Installing firmware 4.0.0

With the new firmware 4.0.0. for the ECoS 50000, ECoS 50200 as well as the Central Station "Reloaded" we provide extensively revised operating software for your command station. This update offers an abundance of new functions; the most important ones are introduced below:

Platform

  • A new Linux kernel with updated drivers and better performance
  • A new, faster boot loader
  • A new file system with new partitioning of the internal boards
  • Considerably faster booting and response of the system.

Functionality

  • Considerably faster and more responsive graphical user interface.
  • Faster booting.
  • Now with up to 28 function buttons per locomotive (in DCC mode).
  • Installation of a VNC server. The display in the web server has been replaced by an NC Client Java App. This facilitates remote control of the ECoS with the aid of a PC, a tablet computer or a smart phone.
  • The “Stop symbol“on the screen is now clickable and activates a “Go”. If a VNC client is connected there is now a clickable "Go" symbol in order to be able to activate “Stop” via the software.
  • Progress bar during update on the ECoS and the web browser.
  • More than 10 simultaneous network links are possible. This is important for utilizing smart phones or tablet computers as controllers.
  • Adding ECoSlink devices or network links is displayed live in the respective menu. One does not have to exit the menu in order to enforce a new display.
  • Accessories and routes can be selected in the “Stop” status. They will be switched when the command station is set to “Go” once again. There is a small symbol displayed in the signal box screen if there are accessories or routes yet to be switched by the ECoS. The accessory controls of the ECoS have been cleaned up, which probably also led to the disappearance of some issues with accessories.
  • The maximum delay for switching routes has been increased to 30 seconds (from 10 seconds).
  • The “Go” button is locked for a short while after “Stop”. This is also true for connected devices.
  • The display of the current monitor has been changed.
  • New web server: this page is much faster than the previous one. Locomotives on display will also show the associated consist (previously only the locomotives of one consist). Now it is also possible to sort by clicking on the column header in the HTML display.
  • Pre-selected language choice will be activated according to browser preferences.
  • Support of ECoSDetector RC

Sequence of updates

First you must download the appropriate firmware suitable for your command station from our Download-Section of our web page (this area is only accessible for registered users!)

For the first time there are three separate updates for the respective command stations:

Type File name Meaning
ECoS with color screen ECoS2_update_4-0-0_rescue.bci New rescue system. Must first be installed
  ECoS2_update_4-0-0.bci The actual firmware
ECoS b/w screen ECoS_update_4-0-0_rescue.bci New rescue system. Must first be installed
  ECoS_update_4-0-0.bci The actual firmware
Central Station Reloaded CSR_update_4-0-0_rescue.bci New rescue system. Must first be installed
  CSR_update_4-0-0.bci The actual firmware

Please make sure that you download and depacketise the appropriate firmware for your type of command station. Then you must find both files stated above. Both of them are required.

  • Make sure that you have previously installed firmware version 3.7.0. Only install the new firmware version 4.0.0. if you have (previously) installed version 3.7.0.
  • In order to update to version 4.0.0 with its new and fast booting sequence it is necessary to newly partition the system. For this reason the update is split into two steps (just like the update to 3.0.0 has been). Since the boot loader is exchanged in this instance the ECoS may become unserviceable if the update process is aborted (for instance by pulling the mains plug). The only way to fix this is reprogramming the ECoS at the ESU factory. Therefore it is essential to prevent any interruption of the power supply during the update!

It is not possible to downgrade a version 4 ECoS back to version 3!

Normally the current status of all data stored on the ECoS will be automatically transferred to the new system. Nevertheless, we recommend making a backup copy of your command!

Installing the rescue update

First you must install the version 4.0.0_rescue update. The correct BCI file is subject to the type of command station:

  • ECoS2_update_4-0-0_rescue.bci
  • ECoS_update_4-0-0_rescue.bci
  • CSR_update_4-0-0_rescue.bci

 

During the following 6 minutes a new rescue system will be installed. After about 3 minutes the window “Updating Linux” appears on the screen. Then the critical phase of the update commences. Install the rescue update once again should the update be aborted for whatever reason provided the command station can still be started!

Deleting data from the browser cache

Then the ECoS must display the rescue system, which is clearly marked by the red cross symbol. The IP address of the device is also displayed.

 

Now you must first delete all entries from the browser cache. Otherwise the upload of the actual update will not be successful. As an example we show this process for the widely used Firefox browser. Apply the corresponding process for Google Chrome, Microsoft Internet Explorer or Apple Safari.

  • Click onto the menu Extras at the top of the Firefox window and select Settings
  • Go to Extended
  • Click onto the Network tab
  • Click onto Delete now in the sector "Temporary web content"

4.0.0 Install system software

Now you must call up the ECoS once again on the web browser. Now the new rescue system version 4.0.0 should show up as shown in the left picture. In case this image is not being displayed, then the delection of the browser cache has not worked properly.

  • Select Firmware update from the menu on the left
  • Select the suitable file for your device
  • Press Send

 

Now the actual software 4.0.0 will be installed. You may observe the progress on the screen of the ECoS or directly in the web browser at any time.

Remote control of the ECoS - Java

One of the most important functions of the ECoS is the option to remote control your ECoS. For this purpose a so called "VNC server" has been installed. With its aid it is possible to transfer the screen onto the monitor of another device (PC, tablet computer, smart phone) and to manipulate the ECoS either with the mouse or the ECoS touch screen. You will need a VNC Client Software for this purpose. This software is already installed in the ECoS that will be executed directly on your computer.

As a next step make sure that you have installed the latest Java version. It is probably best to check this on the Java-Webseite.

After having installed Java you must change a few security settings on the Java console. How to do this is described below:

  • First call up your ECoS on your browser and select the option Display screen on the browser from the menu on the left.
  • A new window opens, the Java console loads a new window and immediately aborts the process and reports "Application blocked". The reason for this is that Java only accepts programs signed by Java for security reasons. Unfortunately the VNC application saved on the ECoS cannot marked with signature and thus is initially rejected.
  • Call up the Java - Configure Java program from the start menu and move to the security tab.
  • Click onto "Edit site list"
  • Click onto "Add" and type in the IP address of your ECoS. Do not forget to add the letters http:// as a prefix (also refer to the screen shot on the left!).
  • Again click on "Add". Then confirm the following warning with "Continue" in order to save the selection and exit the menu with "OK".
  • Now the IP address of your ECoS should be listed in the security menu as an approved exception. Exit the menu with "OK".

Remote control of your ECoS - Functions

Open the page Display in the browser once again. A new window opens and Java complains once again and asks if you really want to run this program. Click onto Execute. Now you should see the screen of your ECoS. You can move to any point on the monitor and click onto any function just like on the ECoS. The touch screen of the ECoS and the monitor of your PC are always synchronized. Please take note of the following:This is a remote control system.

  • The screen of your ECoS and of the monitor of your PC will always show the identical image. There is no Option for separating them.
  • In order for triggering an emergency stop a green “GO” button is displayed at the top left. If you click onto this button, the ECoS will immediately switch off the track power and the symbol changes into a “Stop” sign.
  • Clicking the “Stop” button will turn off the emergency mode.
  • You can control your ECoS remotely with any number of devices. All monitors will be synchronized.

Have a good time!

We wish you lots of fun with the new firmware and your ECoS command station. The new software 4.0.0 now represents the stable basis for further extensions that will be launched during the course of 2014. Just wait and see!

Should you have any questions or suggestions, you may raise them at any time in our ESU Forum.

There all registered users can read what others have to say and raise their own questions that will either be answered by the community or directly by ESU.