Alfie1

Hi Guy's I have now received my new ESU 50310 Cab Control system from the States and I' m happy with it, everything is instant no waiting 20 seconds for it to execute a command. I also note it is running Android 6.0.1 and has the latest updates installed. The only downside is it will not recognise my backup data from the Piko 55040 so I have had to reprogram every switch Locos and all there functions, but I am still happy with it. Regarding sending the Piko to Germany for an update I am interested to read TWG of how easy it was to send to Germany, just makes me wonder why ESU feels the need to make the very clear instructions on there web site as well as to me in emails regarding sending to them. I guess the only way to find out for sure is to try taking it to the Post Office

Well I just can't work this out, it seams to be a minefield just to send the Piko back for this upgrade, so I have now ordered a new ESU 50310 Cab Control system from the States. As the Piko 55040 works but has issues like it will just disconnect for no reason or other intermittent faults I will try a few other things with it when the new ESU is up and running. I'm hopeful that all the Locos and switches I programmed into the Piko 55040 can just be loaded into the ESU by using the backup data I have on a USB stick (I emailed ESU to ask, but they replied it should work but they have never tried it) I will let you have the outcome and if any of you guy's find out how to send things for repair in Germany, please let me know

Thanks for your feedback, the codes ESU in Germany have supplied me with (HR code of 950300 and a Customs tariff number: 95030030) were to help I believe when it is returned so I would not pay duty on the whole system just the cost of the repair part. I assume these codes tell customs it left the UK and is now coming back, but I'm not sure. When I tried to use these codes thay come back as invalid Maybe this is why UK dealers are unwilling to help when the item is out of warranty as these duties and taxes are horrendous. I have not found any couriers as yet who can help or get round the insurance issue.

Hi guy's I'm new here and have read with interest regarding the Piko 55040 Smart Control system. I bought mine in May 2019 and up to 2022 have been pleased with the unit, but now it has become very slow and sometimes non responsive, it also seems to forget some locos or there settings. (I have tried a reset and backup) So no help from Piko not even a reply to 4 emails. So I contacted ESU in Germany last month who replied the next day to say they can update the Piko 55040 Smart Control system to the current spec of the current ESU 50310 Cab Control system for 149 euros but there is a problem with this. Firstly you have to send both smart box and throttle to Germany and as we are no longer in the EU there is customs and duty to pay as it is classed as an export, ESU will refuse to pay any taxes on your parcel, so you must state a value of less than 30 euros to get round the import duties and VAT this is an extract from ESUs web site “Please always add a commercial invoice to the product. This invoice is for customs purposes only and may not exceed € 30.00 (!), what in fact applies to the real value of a faulty item. If you only send the original invoice a so-called import turnover tax becomes due and the whole customs handling would be a lot more complicated. ESU doesn´t accept to pay this tax, therefore the parcel will be returned to you unopened.” I am not happy to send my unit with no insurance etc to Germany as if it gets lost or damaged in transit I would get nothing, I do not have an issue to pay VAT on the cost of repair and it is unclear if I would have to pay import duty when it is returned to me. ESU have told me to use Parcelforce have given me an HR code of 950300 and a Customs tariff number: 95030030 to use but both seem to be invalid and no helpline at parcelforce Has anyone tried to send there unit to ESU in Germany for repair I really like this system and wonder if it would be less hassle to just buy a new ESU 50310 Cab Control system or change to something else, any suggestions would be very welcome