Frequently Asked Questions

Index

Usage

Where is a simple manual?
There is only a German one at the moment. Simply ask me by e-mail!

How can I toggle the driving direction of my loco?
Pressing on the input wheel. Since Version 1.1 a further mode is supported: The direction is toggled when crossing the zero speed point. The mode can be changed via the eWicht web interface.

Is there a limiter at the input wheel?
No, there is only a software limit for minimum and maximum values.

How do I switch function F7 of my loco?
Since version 1.1 the functions F0-F12 are supported. The count of functions depends on the accessible functions of the chosen loco. The functions are divided into three groups: F0-F4, F5-F8 and F9-F12. The group F6-F8 is activated through a longer push on the F0 button. Pushing F0 again changes to group F9-F12 and back to F0-F4.

Is this function a toggle or push button?
All functions are toggle buttons by default. The SRCP database stores a toggle bit mask per loco. With this mask all the used functions but F0 can be configured as push buttons.

System

Do I need a computer for using the eWicht?
No.

Does the whole system always need a PC?
You always need a server (Rocrail or SRCP). There are already microcontroller based SRCP server.

How are the signals transfered from the PC/Control device to the tracks?
That depends on the used server. Some servers generate the booster signal directly in the PC (DDW, DDL).

Rocrail

Is Rocrail supported?
Yes. Since version 1.1 there are existing two firmware versions, a SRCP version and the Rocrail version. After installing the Rocrail version, the eWicht can speeak with a Rocrail server.

Which version of Rocrail do I need?
Rocrail 2.0 sunrise

SRCP

Do I have to spin through all possible addresses at a device change?
Yes. The input wheel features a turbo function: a short turn is transfered to big spinned value range. Via the eWicht web interface the address range also can be limited.

What about the mysterious Server Cache Feature?
The SRCP server stores all locos, which are initialized. A new connecting eWicht is informed about the already intialized locos from server. During the session all connected eWichts are informed about new locos. The eWicht adds all that locos to a list, the Server Cache. The user can choose directly from this list when switching to a new loco.

Whats about multi protocol decoders? How can I switch from DCC loco on a MM loco?
Push the loco button and select the new address.

Are loco names printed on the display?
Since version 1.1 each eWicht supports a small loco database. All locos in the database have a name which is displayed if used.

Where is a list with supported SRCP servers?
In the user area is a list with already tested servers. SRCP is a standard, eWicht therefore can interact with all servers which are supporting the SRCP version 0.8.X. A more complete list of all available servers is here (sorry, German only).

Not (yet) included features

Why it takes such a long time until new features are added?
That is a hobbyist project. If a urgent feature is needed you can ask me anywhere or help me to implement it :)

Is it not much simpler to select inbetween well known locos from Server (protocol independent)?
This extensions will come in three steps:

Each function button is linked to a loco or accessory. Via the web interface a name can be assigned to each of this button devices (since Version 1.0.6 available).
Internal database: X objects are stored in EEPROM - editable through the web interface. Objects from this database are selectable via the loco and accessory buttons (since Version 1.1 available).
There is a system wide database, called CRCF. Currently this approach is in development: Discussion about SRCP and CRCF (German ony).

Sales

Where can I obtain the cute eWicht?
Here: The Online-Shop from MoBaCon.

Where can I buy the cheaper eWicht kit?
The assembly of the eWicht is complex. I have decided not selling the kit anymore. If you are proofed in assembling electronics write me an e-mail anyway.

The price is quiet high!
Not again these discussions...