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Questions about the Central Station® Update 3.0.0. - Reloaded

You want to start with your Central Station ® into the new world and for that accept our update offer? We are pleased with you, that the trendsetting digital control unit finally shows their qualities and we are here to answer all your questions around the 3.0.0 update.

 

fold faq Set the dimmer for lights and other Aux-outputs with ECoS

How do I set the dimming function for light and other Aux-Outputs with the ECoS.

These settings can be easily set up in the menu "Edit loco". To do so, select the tab "Advanced".

First select your decoder type in the menu "Global settings" (symbol 'i'):

 

Please note that the dimmer settings via "Loco edit" are only available for ESU decoders. For decoders from other manufacturers, please use the menu "Decoder programming" in the menu "Setup". To determine the matching CVs, your decoder's user manual may be necessary.

Change to the menu "Function mapping" (symbol 'AUX') and press the '+'-symbol in the description line:

The "+"-symbol only appears at outputs which support this extended functionallity.

The settings screen for the corresponding output appears:

 

Choose "dimmer" as type and set the "Dimmer"-bar to the desired value. The settings can now be accepted by clicking "Ok".

Please note:
Settings in the function mapping menu will not be written "live" even if the "Live"-Checkbox is set. To write the function mapping and the dimmer settings, please click on the track symbol "write to track".

fold faq Allocation of function key symbols

What do the single function key symbols of the ECoS mean?

Here you´ll find an overview about the ECoS function key symbols, which can also be used with the Central Station "Reloaded":

fold faq The firmware update aborts with an error message. What shall I do?

The firmware update is aborted with the error message "Wrong CRC!!!" or "The firmware update was not successful". What is the reason for this?

The ECoS / Central Station "Reloaded" cannot use the provided update file. This can be due to the following reasons:

  • No file has been selected.  
  • The transfered file is actually meant for a different device, e.g. you tried to install the ECoS update 1.1.3 on an ECoS with software version >=2.5.1.
  • No *.bci-file has been selected, but e.g. a *.zip-file.
  • The file transfer to the command station has been interrupted.
  • The file is corrupted. Probably an error occured during the download from the ESU homepage. Please try again! If the error occurs once again, please download the *.zip-file instead of the*.bci-file from the homepage and unpack it. Try to install the included *.bci-file.
fold faq Is it possible to connect a "Reloaded" updated CS1 to a non-updated CS1?

Yes, that´s possible. The Central Station can be connected to the sniffer input, like every other command station.

fold faq After the update does my entered locomotives still exist?

Normally yes. The locomotives stored in the Central Station® are not deleted during the update and will be available after the update for use. To exclude any eventuality we would  recommend to do a backup before the update.

fold faq My serial number is ten digits long! Can I still order the update?

Of course. If you look at the serial number in the setup menu screen of the Central Station® there is possibly a "0x" prefix. Enter in your order only the last 8 digits (without the "0x").

fold faq What programs will be supported by the computer interface?

The computer interface from the Central Station® will be adjusted and expanded like the ECoS interface. The software solutions currently available (including Win-DigipetRailWareRailRoad&CoControl-GUI) will continue to operate.

fold faq I don't need the power supply of the update package. Will there be a "software-only"-type update?

The 90VA power supply of the update package is necessary to use the advanced internal booster output. Therefor no "software-only" package is not planned.

fold faq Will there be more than previously loco icons?

Yes. The selection of loco icons after the 3.0.0 update is significantly larger and will be constantly expanded.

fold faq Will there also be free updates for the Central Station® 60212?

The software code 3.0.0. is based on code, which was newly developed. Further developments of version 2.0.4 is therefore not possible.
If you are using the functionality of version 2.0.4. and not being satisfied, we advise you to switch to version 3.0.0. This is only way you can benefit from the many additional functions of the Central Station.
All further updates from 3.0.0. are obviously free of charge.

fold faq I can not do the update myself. What can I do?

Please contact your dealer who has sold you the update package first, so if help is not given, the update may install by ESU for you. Thus, you should begin the update package with your purchase and then your Central Station® disk along with well-packaged to send ESU.
The installation of updates are ESU in-service costs € 19,50 (in germany, including 19% german sales tax). Please send no cash, you will receive an invoice. 

fold faq Is the ESU ECoS now also mfx® compatible?

With the release of the 3.0.0 update for the Central Station®, there will also be an update available for the ESU ECoS. In this update the compatibility with all mfx® decoders will be included. The two platforms are from the software 3.0.0. on function-identically and simultaneously with updates may be met.

The ECOS update is part of the product care and available free of charge.

fold faq What is different from a Central Station® with an update to an ESU ECoS?

After the software update to 3.0.0. the software features of Central Station ® and ESU ECoS are identical. The development of the ESU ECoS and Central Station ® 60212 will take place in parallel; new software versions will always be for both platforms available.
Since the update can not change anything to the hardware, unfortunately, there are compared to the ECoS following restrictions:

  • The Central Station ® uses an endless rotary control for speed control instead of the motorized potentiometer of the ECoS.
  • The Central Station ® built boosters can not support RailCom ® feedback. By connecting an ECoSBoost this functionality can be retrofitted.
fold faq How may ESU ensure the support?

The support for the Central Station is through your ESU dealer and especially through our unique ESU Support Forum ensured.
All registered owners of a Central Station® 3.0.0 update can ask their questions here and receive either by other competent forums members or our support team immediately assistance.
We show since 2006 that this works. Even the support forum is one of ESU introduced soon counterfeit ideas.

fold faq Is the Central Station ® really fully DCC compatible? What does this mean for me?

The Central Station ® has the open, standardized DCC protocol fully implemented. The long experience of ESU in this area guarantees a smooth implementation of all major DCC decoder.
This provides for you as a three rail user some key benefits: All leading manufacturers today offer trains for the three rail system in which (ESU) multi-protocol decoders are installed (eg Roco, Liliput, Brawa, Mehano, Lima, Rivarossi, Hobbytrade to name a few). These locomotives can immediately respond to DCC. Besides the driving with up to 20 functions as well as a range of addresses to 9999, you can comfortably program your decoder with the Central Station ® ...
In the future you have the choice between all makes locomotives.

fold faq Will the Central Station® remain fully mfx®-compatible?

The Central Station® will be fully mfx® compatible after the update to version 3.0.0. All mfx® locomotives will proceed as usual running and programming, and will also automatically log on to the Central Station®.

fold faq Do my warranty claims against Märklin ® expire after the update?

For all Central Station ® 60212, which during the statutory warranty period ESU the 3.0.0 update is being installed, ESU legitimate right for all warranty claims occur. Details about the end we will announce in due time. The update is for you without risk as a customer. For all questions about the new features and capabilities of the Central Station you can apply directly to ESU. Our successful support forum is available after the update.

fold faq Will there be further updates in the future?

Certainly. The development will be continued permanently. Any further updates will ESU provide to all registered users of the ESU Support Forum for free. You pay only once. Guaranteed.

fold faq When will the update be available and what will it cost?

The delivery of the update starts in calendar week 17. The delivery period takes 4-6 weeks. The updates will be shipped according to receipt of order. The non-binding recommended selling price in Germany is € 159,99.

fold faq How can I order the update for the Central Station®?

This Update 3.0.0. for the Central Station ® 60212 is not free of charge, you must pay for it. You can order this at every ESU dealer.

The order number is 59990.

You need the serial number of your Central Station ® at the time of ordering.

The serial number can be read from the label on the bottom of the Central Station®.

 

fold faq What is included in the 3.0.0 update?

The 3.0.0. update for the Central Station ® 60212 consists of device and software components. The package includes:

  • One for all appropriate gauges, stabilized switching power supply with an output of 90VA and an adjustable output voltage from 15V - 21V
  • A stylus for the touch screen operation. 
  • An individually for you and your Central Station ® 60212 based on your serial number 60212 produced disk with the software update 3.0.0. with an extensive range of functions. This software is coded so that only the Central Station ® can be applied, whose serial number when you order with your retailer indicated. The update on this unit can theoretically be applied as often.

The Software-Features by the 3.0.0 update are obviously also significantly upgraded.

fold faq How to install this update?

The update can be installed either by yourself or your dealer. You will need a PC (Windows, Linux or Mac ®) with network and a network cable to the Central Station ® connected to your PC.

 The update will be performed - identical to the previous Software Updates – through the Web interface to the Central Station ®. The update procedure is using your internet browser to copy the file to the Central Station ®. The process is described in the manual for software updates.

 A detailed, step-by-step instruction, we will be published before the availability of the updates.

One big difference to previous updates or updates for the ESU ECoS is, this update requires from each Central Station ®, an individual serial number to generate an update file. The file will only be accepted by the Central Station ® if the serial number matches. The attempt to update other units with a different serial number as applied will produce an error message and the procedure will be canceled.

fold faq Which prerequisites are necessary prior to the Central Station® update 3.0.0.?

The ESU update can only be used exclusively by the owner of the Märklin ® Central Station ® 60212. It will not work on other digital control units.
Furthermore, your Central Station ® 60212 must have software 2.0.3. or 2.0.4. installed.  This is the case if your Central Station ® has already received an update by the Märklin ® service and the so-called Sniffer module has built in.
If you are unsure whether your Central Station ® 60212 is already on the software version 2.0.3. or 2.0.4., you can use them in the setup menu under "General Information" to read.

Your Central Station ® has software 1.xxx version installed, so you need to send it to Märklin ® service get it updated to version 2.0.4. Thereafter, the ESU software update to 3.0.0. can be applied.

 

Currently (as of September 2008) Märklin ® installs these updates free of charge.