year old digitrax throttle it will work with a brand new system, if thought the new system has totally new and uupgraded software and hardware. Basically components do not get obsolete so quickly with DCC.
If you want to research DCC, the 4 big ones in the USA are:
NCE
Digitrax
EasyDCC (CVP Products)
Lenz
They all have websites and I think you can download PDF copies of the manuals for their products from most.
MRC also makes a system, but some of their products seem to reduced features to keep costs down. I don't how popular it is. I am not aware of any users in my area.
Before you write off DCC, consider, all except Lenz have radio handheld throttles, no wire connection. And CVP (EasyDCC) makes a radio throttle package for use with Lenz. This system you are looking at appears to be some sort of old fashioned console like a lionel ZW. I find walking around with the handheld throttle much more fun and convenient.
A second issue is what is being used by people you know near by, if any. You might consider a system that other hobbiests in your area use. That way if you have questions, you have some one local to talk to about it. The manuals on ALL these systems are bad. Some are worse. They unfortunately seem to have been written by the techs who designed the system. these people know it very well and assume that we know things we don't. So they write manuals at their level and sometimes that is hard for us to figure out.
By the way, DCC is the most common control system for 2 rail trains in HO in the USA. So there are a lot of options and a variety of systems. As for dated, so far all have been upward compatible for the most part. CVP did make some changes when going from 2-3 digits that were incompatible but the others have not as far as I know. That means if you have a 10 year old digitrax throttle it will work with a brand new system, if thought the new system has totally new and uupgraded software and hardware. Basically components do not get obsolete so quickly with DCC.
The console has an Ethernet cable input that connects to your wi-fi, so you can synch your smart phone or tablet and use it as a throttle with apps like touchcab or withrottle. I don't have train buds in my city, I live in bogota, colombia. I've searched for clubs but there's none here. Before this I was leaning towards NCE. But I'm more interested in your experiences with it as opposed to how it compares. Here is a link to the user manuals, they seem pretty in depth: http://www.esu.eu/en/downloads...als/digital-systems/
Santiago, I will be selling my Ecos 50200 if you are still interested; Mint condition.
My e-mail address is unreal4449@windstream.net if you want to discuss further.
Thank you
what! You are not going to believe me but I spoke with the people from dcctrain last night and they shipped me one today. Why are you selling it? if you don't mind me asking.
Just getting a starter kit from Km1 (G Gauge) that includes a digital system; just considerable more powerful as far as volts are concerned than the EcoS.
I will sell for only $499.00
No other reason
I just posted a vid of a quick set up of the ecos with mth locos. I got it a few weeks ago and I love it. No complains so far. Link below:
I just posted a vid of a quick set up of the ecos with mth locos. I got it a few weeks ago and I love it. No complains so far. Link below:
Excellent video and tutorial. I have used this system with 1 Gauge and Narrow Gauge G scale engines and have used the "f" keys for functions that the decoder provides. Glad you are happy with it!!!
I will have to see if I need a software update
Thanks daylight, currently working on vids showing how to use tortoise machines and the touchcab app with the ecos.
Nice video. Very informative. Looks like you made a good choice and I hope you are happy with your new system. The system looks pretty full featured to me. I'm 3 rail and have DCS. Legacy should be here soon now that Lionel has started shipping it again. I actually kind of like the idea of having 2 systems.
I like DCC as well, I think it has some nice features that DCS and Legacy don't have (and vice-versa). Never used DCC but I like the idea of the CV's that you can play with to set things exactly as you want them. Synching speeds, and things like that. Just think DCC would be fun to fiddle around with. Maybe someday I will add that to my other 2 systems?
Thanks rtr12, at first i was intimidated by dcc and variables and everything but it's not that dificult. I love legacy, I think it's great, but I made a decision a long time to go 2 rail only.
I know there were some concerns about remote control with the ecos, so here is a video I just posted on controlling your layout with your smartphone or tablet using the touchcab app.
Access to this requires an OGR Forum Supporting Membership
