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Marklin CS3 versus ESU Ecos for Marklin running
 Joined: 08/09/2010(UTC) Posts: 214 Location: Bowral, NSW, Australia
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Marklin CS3 versus ESU Ecos for running Marklin, what is the consensus these days.
The topic may have done before, however I think it was more in the days of the Marklin CS2 controller. The newer CS3 is now greatly used and I would be interested to know how it compares with the current Ecos for Marklin running. The CS3 has brilliant graphics now over the last CS2 and loads very quickly. I think the Ecos is the best for DCC and Marklin is MFX. Marklin has come a long way since its days with ESU combined development (ending 2004), have the two systems actually diverged.
Basically is there any preference to using an Ecos on a Marklin MFX system now, many use to use the Ecos.
David
PS I contacted a friend who sells both machines. His view is the CS3 is better technically now, however a nightmare for beginners. Also it was pointed out, Marklin are constantly updating the software for both the CS2/CS3 and MFX decoders, in sync with all, there has to be a difference.
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 3 users liked this useful post by Bryan
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 Joined: 10/02/2021(UTC) Posts: 3,893 Location: Michigan, Troy
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In defense of the CS3, I prefer the full touch screen. If you are going to use a web based or control software such as Rocrail, that wouldn't matter because it dictates to the CS3, or other.
New ESU M4 decosers are in fact full on MFX, so they are auto-recognized by the CS3. I am not certain if the ECOS auto recognizes the Marklin decoders.
The difference in O.S. between them is subtle, all being 32 bit processors. If I had a nice tablet, large I-phone, or a wifi local coneection for my system, the Roco Z-21 Pro may be the best. It has no screen, but the best cab driver graphics. DCC decoders other than Marklin MFX/DCC such as Zimo/Roco are tricky to configure on a CS3. The default address is set at 03, and changing it is even a task, so having more than one Roco digital nmodel requires it. They can all run 2 or 3 rail digital.
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4 users liked this useful post by marklinist5999
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 Joined: 04/02/2011(UTC) Posts: 3,563 Location: Paris, France
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Hi David
No, the CS3 is NOT a nightmare for beginners AND besides there are many tutorials on Youtube on how to use it.
Yes Märklin provides update (last one more than a YEAR ago). So you are not submerged with them. On the other hand, it is nice to get additional features.
You must see it as a Märklin family product. It serves,not only to drive trains but to edit and program:
- synoptic workspace
- locos (Address, Outputs mapping, inertia and much much more)
- sounds that you can edit and program your sound decoders
- automation: Events editing allow you to have track routes, block-systems, and much more
- drive remote units (boosters, other CS2, CS3, MS1 and MS2
- manage and measure the absorbed power
- let a computer, tablet, smart phone take control of your CS3 either using VNC Viewer or a train control software such as Rocrail
Notes:
- many recent Märklin locos are now MFX and editing MFX decoders is MUCH easier on a CS3 or CS2 than using the bloody CVs
- sound programming of mSD2 or mSD3 decoders is possible directly on the programming track.
Just my opinion
Cheers
Jean |
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5 users liked this useful post by JohnjeanB
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 Joined: 06/07/2012(UTC) Posts: 1,316
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Hello Bryan,
I have been using my ESU ECoS for the last ten years on my Märklin layout. All of the newer MFX locos register and work perfectly as ESU has regular firmware updates dealing with new Märklin MFX locos. If I was to buy a new system today I would buy into the Märklin CS3 and supplemental accessories. As MFX is Märklin’s own and not third party as ESU was making decoders for Märklin years ago.
My ECoS Has been an excellent choice for the time being and has been working faithfully from day one. I’m quite happy with it but I do know I’m missing out on many aspects that the CS3 can do and the ECoS can not do.
G-day mate!
Michel
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5 users liked this useful post by michelvr
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 Joined: 01/02/2004(UTC) Posts: 7,453 Location: Scotland
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You will find that those who have aCS3 like it and those who have a ESU like that. I have a CS3 Plus and find it good and easy to operate.
Only way for you to find which you want is to try both at a dealer although that might not be possible. For me I buy Marklin and both my CS2 and now CS3 have never let me down. |
Take care I like Marklin and will defend the worlds greatest model rail manufacturer. |
4 users liked this useful post by David Dewar
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Joined: 01/03/2016(UTC) Posts: 274 Location: Colorado
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I agree with David. I researched for the longest time which system to get for my needs and looked in person at the CS3 and the ecos and for me the ecos was the best decision. The reasons where that the ecos comes with a power supply, I’m going to digitize all my analog engines with esu decoders and it seemed more intuitive to me then the CS3. Another reason was that all I need it for is to run my engines and is easy to use. Not looking at any automated running of my trains or wanting to change any cv’s. I started to make a list of what I wanted/needed out of a digital controller and started with a MS2 and found it was not enough. Again these are my personal reasons. Hope it helps.
Happy Model Railroading
Robert
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4 users liked this useful post by DB Fan
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Joined: 08/01/2008(UTC) Posts: 279 Location: Naracoorte, South Austrlia
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For me, I got the ECOS because it came with a power supply included in the purchase price. At the time I purchased it I did consider the newly released CS3 and CS3+ but the added cost of getting an extra power pack to operate it put it out of my then budget. I operate locos and accessaries with no problems using delta, MM, MFX and DCC with ESU and D&H decoders. Each to his/her own as this topic has over the years generated many a long discussion and there will always be pro's and con's for each system. As there is no one within several hundred km's from me to my knowledge with a Marklin system to even try a CS3 to compare ( I have used a CS2 350 km away), I am happy with my lot. |
Tony
Curiosity hasn't killed this cat yet. |
1 user liked this useful post by SNAFU
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Joined: 22/01/2009(UTC) Posts: 14,875 Location: On 1965 Märklin Boulevard just around from Roco Square
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In the early days of the newly developed command stations, it took me 3 years to decide which control station I'll be purchasing, there had been several factors
1.) ESU already produced sound and lokpilot decoders with the ability to change or program the CV's
2.0 ESU produced a lokprogrammer to make it easier to program locos
3.) all Märklin mobile stations were able to be connected to the ECoS or a ECoS link terminal module with an adapter cable.
4.) the amalgamation of the old Märklin Motorola system was easier and also the mobile station 1 loco numbers had increased.
Today I don't use the Motorola digital system any more but we have 4 mobile stations around the layout purely to turn the system on or off and may be at a later stage we use it as a control unit.,
so it served my purpose for many years and many more years to come, unfortunately Märklin in those days wasn't up to it.
John
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Joined: 22/01/2009(UTC) Posts: 14,875 Location: On 1965 Märklin Boulevard just around from Roco Square
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Originally Posted by: marklinist5999  In defense of the CS3, I prefer the full touch screen. If you are going to use a web based or control software such as Rocrail, that wouldn't matter because it dictates to the CS3, or other.
New ESU M4 decosers are in fact full on MFX, so they are auto-recognized by the CS3. I am not certain if the ECOS auto recognizes the Marklin decoders.
The difference in O.S. between them is subtle, all being 32 bit processors. If I had a nice tablet, large I-phone, or a wifi local coneection for my system, the Roco Z-21 Pro may be the best. It has no screen, but the best cab driver graphics. DCC decoders other than Marklin MFX/DCC such as Zimo/Roco are tricky to configure on a CS3. The default address is set at 03, and changing it is even a task, so having more than one Roco digital nmodel requires it. They can all run 2 or 3 rail digital. ECoS doesn't recognise Märklin decoders automatically but I would think you can alter the basic CV's |
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Joined: 22/01/2009(UTC) Posts: 14,875 Location: On 1965 Märklin Boulevard just around from Roco Square
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Originally Posted by: michelvr Hello Bryan,
I have been using my ESU ECoS for the last ten years on my Märklin layout. All of the newer MFX locos register and work perfectly as ESU has regular firmware updates dealing with new Märklin MFX locos. If I was to buy a new system today I would buy into the Märklin CS3 and supplemental accessories. As MFX is Märklin’s own and not third party as ESU was making decoders for Märklin years ago.
My ECoS Has been an excellent choice for the time being and has been working faithfully from day one. I’m quite happy with it but I do know I’m missing out on many aspects that the CS3 can do and the ECoS can not do.
G-day mate!
Michel Any specific issues you can't do with the ECoS ? |
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Joined: 06/07/2012(UTC) Posts: 1,316
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Originally Posted by: river6109 Originally Posted by: michelvr Hello Bryan,
I have been using my ESU ECoS for the last ten years on my Märklin layout. All of the newer MFX locos register and work perfectly as ESU has regular firmware updates dealing with new Märklin MFX locos. If I was to buy a new system today I would buy into the Märklin CS3 and supplemental accessories. As MFX is Märklin’s own and not third party as ESU was making decoders for Märklin years ago.
My ECoS Has been an excellent choice for the time being and has been working faithfully from day one. I’m quite happy with it but I do know I’m missing out on many aspects that the CS3 can do and the ECoS can not do.
G-day mate!
Michel Any specific issues you can't do with the ECoS ? The Märklin "World of Operation" https://www.maerklin.de/.../model-train-control/mfx
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Joined: 01/02/2004(UTC) Posts: 7,453 Location: Scotland
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Problem with non Marklin items is they have to keep up with Marklin. The day may come when we get a CS4 and Marklin locos with different types of decoders.
After buying the Cs1 made by ESU that put me off anything by ESU but I accept things have changed for the better. John above however likes ESU and that proves that it is worth buying as he knows his stuff. |
Take care I like Marklin and will defend the worlds greatest model rail manufacturer. |
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 Joined: 04/08/2018(UTC) Posts: 1,156
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I would say it depends a bit on your preferences, your needs, your other components and what you like. If you install and program Märklin decoders etc in older locomotives, then you should seriously consider a CS3. JohnjeanB has listed many valid points With a CS3 and a pc, you can also fully modify and customize sound/decoder projects etc on recent Märklin factory-fitted decodes. (provided that Märklin had released the decoder project and that the decoder has a recent firmware) But if you use non marklin decoders etc, eg esu decoders/components etc, and don't have the need to reprogram original factory-fitted Marklin decoders. Then the ESU ecos are absolutely worth considering. as for the statement, CS3 is a beginner's nightmare, that might be true for those who don't bother to read the manual...... My recommendation is to study both controllers closely and make up your own mind, based on your needs and what you like. Personally, I like to keep mostly to one system in order to have only one customer service to consult and to avoid that different company's customers service blaming each other.
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6 users liked this useful post by bph
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Joined: 12/08/2006(UTC)
Posts: 9,277
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I like ESU Ecos 2 better than CS3. Ecos do have better DCC program and easy to program than Märklin CS3. In fact do Loksound 5 sounds much better than Märklin too. If you are use Loksound i recommended you use Ecos. |
H0
DCC = Digital Command Control
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3 users liked this useful post by Goofy
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Joined: 08/09/2010(UTC) Posts: 214 Location: Bowral, NSW, Australia
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Does anyone know the size of the RAM in any of the machines.
I have seen somewhere on this bulletin board that the difference between the CS3 and CS2 RAM is four times greater than in the later. As most would know it it the Physical RAM capacity of a computer that is important to clock speed in any computer architecture. The Ecos2 has had plenty of software Updates, however when was its hardware last updated. CS3 was the last for Marklin. It is fundamentals like these that point out the differences in the machines, not necessarily which is better. They are all Linux operating systems and also Motorola format, however the supporting added software and firmware must have changed greatly since the DELTA days. So does anyone know the RAM of any of the controllers in question, Ecos, CS2 CS3 etc.
David
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 Joined: 23/07/2014(UTC) Posts: 8,475 Location: ENGLAND, Didcot
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Originally Posted by: Bryan Does anyone know the size of the RAM in any of the machines.
I have seen somewhere on this bulletin board that the difference between the CS3 and CS2 RAM is four times greater than in the later. As most would know it it the Physical RAM capacity of a computer that is important to clock speed in any computer architecture. The Ecos2 has had plenty of software Updates, however when was its hardware last updated. CS3 was the last for Marklin. It is fundamentals like these that point out the differences in the machines, not necessarily which is better. They are all Linux operating systems and also Motorola format, however the supporting added software and firmware must have changed greatly since the DELTA days. So does anyone know the RAM of any of the controllers in question, Ecos, CS2 CS3 etc.
David I don't know the RAM size, but I would not be surprised to find it is at east 4x larger, i wouldn't be surprised to find it is even larger. The time between the development of the cs2 and cs3 may mean that RAM chips with 16x the capacity would be available at an acceptable price. But the NAND Flash that makes up the 'disk drive' will also be a similar amount larger for the same reason. However a major reason for the speed difference between the cs2 and cs3 is that the cs2 uses a single core processor, but the cs3 uses a four core processor. That on its own will give a much greater speed increase than just a larger RAM size.
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3 users liked this useful post by kiwiAlan
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Joined: 10/02/2021(UTC) Posts: 3,893 Location: Michigan, Troy
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Pluus the CS3 ram is expandable via a card slot. Is the ECOS?
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Joined: 23/07/2014(UTC) Posts: 8,475 Location: ENGLAND, Didcot
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Originally Posted by: marklinist5999 Pluus the CS3 ram is expandable via a card slot. Is the ECOS? More correctly the cs3 disk space (not RAM) is expandable by using an SD card of up to 32GB. Larger cards use a different format which I don't think the cs3 understands. I'm not sure if it is possible to expand the 'disk space' by using a USB stick. I think that is only for doing backups and software downloads.
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1 user liked this useful post by kiwiAlan
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Joined: 08/09/2010(UTC) Posts: 214 Location: Bowral, NSW, Australia
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Does the NAND flash store just the system data and or the user data. The system data as I remember was ROM storage, and of course the the old 'hard drive', was for the user. The ROM had firmware for initial boot up data to get the machine to start. Is any of this correct.
David
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Joined: 23/07/2014(UTC) Posts: 8,475 Location: ENGLAND, Didcot
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Originally Posted by: Bryan Does the NAND flash store just the system data and or the user data. The system data as I remember was ROM storage, and of course the the old 'hard drive', was for the user. The ROM had firmware for initial boot up data to get the machine to start. Is any of this correct.
David NAND Flash is what is in USB memory sticks and SD cards. It retains data when the power is removed. NAND Flash chips are also used in SSD drives, and for the cs2, cs3 and other like systems that run embedded Linux,it is used as an SSD drive for the system, storing the program that is loaded when the cs2 or cs3 is powered up, in the same way that a PC uses a hard disk to store programs and data while the power is off. As you say, there in a PC there is a ROM that provides the initial program load, also generally doing a limited self test as the system wakes up, before loading the main operating system from whatever constitutes the 'hard disk', be it an old style hard disk with rotating platters, or an SSD drive that is fully solid state. There are a number of variations on a theme, and it doesn't pay to get too worried about most of it. The details can get boring and blurred with the way modern microprocessors/microcomputers work.
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1 user liked this useful post by kiwiAlan
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Joined: 19/01/2005(UTC) Posts: 83 Location: United States
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Originally Posted by: michelvr Hello Bryan,
I have been using my ESU .....
My ECoS Has been an excellent choice for the time being and has been working faithfully from day one. I’m quite happy with it but I do know I’m missing out on many aspects that the CS3 can do and the ECoS can not do.
G-day mate!
Michel I thought I'd try to reopen this thread instead of starting a new one. Michel, besides the "World of Operation" is there anything the CS3 can do that the Ecos cannot? I'm faced with the same choice now. I have both DCC, Roco and old Marklin decoders. I have no Mfx yet, but that will hopefully change. Thank you, Steen |
Steen Jorgensen
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1 user liked this useful post by fynrfin
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Joined: 29/12/2016(UTC) Posts: 507 Location: South Dakota
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Both have definitely changed since the original discussion, Marklin now has the Central Station 3+ and ESU the 50220 Command Station if I am not mistaken. I know model railroaders that have both but I only have experience with ESU. I have not have any issues of adding locomotives with Marklin decoders, ESU decoders and a couple of off market decoders from the early 2000's. What I do like about ESU, in my experience, is the technical support (Lee has always done a great job explaining things to me) and it's additional controllers, like the mobile controllers. I also like the ESU Detectors which can detect track occupancy and display the locomotive ID & address on the track plan display, so I can see were each locomotive is on the layout (where the Detector is set up). Marklin has excellent US customer & technical support, Rick & Curtis have Webinars on you Tube that are great. Additional controllers, etc.... ESU has you tube tutorials that have helped me tremendously and saved me a lot of time. so, I am not help in a decision to choose between the two...  . Just do your research and either system will work great.  
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1 user liked this useful post by White Buffalo
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Joined: 29/12/2016(UTC) Posts: 507 Location: South Dakota
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I would suggest watching some YouTube videos on both systems :)
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2 users liked this useful post by White Buffalo
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 Joined: 17/09/2006(UTC) Posts: 18,771 Location: New Zealand
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You can daisy chain additional controllers to a CS3 using either CS2's or a CS3+.
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2 users liked this useful post by Bigdaddynz
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Joined: 23/07/2014(UTC) Posts: 8,475 Location: ENGLAND, Didcot
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Originally Posted by: Bigdaddynz You can daisy chain additional controllers to a CS3 using either CS2's or a CS3+. Well, you can daisy chain one additional controller only is what I have found when using cs2s.
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2 users liked this useful post by kiwiAlan
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Joined: 19/01/2005(UTC) Posts: 83 Location: United States
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Originally Posted by: White Buffalo I would suggest watching some YouTube videos on both systems :) Thank you. I did. I couldn't find a clear answer, so here is what I think I know. Am I correct in saying they can do the same thing except for the cab view in CS3 and the ability to link up with ESU occupation detectors for the ECos? Some like the buttons on the ECOs, and some prefer the all-touchscreen on the CS3. There is a cost difference because the Ecos comes with a power supply, which you must buy separately for the CS3. Some people are concerned that the Ecos will not interact well with MFX and future Marklin decoders, while others say they do well with MFX. What do you think? I think they can both connect to a mouse and a computer. Please correct me if I'm wrong. The Ecos can connect via Wi-Fi, but the CS3 requires a Wi-Fi receiver. The screen on CS3 is bigger than the Ecos. I have a mixture of DCC and old Marklin locomotive decoders and some S88 lying around that have never been hooked up. I currently use an Intellibox, but it seems to be deteriorating. |
Steen Jorgensen
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Joined: 01/02/2004(UTC) Posts: 7,453 Location: Scotland
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you will find that this thread crops up quite a lot and those with Marklin like it and those with ESU like it. It is unlikely somebody with an ESU will say to buy Marklin and nthe other way round.
I have CS3 Plus and like it so can not speak for the ESU. Maybe find a dealer and try both is the best way or if you are a Marklin fan then get the CS3. |
Take care I like Marklin and will defend the worlds greatest model rail manufacturer. |
3 users liked this useful post by David Dewar
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 Joined: 18/02/2008(UTC) Posts: 1,334
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The price difference exists but with time, it doesn't have expression.
In my opinion, if you have more Märklin locomotives and other items (decoders, signals, etc), it is better to go to the CS3/CS3+.
If you still have doubts, just do what David suggests, that is go to see one for yourself.
Miguel
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Best regards,
Miguel
Mostly Märklin H0.
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1 user liked this useful post by mbarreto
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Joined: 12/08/2006(UTC)
Posts: 9,277
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ESU have a new generation Ecos 50220.
Have anyone bought this new model and start use it? |
H0
DCC = Digital Command Control
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 Joined: 11/06/2007(UTC) Posts: 208 Location: Eslöv, Sweden
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Hi,
Please note that there is no built-in wifi in either ECoS or CS(x). Both have RJ45 network ports that in turn can be connected to a wifi router.
I have both an ECoS and a CS3 and if you have more DCC loks tha Mfx then the ECoS is more convinient with the Railcom system, and the opposite if you have more Mfx loks. In CS3 you get access to all Mfx CV’s. In the ECoS you only get a few. My opinion :-)
Peder
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3 users liked this useful post by pederbc
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Joined: 19/08/2008(UTC) Posts: 1,051
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Have you considered getting in touch with your local European Train Enthusiasts regional chapter (https://www.ete.org/national-capital-region)? Many members are Marklin enthusiasts and you could chat with them about what they are using.
Regards,
Roger |
Modeling Immensee, mile/km 0 on the Gottard. SBB Era V.
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2 users liked this useful post by rbw993
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