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ECoS Firmware 4.0.0

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GoingUnderground

GoingUnderground

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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 users 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/topic/ecos_support-1/ecos_firmware_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.

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Savoyard

Savoyard

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I have updated my ECoS to 4.0.0 and whilst outwardly it doesn't look different, it does seem to load faster.

 

The first thing I tried was TouchCab and this seems to work fine so no problem there.

 

I have tried the VNC connection and that works really well, I have done a connection via an iPhone, iPad and Windows PC, and you get the full ECoS screen on the device. I am trying a humber of different VNC iPhone Apps to see which one works the best. Being able to have a VNC connection on the PC means editing information is a lot easier as you can use the keyboard, especially when entering loco and accessory details.

 

I have found a couple of glitches on the maintenance section when selecting an option on the left hand side, it seems that after selecting some of the top options the two lower ones cannot be selected, I have found a work around by exiting the screen and then selecting the lower options.

 

This is a welcome update and makes the ECoS even easier to use.

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uk_pm

uk_pm

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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 users 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/topic/ecos_support-1/ecos_firmware_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.

Just uploaded the beta version 4, and I too reckon it is an improvement.  I will be interested to see if it cures the glitches I have commented on previously (and which have continued to this day).  But I am disappointed to note that there is still no support for British signals.  

Edited by uk_pm
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GoingUnderground

GoingUnderground

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I once updated the firmware on an ECoS 1 from 1.0.5 to 3.4.0 I think it was at a table in the refreshmemts area at a swapmeet at Newark, the one in Nottinghamshire, not the one in New Jersey, USA, for a fellow ECoS 1 owner. The ECoS was plugged to the mains whilst my laptop ran off its battery. Much to my relief, it all went without problems, I'd have hated if I'd bricked someone else's ECoS,but not as much as they would have hated me. I did tell the other owmer that I would accept no liability if it went wrong.

 

Where abouts are you?

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Phil Bullock

Phil Bullock

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Is there anybody who would do the firmware updates for the ECoS esu 50000 I am currently running firmware 3.0.0. and would like it updated, however I don't feel comfortable doing it myself. Thanks

 

What part of the Country are you?

 

Phil

 

 

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GoingUnderground

GoingUnderground

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Near Scunthorpe, think I updated it to 3.0.0. when I first got it but read somewhere I have to update to 3.7 before 4.0 and then there is some recovery software you have to install.

If you previously updated from 1.1.3 to 3.0.0 then you're already familiar with the entire update process, which gives you an advantage over anyone whose first ECoS was an ECoS 2.. 1.1.3 to 3.0.0 also involved installing a rescue system, except that ESU called the Rescue system 2.5.1. This time they haven't given it a name.

 

It is EXACTLY the same process to go from 3.7.0 to 4.0.0 as it was to go from 1.x.x to 3.0.0.

 

1.x.x to 3.0.0

1. Update to 1.1.3

2. Install new Rescue system (a.k.a. 2.5.1)

3. Install 3.0.0

 

3.x.x. to 4.0.0

1. Update to 3.7.0

2. Install new Rescue system

3. Install 4.0.0

 

N.B. In both cases you install the Rescue System BEFORE you go up to the next generation of firmware, not after as you said in your post.

 

Have a look back through the posts in the ECoS Support section of the ESU website for plenty of advice on how to go about it. ESU also published their own guide in the Tips and Tricks section of the web site which you can access from here http://www.esu.eu/en/support/tips-tricks/ECoS/firmware-400/

 

If you don't want to do it yourself, try contacting Digitrains who are now in Lincoln, which isn't too far away from Sunny Scunny. They should be able to do it for you, admittedly at a price.

 

EDIT: ESU are currently working on another update to the 4.x.x firmware, the new one will be 4.1.4. Once you've upgraded to 4.0.0 you can then upgrade to the latest version if you want, BUT.please note that once you have installed the new Rescue system and then 4.0.0 you do NOT need to reinstall the Rescue system again to go from 4.0.0. to 4.1.2 or higher.

Edited by GoingUnderground
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GoingUnderground

GoingUnderground

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Please read the tips and tricks on upgrading to 4.0.0 page on the ESU website, I gave you a link to it before.

 

The upgrade sequence is as I gsve you earlier:

1. Upgrade to 3.7.0

2. Install the new Rescue system, it is included in the zip file for firmware 4.0.0 along with firmware 4.0.0

3. Install 4.0.0

4. Upgrade to 4.1.4.

 

Do remember that ypu must unzip the files from the zip file that you download from the ESU web site.

 

Also make sure that you download anf use the files intemded for the origimal black & white ECoS 50000, also referred to sometimes as the ECoS 1.

 

A couple of other bots of advice. Please do read the posts on updating the ECoS's firmware when you regain full access to the ESU website. Also, do look at the video that ESU havr published on their website, om the home page, about updaying to 4.0.0. Remember, you do need a computer to do the upgrades, so read the sections of the latest version of the ECoS manual on connecting a computer to your ECoS, and on how to upgrade the firmware. Whilst it is intended for the ECoS 2, it applies equally to the original ECoS as they are operationally identical, bar the physical differences between the two versions of the ECoS.

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thindude

thindude

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Currently updating my ECoS to version 4 have done the rest, just doing to new rescue system however it says on the screen rescue mode with both stop and go buttons lit, it does seem to have taken a while so far, I did read on SW digital site when it does this be patient and wait, how long does this bit take? Thanks Alan

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