QUOTE (markw @ 20 Jun 2007, 18:43)
<{POST_SNAPBACK}>I have one or two other problems currently which i'm not sure whether they are attributable to the ECoS or me.
1. Shuttle trains - i can setup a shuttle and get it running but have two problems the first being the inability to control tge braking and stopping positions correctly, (probably my error), secondly when ending the shuttle the ECoS appears to hang completely and needs a complete reset to recover. (probably ECoS bug).
2. When my trains run over a particular set of points it fires all the points in the same direction about three or 4 times before it settles down again, my feeling is that it's likely to be a wiring fault on my test track but i've checked it out a couple of times and can't find anything. The points are running from a hornby accessory decoder which was a pig to get working, bearing in mind all the other reported hornby issues maybe it's something to do with that. I have a feeling though that it didn't happen with ECoS 1.0.4 firmware installed so maybe it's a bug in 1.0.5 after all. (not sure whether i can roll it back or not to try it).
Anyway trying to solve problem 2 is my project for today, i'll try rolling back to 1.0.4 first if that doesn't work i have acquired a lenz ls150 to swap the hornby out.
On the negative side it is sometimes a little difficult to get support either from ESU direct or through the forum but i think this is quite often a two fold language problem. one being the obvious german - english translation and the other possibly a novice like me not explaining my queries in the correct terminology.
Neil - Uploading the firmware update is very very easy as long as you observe all the normal precautions you shouldn't have any problem, having said that if the newer versions don't contain new features or fixes for specific issues that you have then maybe leaving well alone is the right strategy.
The main reason i'm on 1.0.5 is that i am using RR&Co train controller and was told at Dortmund by Juergen Freiwald himself that the only fully supported combination is ECoS 1.0.5 with train controller 5.81c. Again having said that i did have train controller working with 1.0.4 whilst i was waiting for 1.0.5 to be released.
As far as a walkabout is concerned i picked aup a Roco lokmaus in germany for just a few euros and i am using that as a walkabout throttle through the ECoS sniffer and it works a treat. The only problem with it being it's a lokmaus 3 i think so only supports 2 digit addressing so i will have to replace it eventually but for what it cost me it's perfect for my early experiments.
I'd Happily let MMaD have aplay with my ECoS but unfortunately we are a couple of hundred miles apart
it would actually be quite good to get an experienced DCC user to have a go in person so that i could draw on their knowledge.
Anyway Guys Have a good day, i've got some trains to play with
Regards
Mark
I haven't yet set up my shuttle lines, more due to lack of time than anything else. I have a Veissmann S88 sitting around for that purpose. I'll see if I have the same problems you have had.
I was going to wait for the switchpilot point decoder. It may be some wait but I figure it will be better in the long run.
We had some discussion some time ago on here about the updates and it sounds like it was very complicated. Apparently you have to get some obscure connector to your internet modem rather than the computer to connect it up. The impression I was left with from the discussion was that you had to be a computer wizard to even consider doing this. While I know how to use a computer I have no idea about the technical stuff in the background.
I also have a Lokmaus which I was going to use as a handheld but haven't got round to finding out how you connect it up yet.
How did you connect up your Ecos to the computer? Did you need a special cable to connect up your Lokmaus?
I didn't offer MMaD to come round my place for a go as it is a bit far away too. He is still most welcome though should he ever be in this neck of the woods.