ESU 51835 – SwitchPilot 3 Servo Mini, 1x servo decoder, DCC/MM, OLED, updatable

The compact SwitchPilot 3 Servo Mini decoder is designed for stationary use in hard-to-reach areas of your layout and can control an RC servo drive.

The SwitchPilot 3 Servo Mini features an innovative operating concept consisting of a 4-line, backlit OLED display and three input buttons.

Operating Modes

The SwitchPilot 3 Servo Mini is multi-protocol compatible and can be used with command stations based on the Märklin® Motorola® system (e.g., 6021, Central Station®, or Mobile Station®) as well as DCC-compatible control units. Configuration can be performed on both the main track and the programming track.

Functions

The SwitchPilot 3 Servo Mini can be powered either directly from the command station or from an external DC or AC power source. It has an RC servo output. It can control these drives so precisely that, in addition to switching turnouts, it can also control any other slow-moving sequences. The SwitchPilot 3 Servo Mini features built-in power-on pulse suppression to eliminate or reduce the inherent “jerking” of RC servos when power is applied. Furthermore, the power supply to the servo can be disabled to prevent the “humming” sound of some inexpensive servos.

The servo can be operated in either “digital mode” or “proportional mode.” In digital mode, the servo can move to two end positions, “A” and “B,” depending on the switch position on the control panel. The position of these two end positions, as well as the speed at which the servo moves in the desired direction, can be individually adjusted on the SwitchPilot 3 Servo Mini. Digital mode is ideal for switching turnouts or signals that need to remain in a fixed position.

In proportional mode, the servo can move to any position within the end positions “A” and “B” and can also stop. The servo only runs as long as the control panel sends a command. Releasing the button stops the servo. This allows you to stop a servo in any desired position. The servo speed can be individually adjusted. Proportional mode is ideal for (water) cranes, locomotive shed doors, or any other application that requires intermediate positions.

For each servo, in addition to the end positions and rotation speeds, you can specify whether it should bounce after reaching the end position. Furthermore, to adapt to the various RC servos available on the market, the generation of the servo pulse can be adjusted. This allows for optimal control of inexpensive analog servos as well as modern digital servos (with microcontrollers).

Analog Operation

The SwitchPilot 3 Servo Mini can be used without a digital command station as a special feature: Two pushbuttons can be added as needed to control the servos directly.

Setup

The SwitchPilot 3 Servo Mini can be flexibly set up either on the programming track with DCC control units or on the main track with POM (“Programming on Main”). It can also learn addresses directly via a programming button. The easiest way to set it up, however, is with the integrated OLED display and the three input buttons: All settings can be checked and changed directly on the decoder. “Programming” via your control unit is not required. It really couldn’t be simpler. The ESU LokProgrammer can be used for firmware updates.

Protection

As with our locomotive decoders, the outputs of the SwitchPilot 3 Servo Mini are largely protected against overload. We want you to enjoy your decoder for as long as possible.