Well … ‘the bullet went through the church’ (Dutch saying for ‘a decision has been made’ 🙂 ) … this is the first of what is intended to become a series of vide’s on ‘Working with Traincontroller’.
I like the software so much that I plan to control my layout with it. Thought it might be an idea to record some video’s while going through all the steps.
This first video (well, actually the second, after the quick overview in the previous post) shows the steps to download and install the software and then make the connection with the Command Station.
If you like to try it out yourself … a fully functional demo is available for download at the Traincontroller website.
rudysmodelrailway 
Hello Rudy,
I have the following hardware and wish to set up a wireless network that includes a laptop running Windows 7, EcOS 10200 and Traincontroller Silver. I don’t want this network to connect to the internet. I have an iMac connected to the internet,
Could you please advise whether I require a Modem/ router or just a router to set this up.
I am not too savy with computer networks.
I don’t want to use any of the hardware associated with the iMac setup.
Your thought on this would be appreciated.
I have only just started to view the videos on the use of Traincontroller.
Regards
Bernie
Jacobs Well, Qld Australia
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Posted by Bernie Benson | February 17, 2016, 04:35I doubt if it will be easy to find a router without internet access nowadays, or maybe such thing is what is called a ‘switch’. Basically any device that is able to assign IP addresses to all connected devices that make up the internal network should work fine with the ECoS.
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Posted by RudyB | February 17, 2016, 21:22Hello Rudy,
Thanks for the reply. I purchased a modem/router (Model D-Link 2750B) and connected it with the following results.
I have detailed as much information as I can and hope you are able to offer a solution.
EcOS 50200
Hardware 2.0
Software 4.0.2
IP address 192.168.1.10
Gateway 0.0.0.0
Net mask 255.255.255.0
DHCP Server – Not selected
Host name ecos-00084d3c
Mac Address 00:14:94:02:d3:e3
Modem D-Link model 2750B
IP address 192.168.1.1
DHCP Selected
Computer Windows 7
ipconfig reads
IPv4 Address 192.168.1.2
Subnet 255.255.255.0
Default gateway 192.168.1.1
Traincontroller Silver Ver 8.0 F5 (Purchased copy)
Setup Digital System
ESU EcOS 192.168.1.10
Error Message:
Cannot commect to 192.168.1.10
Error code reported by the operating system 10060.
Error Test: A connection attempt failed because the connected party did not properly respond after a period of time, or established connection failed because connected host has failed to respond.
Set ups tried:
Network cable from Computer to EcOS
Connects OK
Computer to modem wireless
Network cable from Modem to EcOS
Connects OK
Wireless to EcOS
No connection
Times out with error message as above.
It appears as if the wireless section of the EcOS is faulty or I have done something wrong.
I would appreciate if you are able to offer a suggestion as to what I should try next to obtain a wireless connection.
While you obviously enjoy making videos and more importantly sharing them I am not sure that you set out to solve network problems for modellers which I assume there are many, but I am not sure where else to turn to, as trying to explain to people what I am trying to achieve I tend to get blank stares.
Regards
Bernie
Jacobs Well, Qld Australia
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Posted by Bernie Benson | February 19, 2016, 02:14The ECoS does not have WiFi. It needs to be connected via a cable to the Router. Also connect your PC, either via cable or wifi. Take care your PC connects to the router the ECoSis connected to alse it woun;t work. Best connect your PC via a cable. Read out the IP address of the ECoS and type it in the url address line of your PC internet browser. It should now connect to the browser startup screen of the ECoS. If it doesn.t … well .. then read the ECoS manula very carefully again and see if all is exactly as it should be. Later you can give the ECoS a fixed IP address … that is more convenient.
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Posted by RudyB | February 19, 2016, 13:41Hello Rudy,
Thanks for the reply. For some reason I was of the opinion that the EcOS had wi-fi.
My mistake in wasting your time.
Thank you again for your help.
Regards
Bernie
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Posted by Bernie Benson | February 19, 2016, 22:16That’s ok Bernie. Have you got it working now?
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Posted by RudyB | February 19, 2016, 22:50Hello Rudy,
Yes, all is working perfectly.
I spent hours reading the manual and checking forums for someone with a problem similar to mine all the time thinking that the EcOS was Wi-Fi ready. I was never going to find that person as there was only me who thought that the EcOS was a wireless unit.
Now I am ready to follow your videos on Traincontroller.
Thanks again
Bernie
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Posted by Bernie Benson | February 19, 2016, 23:03Hi Rudy,
I’m glad you made the decision, but…but…. how about Rocrail? 😦
I still use my TC 5.8E, this was the last version right before they were divided to Gold, Silver and Bronze series. Plus mine is still using the CD key not USB-key which it is now as I understood when I tried to upgrade mine. Two things I dislike about TC.
1. Cost too much money even for upgrade, they only give two free version upgrades (I’m not sure now).
2. USB-key…. uhhhh I hate it.
Well Have fun.
Regards
HH
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Posted by Handi Homann | May 29, 2015, 21:52Glad you made a decision Rudy, just a little sorry you didn’t cover RocRail first, as it would have finished off the comparisons very nicely.
I will probably take a look at it at some point, as I can’t justify over 500 EUR to provide the TC features I need for a small shunting layout! Maybe one day Freiwald will offer a cheaper version with all features but max 3 simultaneous locos, which will do me fine. Computer automation doesn’t have to be only for massive layouts! (Rant over 🙂
Still, I will be following your posts with interest.
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Posted by Alan Forsyth | May 29, 2015, 12:25Hi Alan. YEah … this TC really ‘caught’ me :). Which does not mean to say Rocrail is never going to be tried and tested. Also I do like to have the comparison complete. On TC … could the Bronze version maybe cover your needs? It has a €100,- price tag.
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Posted by rudyb2014 | May 29, 2015, 12:35For proper automatic control, I think Bronze is too basic: no train detection, no semi-automatic control. It also has other major limitations – it seems it won’t support function-only decoders either (so no accessory control). Although not as slick, I suspect JMRI or RocRail would be far more functional TC Bronze. I would have to go for at least TC Silver, with Gold adding the precise stopping and control that automation requires.
I don’t know – maybe one day I will invest in TC Gold, but on a micro/small layout, it’s probably possible to create a reasonable solution with open source / freeware components. It’s worth a try, anyway!
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Posted by Alan Forsyth | May 29, 2015, 19:09Alan, maybe I understand some of the features / specifications you mention differently or wrongly, but as far as I know all of what you mention is included inthe Bronze version (?)
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Posted by rudyb2014 | May 29, 2015, 19:55If you look carefully at the comparison table you mention in your video, the features I list are shown as not included in Bronze. I’ve heard TC users say recently that Bronze is not really worth considering in most cases. Apparently you will grow out of it within a short while of connecting it to your layout!
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Posted by Alan Forsyth | May 29, 2015, 22:31