[ashleyh]

QUOTE (Oakydoke @ 1 Dec 2007, 11:28) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>Does the infra red receiver come supplied separately and does it just plug in to the top of the base station?

Is there a supplied extension lead to allow remote siting if this is this case?

Oakydoke

It comes pre-fitted, but can be removed as shown, it only appears to use the 8 way connector (very similar to a DCC socket, so there is the potential for an extension lead I would have thought, though one is not supplied.

Ashley

 

[ashleyh]

QUOTE (dbclass50 @ 1 Dec 2007, 10:23) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>Looks like a decent bit of kit & it will be interesting to see how it pans out.

Just a couple of things from my own POV ;

1) Don't like the plug/PSU unit - OK, you have a euro adaptor but in my experience these things are not robust enough & often, due to the design can lead to failure of the socket. Much prefer the "Mars Bar" type with a short mains lead.

2) I may be very wrong (& very much I hope so) but the 2-pin outlet for the track power looks, according to the photos similar to the sort of "Figure 8) mains connection as used to power portable radios & suchlike - diffecult to work out the size in the photo. If this is the case, it's only a matter of time before someone puts some 230v into the unit.................

I would have much prefered a numeric style keypad as well - it looks like there is plenty of room (that's one thing that does put me off the ECoS a little, that & the attitude of SWD.)

1) The 3 pin plug untwists while pressing down on a clip, and it appears possible to also fit it the other way round, i.e. so that the plastic earth pin does not extend beyond the top of the adaptor. It is a switched mode PSU and so it is very light and unlikely to put any strain on the socket.

2) The 2 pin track output socket is much smaller than a mains figure of 8 socket. Just for completeness I've just tried a mains lead and it does not come close to fitting. The track output socket is the same as that used on the ESU Ecos, Marklin Central Station, and the ZTC 505/511, so quite handy for me.

I agree that a standard number pad layout would have been preferable, andf there does appear to be space on the left hand side of the unit. the Ecos does not have any physical numerical keys at all, just the on screen touch keys I think.

Ashley

 

[ashleyh]

QUOTE (Petal @ 3 Dec 2007, 10:29) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>Please can someone tell me, is there any information as to how long the batteries last before recharging is needed and do the batteries need to be removed for charging or is there a charging socket on the handset

Thanks

I don't think you can charge batteries in the unit itself, and with my misgivings about the duarability of the battery compartment covers, I would advise against using rechargeable batteries.
Good alkaline batteries are likely to have a longer life than any charge cycle on Nicad or Nimh, hence less wear and tear on the battery covers.

Also I have misgivings about using cheap unbranded batteries of the sort supplied with the unit. Too many toys have been ruined in the past few years by such batteries corroding rather rapidly.

Just my opinion of course.

Ashley