I have the ECoS with the red speed knobs. My review:
https://www.marklin-user...-Update-59990---reloaded

The monochrome QVGA display of the 60212 is "old school".
The new version with the colour display has a much better screen. I'm used to the red endless speed knobs, but you get quickly used to the silver potentiometer speed knobs.

I like the fast and efficient UI of the ECoS. I only added four digital turnouts for test purposes, I control other turnouts manually. My ECoS does not have RailCom so I cannot make use of all automation options. OTOH I want to control my trains manually, so I do not miss the automation options and would not try them anyway.

I love my ECoS command station - I use it with 2 and 3 rail as well as Z scale. I use a Digitrax UP6Z voltage reducer inline with the Z track feeder so I can run either HO or Z without adjusting the track voltage when I change over between scales. The ECoS has a separate programming track connector in addition to the mainline connector.

Adding locos manually is very simple, and even easier with mfx or Railcom locos which can self register.

I like the web interface - i use it for firmware upgrades as well as adding custom loco icons (and making backups!).

Accessories are also easy to add - I like the multiple pages to organize them. Same for track detection using the ESU ECoS Detector units. I have linked signals to turnouts to blocks for semi-automatic operation, and it works really well.

The track diagrams work well, but I purchased TrainController for automation purposes. the ECoS works great with TrainController.

Overall great product! I like using the stylus instead of my finger because I feel like the stylus gives me more precise control.

Helpful?

Hello Rich,

I've been using the ESU ECoS 50200 for about five years now. When I first experienced using it, it seemed right and logical to navigate the features and the ease of use. The ECoS is very intuitive and well thought out!! I use it with the ESUBoosters, SwitchPilots and ESU Detectors. I also use the ESU Lokprogrammer. If you are interested I posted a YouTube video of the conversion to ESU M4 sound decoder of the Marklin 39623 F7 Ontario Northland. I had a lot of fun getting the right sound files to make it sound real.

In January I purchased the Marklin CS3 Plus. Guess where that is.......still in the box! I tried it and decided I did not like it so I actually put it up for sale. I still have it, guess nobody wants it.

I wrote it before: It cannot harm to get your fingers on a few controllers before making a purchase decision.

I wrote it before: my fingers are too thick for the CS3. Too often it just moves the window around when I try to stop a train. And I don't like that when I want to stop a train to prevent a collision.

For some the CS3 may be the best choice, for others an IB II, for yet others an ECoS, or a Viessmann Commander or something completely different.

Thank you for the great info & links.

Rich