Joined: 12/08/2006(UTC) Posts: 9,289
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Viessmann Commander is soon arrived out to hobbystore in this November. Theis at www.togcenter.dk has already reported about Commander and did said:"It´s amazing and fantastic compact control station,that it´s really worth to buy it...!" I see forward to learn about it before to buy it perhaps...! Goofy  |
H0 DCC = Digital Command Control
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Joined: 21/10/2004(UTC) Posts: 31,697 Location: United Kingdom
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It is very nice but quite high price that CS so I will stick with CS.  |
Large Marklinist 3- Rails Layout with CS2/MS2/Boosters/C-track/favorites Electric class E03/BR103, E18/E118, E94, Crocodiles/Steam BR01, BR03, BR05, BR23, BR44, BR50, Big Boy. |
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Joined: 15/04/2003(UTC) Posts: 2,734 Location: ,
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I (still) see nowhere the support of mfx, which is mandatory - not only for me. 
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Joined: 19/10/2001(UTC) Posts: 2,379 Location: Lindome, Sweden
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Commander indeed is interesting. I have also heard reports that screen is superior, even comparable with computer screens AFAIK. And technically it's interesting too; it doesn't have LocoNet which really is a pity, but it should have a Lenz compatible bus, and also a "speed bus" which probably will be used by Viessmann in several smart ways. The new KS-signals will have a bus connetion, allowing for smart information exchange between signals, and central.
I won't leave LocoNet myself, but find it not impossible to be able to recommend Commander for beginners who have some technical skill, want a screen but not run with a computer. If of course, the specs will hold, and Viessmann will be able to deliver.
/Lars
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Joined: 10/02/2006(UTC) Posts: 3,997
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lack of support for mFx is no disadvantage to me - and not only me. |
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Joined: 01/02/2004(UTC) Posts: 7,464 Location: Scotland
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I would not recomend this to a beginner until the system has been tried and used. I expect somebody on the forum may buy it and we can get an idea what it is like. I would rather see somebody new to the hobby buying a Marklin start set either with MS or CS. Will be interesting to see the sales achieved.
David |
Take care I like Marklin and will defend the worlds greatest model rail manufacturer. |
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Joined: 03/01/2003(UTC) Posts: 5,188 Location: Southern New Jersey, USA
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I don't need mfx, either, but the Commander hasn't tweaked my interest. I am vacillating between the ECoS and the CS for my Grandson. I plan to stay with my trusty IB for the foreseeable future (especially since I just had to buy a new one). |
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Joined: 07/09/2007(UTC) Posts: 133 Location: toowoomba
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Eurorail hobbies have the commander in stock for $869.95US and has a pdf to download.I have a feeling this may a bit too expensive for a lot of people
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Joined: 12/01/2005(UTC) Posts: 703 Location: ,
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I might get it for my N-scale if it works well with Lenz. It'd save me buying a computer with a touchscreen, which would be more expensive ;)
Then again, a mac mini with a nice 20" touchscreen controlling a layout sounds good =)
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- Martijn (early planning : H0-scale Era I K.Bay.sts.b) (active planning : N-scale mixed late Era Japanese) (possibly something Z-scale as well ;)) |
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Joined: 01/02/2004(UTC) Posts: 7,464 Location: Scotland
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Ron I would wait before buying a new CS. I have not sent my present CS for updating as it works fine and my own view is that it could take into next year before we get everything right. At which point if I see a mega start set that I like because of the locos in the set then I will buy and get my new CS almost free.
David |
Take care I like Marklin and will defend the worlds greatest model rail manufacturer. |
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Joined: 22/04/2004(UTC) Posts: 12,139 Location: New York, NY
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Quote:[size=1" face="Verdana" id="quote]quote:Originally posted by David Dewar <br />At which point if I see a mega start set that I like because of the locos in the set then I will buy and get my new CS almost free David's clever solution will be also my way to go |
I hope no one visits a poor Southener's layout in Brooklyn. Intruders beware of Gators. AT&SF, D&RGW, T&P, SP, WP, UP, BN, NYC, ARR, epI-III - analog & digital Marklin Classics only. CU#6021 FX-MOTOROLA DIGITAL SYSTEM. Fast as lightning and no trouble. What else ... Outlaw Member of BIG JUHAN's OUTSIDER CLUB. With the most members, worldwide
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Joined: 16/10/2005(UTC) Posts: 382 Location: Planet Earth (mostly)
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Quote:[size=1" face="Verdana" id="quote]quote:I don't need mfx, either, but the Commander hasn't tweaked my interest. I am vacillating between the ECoS and the CS Same here. I do like MFX, but I don't need it. I am still in doubt between CS and Ecos. If the Ecos had MFX, I would have bought it already. If Marklin was more open about the interface/protocol and the feature roadmap, I would have bought the CS already. Why can't we have it both? [:(] René |
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Joined: 15/03/2003(UTC) Posts: 9,603 Location: Australia
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Adrian Australia flag by abFlags.com |
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Joined: 03/01/2003(UTC) Posts: 5,188 Location: Southern New Jersey, USA
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Joined: 17/09/2006(UTC) Posts: 18,778 Location: New Zealand
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Quote:[size=1" face="Verdana" id="quote]quote:Originally posted by renevoorburg <br />Same here. I do like MFX, but I don't need it.
mfx is not mandatory for me, as I only have 3 mfx locos. However, that could change if mfx based solenoid decoders or other mfx features became available. I will stick with my CS v2 for now. Adrian, there have been other comments on the forum that ESU's new booster, the EcosBoost, will support mfx, and work with the CS. There is no sign of the Marklin mfx booster though, as yet. Also, once the NMRA sorts their standards out, ESU have said that the Ecos will support the NMRA/DCC Bidirectional standard, with a software update.
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Joined: 04/11/2006(UTC) Posts: 2,652 Location: New Zealand
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Quote:[size=1" face="Verdana" id="quote]quote:Originally posted by David Dewar <br />At which point if I see a mega start set that I like because of the locos in the set then I will buy and get my new CS almost free.
David
That is why the 29840 has caught my eye. |
Lord Macca New Zealand branch of Clan Donald.
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Joined: 15/04/2003(UTC) Posts: 2,734 Location: ,
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With the CS and using the old boosters you'll have to place it just once onto the CS main track for registration. Once the new mfx boosters are available - which have been announced by both Märklin and ESU (and your CS is updated) it will register there too. With the Commander there will be no registration nor any other mfx feature available as long as it doesn't support mfx. My list of mfx locos (including converted older ones) has grown now to more than 20; I think most customers having bought one of these many thousands of starter set with MS would not want to miss that comfort and will most likely choose a CS instead of the Commander as their next larger digital controller.
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Joined: 19/10/2001(UTC) Posts: 2,379 Location: Lindome, Sweden
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Due to the informatino I have received, Commander has automatic registration too, for both DCC and Motorola. Commander doesn't need mfx, and not me either. Märklin announced boosters? AFAIK there is no such announcement with given time of delivery, and history has shown that Märklin vague statements regarding /systems have not been very reliable. Modellbahnecke http://www.modellbahneck...html/letzte_infos16.html has a brief report in german.
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Joined: 15/02/2004(UTC) Posts: 1,591 Location: Pennsylvania
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well, getting close to the end of the month. I haven't seen any more news on Commander.
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Joined: 22/11/2004(UTC) Posts: 1,836 Location: Trumbull, CT
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don't hold your breath!!!! |
Stephen(USA) ETE,NMRA,MEA |
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Joined: 12/08/2006(UTC) Posts: 9,289
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I have just bought an trainmagazin name "Miba digital" with DVD-rom.
There is standing some information about Viessmanns Commander.
There has still not been outside to hobbystore yet...!
Commander seems good to choise,but i prefer by choising Marklins CS because of the mfx functional.
Goofy |
H0 DCC = Digital Command Control
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Joined: 19/10/2001(UTC) Posts: 2,379 Location: Lindome, Sweden
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Viessmann currently says mid of december I think. And "before Christmas" certainly is of major interest for them. But they certainly can't afford deliver a faulty unit.
I don't know what I dislike most: - Making everthing right in the old fashioned way, causing long delivery time, a minimum of adjustment to customers desires, and causing high costs. Or very low level of functionality. Märklin did like this for many years, but unfortuntaly now seems to only keep the draw backs (they don't do everything right). - Viessmann way: lots of waporware, you never know when they are delivered. But when delivered they may have changed specs, (due to better undestanding, adjusting too customer needs). Sometimes it takes several years before deliverty though. - Throwing out things in panic which they have to update, and are not designed for future expansion. I don't say that Märklin/systems have delivered on schedule; rather, after making the initial mistakes with the publishing of the specs, IMHO they should have admitted their mistakes and changed their mind before delivery.
/Lars -
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Joined: 01/02/2004(UTC) Posts: 7,464 Location: Scotland
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I dont think it will make much difference when another controller is issued as most Christmas items are locos etc and the Marklin start sets will be the biggest sellers. If you do buy it Goofy let us know what you think.
David |
Take care I like Marklin and will defend the worlds greatest model rail manufacturer. |
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Joined: 19/10/2001(UTC) Posts: 2,379 Location: Lindome, Sweden
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Well, I've already selected my "christmas gift", and it won't be a digital central... :-)
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Joined: 08/08/2003(UTC) Posts: 1,614 Location: Birmingham,Alabama
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It does look very expensive - and if you were inclined to include the GBS system you would be into really big $$$.
I think I wil stay with my CS it will just have to do. |
Train Collection Insured by "Croc's" with "Big Boys" as Backup" CS/MS Digital Era 1/2 Apple Man iPhone / Macbook Pro / iPad - the end of the windows PC occurred on April 4, 2010.
Love those Era 1 Tank Locomotives - the more the merrier.
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Joined: 01/02/2004(UTC) Posts: 7,464 Location: Scotland
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Frostie : Nothing wrong with the CS. Its reliable and will run all your Marklin stuff without any bother. Enjoy it and have fun.
David |
Take care I like Marklin and will defend the worlds greatest model rail manufacturer. |
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Joined: 12/08/2006(UTC) Posts: 9,289
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I have just read some information about Viessmanns Commander in the Miba digitalmagazin. Commander has more function,than what Ecos has...! [:p] The price is just little higher,but not so much differents from other products. Commander has even memory which Marklins CS and Ecos dont have...!!! Goofy  |
H0 DCC = Digital Command Control
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Joined: 31/05/2007(UTC) Posts: 534
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Quote:[size=1" face="Verdana" id="quote]quote: Originally posted by GoofyCommander has even memory which Marklins CS and Ecos dont have...!!! Goofy  Hello Goofy, ok, CS and Ecos have no memory? So how they do store the data of the layout and locos without a memory? Probably you mean the Commander has more memory and it is clear why. In the commander you can program the layout on the very small display. For doing this more memory is needed. This is no issue for EcoS and CS. Has the display a magnifying glass? For me the commander has one problem. It's coming out too late. I already have my new digital central and I will keep it for the next 10 years at least. A second problem is that the commander does not foresees the control by PC and Software. Useless for me. kind regards Stephan
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Joined: 15/03/2003(UTC) Posts: 9,603 Location: Australia
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Stephan I think that Goofy means memory as in the way the old 60xx memory (that used to attach to a 6021) used to work... |
Adrian Australia flag by abFlags.com |
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Joined: 12/01/2005(UTC) Posts: 703 Location: ,
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Feature wise the Commander seems somewhat ahead of CS and ECoS. It might be slightly more expensive, but you also don't have to use a pc and buy an expensive train controlling program (or spend lots of hours programming one), since it's built in.
The question is of course, how good is the built-in program? =)
According to Viessmann, the Commander has seen extensive testing already, it's been used to control some large exhibition layout for quite a while. Also, it's not Viessmann that designed/built the thing, they got an external company to do it for them.
Anyway, they put up a new brochure and a short manual for download on their page now it seems. I still think it's quite an interesting piece of equipment, looking forward to giving it a go. |
- Martijn (early planning : H0-scale Era I K.Bay.sts.b) (active planning : N-scale mixed late Era Japanese) (possibly something Z-scale as well ;)) |
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Joined: 31/05/2007(UTC) Posts: 534
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Quote:[size=1" face="Verdana" id="quote]quote:Originally posted by xxup <br />Stephan I think that Goofy means memory as in the way the old 60xx memory (that used to attach to a 6021) used to work...
Hello Adrian, if Goofy meant the memory 6043, than I really do not understand, because with EcoS and CS you have exactly the same functionality as the memory 6043. Only difference you cannot lock the itinerary each other, but this function was not really used in the 6043. kind regards Stephan
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Joined: 15/04/2003(UTC) Posts: 2,734 Location: ,
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If I understand the latest responses of Mr. Brinken correct, a firm delivery date for the Commander has not and apparently cannot yet been committed.
Doesn't look very promising for 2007 Christmas.[:0]
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Joined: 12/01/2005(UTC) Posts: 703 Location: ,
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I think it's better to hold off releasing something that isn't completely done yet, rather than push it out in time for the holiday season. I doubt the Commander (or the CS, or the ECoS) would be a common christmas present anyway ;) |
- Martijn (early planning : H0-scale Era I K.Bay.sts.b) (active planning : N-scale mixed late Era Japanese) (possibly something Z-scale as well ;)) |
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Joined: 25/09/2003(UTC) Posts: 2,786 Location: ,
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Quote:[size=1" face="Verdana" id="quote]quote:Originally posted by viragoLDR <br /> I still think it's quite an interesting piece of equipment, looking forward to giving it a go.
I agree Virago , I believe it's quite an interesting piece . I like also the extension with Diagram panel & GBS Have a look here ( all in english ): http://www.viessmann-mod...er_112006_GB-monitor.pdfInteresting and not so cheap . I'm just wondering when it comes out . First announcement was at the end 2004 or january 2005... But as a Marklinist I absolutely need MFX.... I'm still with 6021 & control 80 F + MS . In spite of its reputation , I must say that my 3 years old MS is still working as well as when she was new.... 
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Joined: 12/01/2005(UTC) Posts: 703 Location: ,
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According to viessmann-commander.de, the commander is now in production, meaning it should start showing up at dealers soon, and hopefully some reviews will start popping up as well =)
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- Martijn (early planning : H0-scale Era I K.Bay.sts.b) (active planning : N-scale mixed late Era Japanese) (possibly something Z-scale as well ;)) |
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Joined: 19/10/2001(UTC) Posts: 2,379 Location: Lindome, Sweden
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Yes. Wolfgang Brinken at Viessmann forum tells that the first series products works well, and at 15th of december all preordered units should be delivered. First version seems to have full functionality, but is in german only. /Lars
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Joined: 12/01/2005(UTC) Posts: 703 Location: ,
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Might have a look late December/early January if I can find one. Will be in Holland then most of the time, and planning a few trips to train stores in Germany as well =)
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- Martijn (early planning : H0-scale Era I K.Bay.sts.b) (active planning : N-scale mixed late Era Japanese) (possibly something Z-scale as well ;)) |
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Joined: 25/09/2003(UTC) Posts: 2,786 Location: ,
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Because of the small screen , I believe the interest of Commander is mostly due to the nature of the extensions . Seeing how it works , how it communicates with the central , the diagramm panel looks very attractive . It must be really funny to run a layout with Diagramm panel & GBS . I don't know the exact price of the whole set station + diagramm panel. The whole set with an average sized panel probably cost more than 1000 E
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Joined: 12/01/2005(UTC) Posts: 703 Location: ,
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I'm mostly interested in the Commander itself. While the GBS looks nice as well, it'll get really big really fast =) |
- Martijn (early planning : H0-scale Era I K.Bay.sts.b) (active planning : N-scale mixed late Era Japanese) (possibly something Z-scale as well ;)) |
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Joined: 11/06/2007(UTC) Posts: 70 Location: ,
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Joined: 12/01/2005(UTC) Posts: 703 Location: ,
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It's no more ugly then an ECoS or Intellibox or most of the other digital command centers really, but it sure doesn't look too good, apart from the screen =)
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- Martijn (early planning : H0-scale Era I K.Bay.sts.b) (active planning : N-scale mixed late Era Japanese) (possibly something Z-scale as well ;)) |
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Joined: 15/03/2003(UTC) Posts: 9,603 Location: Australia
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Adrian Australia flag by abFlags.com |
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Joined: 12/01/2005(UTC) Posts: 703 Location: ,
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It's around 550 euro at Lokshop, and it's not directly comparable to ECoS and CS since it doesn't require a pc or additional software to control many things that ECoS and CS require a pc for.
But yes, it's expensive, and I'll need to see it before I'll buy one. I think the screen is about the same size as the ECoS/CS, they just added some extra plastic around it =) |
- Martijn (early planning : H0-scale Era I K.Bay.sts.b) (active planning : N-scale mixed late Era Japanese) (possibly something Z-scale as well ;)) |
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Joined: 15/12/2005(UTC) Posts: 3,597 Location: Spain
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Quote:[size=1" face="Verdana" id="quote]quote:Originally posted by viragoLDRI think the screen is about the same size as the ECoS/CS, they just added some extra plastic around it =) Yes, but also color, intensity and high resolution! |
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Joined: 16/10/2005(UTC) Posts: 382 Location: Planet Earth (mostly)
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Quote:[size=1" face="Verdana" id="quote]quote:Originally posted by viragoLDR <br />It's around 550 euro at Lokshop, and it's not directly comparable to ECoS and CS since it doesn't require a pc or additional software to control many things that ECoS and CS require a pc for. It still requires a pc to automate your track. Advantage (in this respect) to the ECoS or CS is that it displays your layout with signals and turnouts so a much better interface than the tabs in the CS or ECoS. When you want to automate the running of trains, I think for most people it simply is not worth higher price (compared to CS or ECoS). Please correct me if I am mistaken, but this is what I understood from the brochure. Rene |
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Joined: 12/01/2005(UTC) Posts: 703 Location: ,
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Rene, from what I've understood, you can fully automate your layout using only the Commander. It has route control, shadow station control, shuttle train control etc. But of course, I might be wrong here, since info is still somewhat sketchy, even though they do have the quick start manual online for download now.
For me personally, the screen alone would be reason to pay more than for the ECoS or CS. The colour and much higher pixel density is just real nice. The rest of the thing could've looked better, but hey =)
I'll be going to Holland for 3 weeks soon, will be in Germany several times as well. Hopefully one of the shops there will have one on display, although it doesn't seem very likely. |
- Martijn (early planning : H0-scale Era I K.Bay.sts.b) (active planning : N-scale mixed late Era Japanese) (possibly something Z-scale as well ;)) |
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Joined: 07/10/2002(UTC) Posts: 773 Location: Zwevezele,
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Hi, In Belgium it will be first displayed by Vanbiervliet (www.vanbiervliet.com). This is planned from 17 December.
Normally Viessmann produces good stuff(well designed, good quality and price), I don't suppect anything less from them for this new model railroad device. But, as I have already an ECoS in combination with a PC for control I'm not really interested. But, it can be great for people that only want to use 1 system/device that combines different things necessary for digital control. Of course first see then belief what it can do or not. I'm still waiting for their new DB Signals with leds for speed indication. This new signal type was annonced a longtime ago.... Nevertheless this great forum and its users will be a great help to provide all the necessary feedback on this new device. It has influenced my decision to buy an ECoS instead of Marklin's CS. I will certainly have a look at my dealer when it is displayed, but unlikely to buy it.
Regards, Frank
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Joined: 16/10/2005(UTC) Posts: 382 Location: Planet Earth (mostly)
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Hoi Martijn, Quote:[size=1" face="Verdana" id="quote]quote:Originally posted by viragoLDR <br />Rene, from what I've understood, you can fully automate your layout using only the Commander. It has route control, shadow station control, shuttle train control etc.
ECoS and CS have routes and shuttle train control too. I think I read shadow station control is on the roadmap (for the ECoS). Still, that doesn't add up to fully automated train control. The brochure doesn't mention such a thing explicitly, what most likely means it isn't there. René |
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Joined: 12/01/2005(UTC) Posts: 703 Location: ,
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Quote:[size=1" face="Verdana" id="quote]quote: Originally posted by renevoorburg<br />Hoi Martijn, Quote:[size=1" face="Verdana" id="quote]quote:Originally posted by viragoLDR <br />Rene, from what I've understood, you can fully automate your layout using only the Commander. It has route control, shadow station control, shuttle train control etc.
ECoS and CS have routes and shuttle train control too. I think I read shadow station control is on the roadmap (for the ECoS). Still, that doesn't add up to fully automated train control. The brochure doesn't mention such a thing explicitly, what most likely means it isn't there. René Someone from Viessmann mentions on the forum that you can automate a layout without the need of a pc though. Of course, remains to be seen what he considers "automating a layout" =) Since I got a bonus this month, I might buy it should I see it at a reasonable price while in Holland/Germany. |
- Martijn (early planning : H0-scale Era I K.Bay.sts.b) (active planning : N-scale mixed late Era Japanese) (possibly something Z-scale as well ;)) |
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Joined: 21/01/2004(UTC) Posts: 1,275
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Quote:[size=1" face="Verdana" id="quote]quote:Originally posted by fvri <br />Hi, In Belgium it will be first displayed by Vanbiervliet (www.vanbiervliet.com). This is planned from 17 December.
I have seen it, the display looks extremely nice. Better that the screen of the laptop I use to automate the layout. Ecos and CS fade away in comparison. It seems also bigger than what the photos show (read: not so small as told here), actually the whole device is bigger. Sadly it wasn't connected to the demolayout so you could just play in the software. That was the negative part for now, the software is still very buggy. Even the loco list would not show properly when you tried to access that (basic functionality). I assume it will still take between 6-12 months before they have fixed all bugs and added most of the advertised functionality. (Like it was/is with ecos). The shopkeeper showed me a very efficient way how to crash the commander  . (a very dirty one with a completely corrupted screen) I didn't like the control knobs so much. They are endless turn knobs, but they do have a kind of mechanical stop when you reach speedsstep 0. (you hear a clickety-clack sound of something mechanical moving) Remembering the comment on the motorised knobs from ecos, this systems feels more fragile. (don't know whether it is though) Bert
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