| There's a lot of confusion regarding the different types of digital controllers on the market. Many different features and functions available, but are they all the same? The table below compares the various aspects of each to enable you to make an intelligent choice. Still have questions? Call me! |
|
Feature |
Central |
Intellibox |
ECoS |
| Number of throttles | 2 | 2 |
2 (motorized) |
| Type of display | Touch-screen | 2-Line LCD | Touch-screen |
|
Control turnouts & signals (with Marklin / Motorola decoders) |
ü | ü | ü |
| Support for "mfx" (bi-directional communications with locomotive decoder) | ü | no | no |
| Number of functions available to control "mfx" decoders | 16 | 4 / 8 * | 4 / 8 * |
| Ability to control decoders with "Marklin / Motorola" format | ü | ü | ü |
| Support for Marklin Mobile Stations | ü | ü (with additional hardware) |
ü (with additional hardware) |
|
Support for other add-on controllers (infrared) |
no | ü | ü |
| Ability to control decoders with DCC and other non-Marklin formats | no | ü | ü |
| Interface with Marklin 6021 and other "legacy" Marklin (I2C) devices |
ü (eventually) |
ü | ü |
| Upgradeable firmware | ü | ü | ü |
| Support for "s88" feedback modules | ü | ü | ü |
| Built-in computer interface |
ü RJ-45 (Ethernet) |
ü 9-pin serial |
ü RJ-45 (Ethernet) |
| Support for LocoNet protocol | no | ü | ü |
| Power rating | ~ 3.5A | 4.0 A | 4.0 A |
| "Open" system to enable third-party software development | no | ü | ü |
| Retail price (approximate) | $595 | $549 | $550 - $575 |
| Available | Now | Now | November |
| * F1-F4 functions available from the "main" decoder address; F5-F8 available from "secondary" address |
Specifications subject to change
without notice.
Not responsible for typographical errors.
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