Using ESU decoders, is it possible to operate in consist mode on MM or is this a DCC option only?

There are 2 options:

My post in ESU forum:

Called Consists = Lokprogrammer
Called Multi = ECoS

Trying to match 2 locos for a consist

Lokprogrammer 4: it is called consists and the maximum number can be entered is 127.
You can alter the lighting function to suit your consists, its programmed and everything works fine.

Put the loco onto the ECoS pragramming track, it recognizes the loco with Railcom plus and it also registers without any trouble, put your second loco on the track and there is a warning this loco address is already taken.

Ok, point taken.

I'm going back to the lokprogrammer and enter the original numbers of the 2 locos (335-336), program it and again no trouble.

Put it onto the ECoS programming track and it will automatically recognize both locos (335 & 336).
This is Ok as well.

Now I like to use the 2 locos in a consist.
Go to multi Loco function and it will register the locos.

Why have 2 different options of programming consists one called consists with the same number under lokprogrammer 4 and a multi consist determining its own number or identification code ?

regards.,

John

Answer:

Hi John,

the reason for this is simple. ESU produces decoders, that are DCC compatible, so they can be used with other digital controllers. Therefore the decoders can be used in consist mode.

If you use the ECoS, you don't need the consist mode, because ECoS controls multi tractions itself.

For all controllers except ECoS you should use the consist mode, for ECoS you should not use consist mode.





The end result is: yes you can.
If you have a version 4 decoder, turn off the Railcom plus function.(ECoS)

regards.,

John

How did you program the decoders ? with a lokprogrammer ?

regards.,

John

Just pick 2 locos go to consist mode , add the 2 locos and the ecos. CS1, Cs2, Cs3 does the rest. No need to adjust anything. hook the locos togethr select the Cossist name in the loco list and away you go
I have had 2 MFX Locos in the consist,
a MFX and a FX,
a FX, and a Lokpilot 3.5
a MFX and a LP
NO hassels, no changing addresses , no programming on a lok programmer.
POP, QED
Nev

PS I Have never tried with a 6021 as I have never owned one. SO this does not help

Yes, I have a Lokprogrammer and programmed the decoders. These are for a friend who only has a 6021 based control system. So far, I can not get this to work on the 6021. The Lokprogrammer screen says DCC consist mode which is why I am thinking that it won't work in MM mode (i.e. on a 6021).

Edited by user 04 September 2011 22:40:27(UTC)  | Reason: Not specified

Ok, my friend John Avery figured this out and I used my Lokprogrammer to set the following:

Lokpilot 3.0:

CV 148 set to 4 (This turns 'sound on' in the foward direction for a non sound decoder)
CV 151 set to 4 (This turns 'sound on' in the reverse direction for a non sound decoder)
CV 253 set to 72 (This is the amount of delay. Trial and error resulted in a setting of 72 for a hobby lok)

F1 activates this, so you need to make sure that F1 activates the sound on the second unit with the Loksound decoder.

We ran two BR185's on John's layout after making these changes and they ran perfectly together. One lok with a Loksound 3.5, the other with a Lokpilot 3.0.

John All,
That suprises me as in CS1-R to create a consist, (and if you want to run them on the same throttle, which is the whole point of consisting on your controller) you simply go to "edit Lok" or tap the spanner symbol and tap "new Consist". Seeing the firmware on my CS1-R is Ecos based I'm suprised they changed the terminology, and more so that you say don't use consist mode. If you have two dissimilar Loks of course you can drive one with each throtle, but that precludes all other train operations

Yes, I will be there on Sunday!