Properties Of The L.net Converter; Handheld Throttles; Turnouts; Feedback Modules - Esu L.Net converter Instruction Manual

Important hints

3. Properties of the L.Net converter

The L.Net converter enables the owner of an ESU ECoS command
station or the Märklin® Central Station 1 „Reloaded" to connect
LocoNet™ devices and to continue to using them. For this purpo-
se the L.Net converter must be wired to the ECoSlink Bus of the
command stations and is automatically detected and configured.
It represents a gateway between the functions of the ECoSlink
and the LocoNet™. It works bi-directionally and not only provides
information for the command station but also assures that the
throttles connected always display the current status.
For the operation of the L.Net converter you must have installed
firmware 3.7.0. or higher on your command station! Otherwise
the module cannot be detected.
The L.Net converter behaves towards the LocoNet™ devices like a
command station (a so called LocoNet™ Master) and implements
the functions necessary for proper operation of handheld throttles,
accessory decoders or feedback modules. One can also configure
Uhlenbrock® devices.
The power supply can be facilitated directly by the L.Net converter
delivering 250mA. In order to prevent any electrical problems on
your layout when operating both systems the L.Net converter is
galvanically separated from the LocoNet™.
Please bear in mind that despite the use of the L.Net converter
connected to the ECoS command station the ECoS cannot be-
come a fully fledged LocoNet™ command station in all instances;
the principal architecture of a LocoNet™ system and an ECoSlink
based command station is quite different. The L.Net converter was
developed in order to be able to continue using your peripheral
devices you have become accustomed to, when you add an ESU
command station.

3.1. Handheld throttles

They are perfectly linked to the ECoS! If you use LocoNet™ com-
patible handheld throttles you can directly call up all locomoti-
ves registered in the ECoS. The display on the throttle is always
synchronised with the ECoS. There are no limitations regarding
the data format. You may run locomotives with DCC, Motorola®,
Selectrix® or M4® data format even if the throttles could not do
that on their own!
Suitable throttles are the in Germany popular Daisy® or ProfiBoss®
throttles as well as, for instance, the DT400 or UT2 by Digitrax®.
You may also comfortably assign the desired locomotive to the
FRED® throttle developed by FREMO on the ECoS (Dispatcher
function).

3.2. Turnouts

In order to assure that all LocoNet™ accessory modules function
as desired the commands for accessories will be transmitted in
parallel to both systems: In future it makes no difference to the
ECoS if a turnout or signal is controlled by a conventional decoder
or is connected to the LocoNet™.

3.3.Feedback modules

In future LocoNet™ feedback modules reporting track occupancy
can also be used. The track contacts can trigger the appropriate
commands for setting routes or controlling push-pull services.
Address feedback modules (e.g. Uhlenbrock Marco® or Lissy®)
are currently not fully supported: While the commands for loco-
motives and turnouts will be implemented by the ECoS the address
feedback cannot be detected by the ECoS. Due to the design of
the hardware we do not recommend to use these devices.

3.4. Communication

PC supported layouts often are controlled with self developed
software designed for use with the LocoNet™. Locomotive and
turnout commands are now issued by the ECoS via the LocoNet™.
Feedback information of devices connected to the ECoS are, how-
ever, not transmitted to the LocoNet™.
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