[GoingUnderground]

For the ECoS users out there, you might be interested to know that ESU have released a Public Beta Test version of Firmware 4.0.0 (4.0.0 RC1) for the ECoS, both versions, and the Maerklin Central Station 1 Reloaded.

This time there are 3 versions, one for the colour ECoS 2, one for the B&W ECoS 1, and one for the CS1 Reloaded. There is a new Rescue system which must be installed first, after which you can then install firmware 4.0.0 proper. You must be running firmware 3.7.0 before you start the upgrade.

The upgrade is a 2 stage process, first install the new rescue system, then install the new firmware, virtually the same process as when us ECoS 1 owners upgraded from version 1.1.3 to 3.0.0.

The upgrade is a one way trip, no going back to 3.7.0 if you don't like 4.0.0.

It can be downloaded by registered ECoS users from the german language part of the ESU web site. There's a translation of ESU's announcement here http://www.esu.eu/en/forum/forums-overview...ware_400_rc1-2/ on the ESU web site, accessible to registered ECoS users only.

If you're a bit worried about the idea of upgrading to a Beta version with no way back to the old version then I would suggest waiting until the official version is released, which will probably be in the next couple of weeks.

One new feature is the ability to control the ECoS remotely from a computer or tablet provided the browser on the PC or tablet has the Java plug in. So if you have a tablet or possibly even a smartphone then you can control the ECoS from there. This does not use an App, just the browser itself. Please note this is not additional throttles like Touchcab but remote control of the ECoS. but it does mean you can control the ECoS and hence the layout without being tied to the ECoS. A neat way of creating an ECoS "app" that is device independent. I have tried it on a Windows XP and a Windows 7 computer with Internet Explorer 8.

The ECoS can also now control all functions, F0 - F28, previously it could only control up to F23.

 

[randolph]

thanks Keith, think I'll wait for a couple of weeks, I assume the remote facility will work on Apple products. If anyone does use the beta version can they give further feedback on what is new and how good the upgrades.

R

 

[neil_s_wood]

Thanks for the heads up Keith, I'll look back in a couple of weeks once the proper version is up and get that one.

Cheers

Neil

 

[Chinahand]

Thanks for the heads up Keith but, like others and having had problems with beta software before (not EcOS), I will wait for the bug free version to appear.

 

[GoingUnderground]

QUOTE (randolph @ 24 Mar 2014, 21:04) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>thanks Keith, think I'll wait for a couple of weeks, I assume the remote facility will work on Apple products. If anyone does use the beta version can they give further feedback on what is new and how good the upgrades.

R
If you look at the ESU users forum, you can see my translation of ESU's announcement, which includes a summary of the new features etc. As I understand it, the remote facility will work if you can use Java, or some other VNC Client software on your tablet. I have seen references that Apple, in their infinite wisdom, do not allow you to use Java with their browser, so you may be out of luck. However, there is apparently a way round it as some german users on the ESU forum have said that the remote control function works with the "Chicken" VNC Client for Mac OS X. I'm not an Apple user so cannot comment further.

QUOTE (Chinahand @ 25 Mar 2014, 08:45) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>Thanks for the heads up Keith but, like others and having had problems with beta software before (not EcOS), I will wait for the bug free version to appear.
As no software is ever totally bug free, you may have along wait. Some bugs just take longer than oterhs to come to light, but I understand your reticence.

 

[GoingUnderground]

I've been told that my original link to the Beta version doesn't work, but this one should http://www.esu.eu/produkte/digitale-steuer...-beta-firmware/

 

[Vulcanbomber]

Just installed the official version and works very well
Only problem I hit was when the Ecos was in rescue mode it wouldn't recognize the IP address set in my bookmark, so entered IP address in manually and reset bookmark.
I have got it working with my Android phone as well now!

 

[Pierre B.]

QUOTE (GoingUnderground @ 24 Mar 2014, 19:57) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>Please note this is not additional throttles like Touchcab but remote control of the ECoS. but it does mean you can control the ECoS and hence the layout without being tied to the ECoS.

Updated without problems here as well.
When accessing the ECoS through the computer browser, the computer keyboard can be used to edit and rename elements. For someone creating/renaming many elements (switches...), this is a huge improvement over the touchscreen.