Review: ESU ECoS DCC System & ECoSControl Wireless Handheld

www.trainworld.com

[@0101ALLISON]

Theres several videos showing this system but none were clear & easy like yours. I was thinking of buying one before, now I am definitely buying one with my tax return.

[@kiwitrainguy]

Hi, great review, I got my ECoS in May 2014 and I have been having fun with it ever since exploring what can be done with it. I have over 100 locos and I upgraded to this system as I was using ESU Navigators before and they only allow 40 locos per controller - I was using 3 of them: 2-rail, 3-rail (centre pick up for Marklin type locos) and overhead wires. I have now changed all my locos over to 2-rail and the ECoS handles them all. You can have up to about 12,000 addresses per unit. On a lot of my locos I am using all 21 function buttons. Having the programming track is also really handy. I also have an ESU LokProgrammer that I have been using for the last couple of years. ESU have the best products that I have found. - Dennis

[@GYRUSS]

This is exciting. I remember when you were reviewing the MRC system. The hobby has come a long way.

[@dcctrain]

Hello James, this is Alex with DCCTRAIN! I hope your subscribers will enjoy this old video ESU ECOS Sniffer from 2010 and older black and white unit about ECOS Shiffer

[@BriansModelTrains]

Best review yet IMHO. I love learning about different DCC systems and am impressed with it. Thank you for the information and impressions.

[@filipstevens6263]

nice review is it possible to control other features with the ESU ECoS DCC System?

[@tracymitchell4010]

Great Video! Is this the ECoS or ECoS II and what is the difference between the two? I would like to know more about the wireless capabilities? Can this system handle large scale or be used for a garden railroad (what is its amperage capabilities) and also using the wireless throttles as walk around? Thanks for the video

[@mustafa550i]

Great review. I love my ECOS II and it is the king of all DCC controllers.

[@hovermotion]

I think one of the best command stations on the market world wide...i use it with my ipod and ipad..

[@jeffbowman3721]

Hello James, I enjoy your reviews, especially with regards to the ECoS DCC System, so it has been a few weeks now, do you still like as much as you appeared to in this review?

[@NicksCollectableCreations]

Also James, you should static assign an IP address to that unit. When it is on DHCP it will pull an IP from your router, which may change.

[@dcctrain]

Hello James, this is Alex with DCCTRAIN! I hope your subscribers will enjoy this old video ESU ECOS Sniffer from 2010 and older black and white unit about ECOS Shiffer.

[@jlwii2000]

Thanks Alex!

[@jimm9052]

Just caught this video and just wanted to thank you for it and ask a couple of questions regarding the ECos Command Station, if I may. I'd really appreciate some help with running the Kato 20-283 turntable utilizing the ESU ECos Command Station and eliminating the use of the control pack that comes with the turntable. And secondly, is there anyway to utilize the ESU ECos Command Station to automatically throw and line up a turnout (controlled by a DS64) that is thrown the wrong way thereby avoiding a short circuit and/or derailment.in a reverse loop incorporating an AR1? Again, thank you for your time and effort.

[@cw7784]

Jim M i would call ecos and see if they could help you

[@Smoke2Sublime]

An extremely versatile system that is easy to use, a more pleasant interface than competing products, and I am very happy with mine. Have you programmed your layout into the system and set up turnout control yet?

[@TrashMan2008]

James This was a great review of the DCC system. A bit pricey I have to admit. But when you go around adding color LCDs to things it drives the price up. The system looks like the Bachmann DCC system just a little. One question: How many throttles can you have with this system? Like with Digitrax you can up to 20 throttles working at once. Can you do the same with this system? Not that I'm going after it just a question. Art

[@jlwii2000]

From what I can find it says it supports up to 6 throttles, but they are going to release a new throttle soon that will allow up to 16 throttles of the new kind. Here is a link: www.esu.eu/en/products/digital-control/mobile-control-ii/

[@balletent1]

Fantastic review. Here in Europe it is highly recommended

[@puffinbilly5064]

Hi James, Another enjoyable review, really enjoy all your uploads especialy the building a layout from scratch. Any chance you could give us the exact dimensions of the boards that make up your layout as I would like to build mine about the same size. Thanks.

[@jdbristow515]

These reviews are all 4 or 5 years old (?) has there been any recent reviews on 2nd gen ECoS systems?

[@19mansellcj54]

I loved your video as per usual. Thanks again James

[@HARALDSwarehouse]

Great and helpful review. Many thanks, Tony. NEW ZEALAND

[@TheDuke6100]

Great video, thanks for the information on the operation of the unit!!!

[@KhangLuRailVideos]

Very nice. Are you going to install sound in your locomotives by yourself? If you do, I would recommend Loksound. Great video!

[@TubeDude2013]

James, the wireless unit looks just like my Dynamis. I know Bachmann didn't design Dynamis, they rebranded ESU technology. Question: is your handheld unit radio frequency or is it like the Dynamis- infra red? This is some very cool technology, thanks for sharing! By the way, if anyone is curios I did a small review of Dynamis on my channel.

[@jlwii2000]

It uses radio frequencies.

[@ECXTD]

It said 2.4 GHz on the wireless controller above the screen. 2.4 GHz are used in the better RC hobby grade remote system so you can run in a group without having the remotes interfering with each other which means you could use this in a club layout with many wireless remotes without them interfering with each other.

[@TubeDude2013]

2.4Ghz is also used by something else- Wi-FI networking. This might make some people concerned, as there could be conflicts. Wi-FI however is far more forgiving than most people give it credit. If you have a halfway decent access point, the radios will auto adjust frequencies. It's also used by Bluetooth and many household cordless phones and microwave ovens. Like I said, I wouldn't be too concerned, but it is worthwhile knowing. If you have your layout in the kitchen and your controller stops working when you warm up a slice of pizza- you know why! :-)

[@TKommando]

It's like a mini computer for trains and DCC. If I could afford it, I would have it. I would also probably do a review on it. Mulit-part though because I have limited usage for internet and my high-def videos eat up a lot of the usage.

[@NicksCollectableCreations]

I am wondering if Bachmann will release this system under their branding. That handheld is the same as my Bachmann wireless dcc system. I would be very curious James if that controller starts acting up after a few months of use. I have gone through 2 of those so far, because they start randomly jumping loco address rapidly. Takes a bit of fiddling with the throttle to get it to stop.

[@jlwii2000]

Nick, I've talked to ESU and Bachmann will not release anything like the ECoS. ESU allowed Bachmann to use the controller design, but they won't permit them to use the ECoS or anything similar.

[@NicksCollectableCreations]

***** Dang, that means there won't be a cheaper version of this by Bachmann :) I'm curious also to know if this supports reprogramming of the sound fonts in the decoders

[@ECXTD]

Is this going to replace your MRC system?

[@emersonpinho5640]

I have seen you doing many BLI locos videos...Do you control them with ECOS SYS DCC? I have a layout where I have tried this system with BLI locos and they do not work together. After a while the engine stops working and completely shuts off the whole sytem. This issues just happens whren I try to program and assign an address for BLI locos...Did you ever have these issues? Any ideas? I contancted both BLI and Ecos customer support but they told me that they are not compatable... I have seen some videos that they use both together...I got rid of all my BLI locos because of these issues...

[@ricardomierz8467]

Would this controller run off an Android OS run pad or phone used as a wireless remote instead of that huge wireless remote that your using.

[@TheSteamKing]

Fantastic Review my friend! 2 questions though. 1: Can you quill the whistles on the Broadway limited locomotives like you can on NCE and Digitrax? 2: Is it possible to use this system in conjunction with JMRI to have wireless cell phone control. Looking forward to hearing from ya! Rrk1937

[@jlwii2000]

I haven't tried yet. I know you can quill whistles on loksound locomotives.

[@jlwii2000]

Ok I just checked and you can quill the whistles on BLI locomotives by using that joystick I showed at 21:12. The quill is touch sensitive.

[@truckyfireman]

#2 ECOS can be used with JMRI and ESU has a phone APP you can use for iphone that I know of. jlwii2000 what a great review!!! Thanks for all the hard work!

[@jlwii2000]

There is an Ipad app I tried out that works too. It is JMRI compatible.

[@TheSteamKing]

Awesome, looks like I might be making the switch from NCE to ESU!

[@joesaurina1402]

You stated that you had a MRC system, What are your thoughts on it. Looking at CVP and NCE, please help!

[@kraycrunr]

Any DCC controllers you'd recommend that aren't quite so expensive? I like your vids James.

[@jlwii2000]

what is your budget?

[@kraycrunr]

***** Between 200 and 400 would be ideal. Thanks for answering.

[@kraycrunr]

I have a bunch more questions but I don't want to overload you.

[@jlwii2000]

Aye Leeyun For between $200 and $400 you can get quite a bit including an MRC prodigy wireless system which sells on ebay for at most $400. You can get a digitrax zephyr system but it won't include a wireless controller, you can get a lot of systems. The most budget friendly wireless system I know of is $140 and that is the Bachmann Dynamis system.

[@ozarksfarmerhansen8782]

Does this work on any DCC system you already have like NCE or Digtrax.

[@Videoman2000]

The other language is German, as ESU is a German company. Will you review also the other digital formats like MM and M4 ?

[@jlwii2000]

I sure will. I'll add it to the list of videos

[@TubeDude2013]

I wanted to make mention of something James was getting into at the start of his review- the satiate of technology in our hobby. James is right on the money- it is far behind the times and needs to catch up. We as hobbyists also need to embrace change. We can't hold manufacturers to same old - same old. I have a Bachmann Dynamis (which is really an ESU unit). I think it has way more modern functionality than many of the better regarded controllers out there, but to be honest, I thought it was pathetic. I do technology for a living, and the state of our controllers is sad. I have watched a few interviews from Mike Wolf of MTH. I have reason to believe that the age of the physical, hand-held controller, or base station unit are numbered. In the future I think there will be a track interface unit, which has a Wi-FI adapter built into it. You will access that unit via your wireless network, and use apps that are downloaded from the Apple and Google markets. MTH is working on this, and I can't wait to see it. Imagine. Getting updates, new features and new functionality without having to buy a new controller- that's the future. In the meantime, I'm loving this unit James has reviewed, game changer. I'm not liking the price, but I am loving the "great leap forward"!

[@muhammadnimji4626]

How many locomotives can you run at a single time using this system?

[@RodimusPrime]

niether one of my throttle knobs lights up and none of the triggers work, i have no idea whats wrong with it, only the touchscreen works and often the F2 gets stuck on and i cant turn it off

[@cwhuffman01]

The Wireless remote looks like the one that goes with the Bachmann Dynamis system...

[@jlwii2000]

ESU helped Bachmann to produce the Dynamis system. However, the ESU system is way more advanced.

[@cwhuffman01]

If I had the $$$ I would get it or the Digatrax system. Im stuck with DC and cheaper DCC right now.

[@cbcdesign001]

I should think it should be a lot more advanced considering its a lot more expensive. $400.00 for a wireless controller!

[@eothetrainmaster]

Can I connect this to bachmann ez track?

[@ezio48]

As of Sept 25th Model Train Stuff has this system on sale for $599.99

[@clausstabell73]

Where did you find that app and name it

[@vwgolfer1873]

AMAZING!!! Wish i had 1000 bucks to get that system.

[@sicotto2413]

can u make a vid on how 2 wire atlas code 83 track

[@fernandobatelli]

Thank you for the review.

[@sicotto2413]

i have bachmann track but that takes up a lot of space

[@SantaFe-qj3fk]

Jlwii2000, where did you buy ESU ECoS DCC System

[@jlwii2000]

www.dcctrain.com They have them in stock at a good price.

[@jlwii2000]

www.dcctrain.com/shop/item.aspx?itemid=5795

[@SantaFe-qj3fk]

Thank you this will be helpful. I may later on get the ECoS

[@dcctrain]

Santa Fe 2056 We restock our inventory with ESOS.

[@SantaFe-qj3fk]

Your price for it?

[@grandparails8858]

The wireless handset is same as Bachmann Dynamis

[@jlwii2000]

ESU helped Bachmann design the Dynamis. But the ESU Wireless system still does way more than Bachmann.

[@grandparails8858]

Of course being able to get updates off the internet and so many other features it'll be on my list. Thanks for the review looking forward to future updates.

[@ricardomierz8467]

Does this system run off a Android OS pad or cell phone as a wireless remote controller.

[@cdtluna]

we should add to the mix the Rail Driver Controller via JMRI. www.trainsim.com/images/reviews/raildr/5.jpg

[@choochoo3985]

Does it have WIFI?

[@GerbenWijnja]

Well there's a wireless controller (as seen at 17:40 for example) if that's what you mean. But it connects to the network via UTP.

[@Perfusionist01]

nice video - Wow that's quite a system. I can barely run my Digitraxx Zephyr, I think I would be lost in this beast :-) It's still nice to see

[@gamingmxracer926]

i bought the digitrax Zephr extra and it is confusing as heck!

[@jonathanletterman9692]

A definition of Clinical Insanity in Model Railroading...No Back Light?..Are you Nuts ?

[@edger1126]

Someone should just create an awesome iPad app for running all DCC equipment. That seems like it would be best in the long run. Does anyone see a problem with this concept? I'm not experienced enough in model railroading to know if an app would work just as well if not better.

[@haidyn05]

Why did you delete my comments on your video? It was positive and provided more detail for you and your viewers to jump start you with the ECoS.