ESU SwitchPilot

The perfect component to manage solenoids and relays.

Customize your turnouts, signals, lighting circuits and more !!!
Configure as a Marklin k83 or k84

World wide, the SwitchPilot is the first multi protocol switch-, and turnout decoder for activating up to 4 twin coil magnetic articles ( e.g. turnouts ) or 8 loads, like remote uncoupling tracks, or lamps ( e.g. turnout,- street,-or building illumination ). Due to its intelligent software (typically ESU ! ) it can be utilized with DCC or Motorola. The SwitchPilot comes in a robust housing at an attractive price.

Modes of operation
SwitchPilot can be used with DCC or Motorola. It is compatible with the DCC- Norm and reacts to switch commands. In Motorola mode, addresses 01 – 127 are possible. Recognition of control mode is fully automatic.

Functions
The SwitchPilot is being powered either directly by the digital central station itself, or separately by a DC-or AC source (transformer). Up to 4 twin coil actuators of all known manufacturers can be connected to its 8 transistorized outputs, each delivering 1 Amp steady current. In order to avoid coil burn out of actuators without built-in protection, the switch- pulse length at each outlet can be chosen freely between 0.1 and 1 second. In this mode the SwitchPilot performs k83- compatible.

Alternatively, each output can deliver continuous power for setting up routes, or illumination of streets and buildings. Special effects, such as cross fading or Mars Lights help to realize prototypical lighting situations, e.g. warning at crossings etc. Here the SwitchPilot assumes the more important features of the well known k-84 decoder.

Servo Control
The SwitchPilot can do even more: Apart from the transistorized outlets, two conventional RC-Servos can be controlled directly through the SwitchPilot. For each Servo, not only lever speed can be adjusted individually, but also its end positions. Thus it’s

possible to operate especially prototypically slow and powerful turnout motors, independent of track- gauge and system. You could also employ the servo actuator for driving signal arms and „high balls“, or crossing gates, and so on: The aficionado model railroader can surely think of plenty more uses…

Feedback
However, SwitchPilot wouldn’t be a typical ESUproduct, if it couldn’t do even more: In combination with an ECoS-central station as an ideal „partner“ SwitchPilot can detect and show the actual position of the switch points, if you rig the turnout mechanically. At last you can be sure the turnout is really thrown correctly!

Programming
The SwitchPilot can be programmed especially comfortably: For one thing it supports all DCC-modes of programming, including POM (Programming on the main). (Assuming a central station with an outlet for a programming track, all adjustments can be controlled and modified).

On the other hand, you can allocate addresses via the programming key directly from the SwitchPilot: Push a button – a command is triggered at the centre – finished!

The programming of parameters is especially comfortable for owners of our ECoS-central station: On a large display all parameters are shown in plain language, and can be changed real easy – even during operation!

Protection
As was the case already with our Mobile (Loco) Decoders, in the design phase greatest emphasis has been placed upon near indestructibility of the SwitchPilot: All transistorized outputs are protected against overload and short circuits. That means ESU-quality is also built into our Stationary (Turnout) Decoders – now and in the future. You can rely on it!
Technical data SwitchPilot

Operational modes:

  • NMRA/DCC „Accessory Decoder“ compatible.

  • Motorola® with up to 127 addresses. K83 compatible.

  • Powered either by command station or separately DC - or AC source (transformer) up to 18V AC.

Transistor outputs:

  • 8 Transistor outputs, 1,5A (2,0A) load per output , grouped by 4 double outputs.

  • Outputs short circuit proof and protected against overload.

  • Selectable switch pulse length from 0.1s to 1.0 s ( or continuous output). Flashing or cross fading also available.

Servo Control:

  • Controls up to 2 RC-Servos (Graupner® JR® or Futaba® compatible), 1.0ms to 2.0mS pulses, positive.

  • Separately adjustable lever speed and end positions.

Feedback:

  • 8 feedback inputs, detects actual position of the switch points.

  • Display on ECoS screen.

Dimensions:
approx. 86 x 86 x 25mm.

SwitchPilot Extension:
Operational modes:
Accessory module for use with SwitchPilot. Supply through SwitchPilot. Control of Relay outputs by SwitchPilot modul.

Outputs:
4 Relay outputs 2x UM (DPDT) equipped with terminal block for switching of potential-free loads or for polarizing the frog.

Alternatively, each relay output could be used to reverse the polarity for motorized turnouts.

Dimensions:
approx. 86 x 86 x 25mm.