Esu SwitchPilot 3 Plus User manual

Instruction manual
2. Edition, May 2021
P/N 01721-24977
From Decoder Firmware 3.0.9
51831 SwitchPilot 3 Plus
SwitchPilot 3 Plus
SWitch Pilot

2
1. Declaration of Conformity ...................................... 3
2. WEEE Declaration..................................................... 4
3. Important Notes....................................................... 4
4. Features ................................................................... 5
4.1. General Features...........................................................5
4.2. Technical Data...............................................................5
4.3. Scope of delivery...........................................................5
4.4. Operating modes..........................................................6
4.4.1. Pulse operation..........................................................6
4.4.2. Operating PECO turnout drives .................................7
4.4.3. K83 operation (momentary action mode)...................7
4.4.4. K84 Operation (Bistable continuous operation) ..........8
4.4.5. Alternate flasher mode ..............................................9
5. Connection to the digital system ......................... 10
5.1. Terminals ....................................................................10
5.2. Power supply by the digital system..............................11
5.3. External power supply ................................................11
5.4. Wiring the outputs .....................................................12
5.4.1. Solenoid turnout drives............................................12
5.4.2. Daylight signals with incandescent lamps or LEDs ....12
5.4.3. Uncoupling tracks....................................................13
5.5. Connecting the SwitchPilot Extension .........................13
5.5.1. Relay outputs...........................................................14
5.5.2. Motorized turnout drives .........................................14
5.5.3. LGB® Turnout drive .................................................15
5.5.4. Turnout frog polarization .........................................15
6. Configuration with OLED...................................... 16
6.1. Relationship accessory addresses / turnout numbers ...16
6.1.1. Assigning turnout numbers......................................17
6.2. Introduction to the operating structure.......................18
6.3. Address mode for ROCO® command stations ............19
6.4. Configuring outputs ...................................................19
6.5. Setting fade-in and fade-out times..............................20
6.6. Status information ......................................................20
Content
6.6.1. Display software version & track voltage ..................20
6.6.2. Displaying output states...........................................20
7. Configuration with LokProgrammer.................... 21
8. Configuration POM (Programming on the Main)21
8.1. Connection to the digital system.................................21
8.2. Reading and writing CVs with POM ...........................21
9. Configuration with the programming track........ 22
9.1. Connection to the digital system.................................22
9.2. Read & Write CVs .......................................................22
10. Learning turnout numbers from command station..23
11. RailCom® ............................................................. 24
11.1. RailCom® Configuration .........................................24
12. Reset to factory default (decoder reset)............ 24
12.1. With the programming button..................................24
12.2. With DCC systems ....................................................24
12.3. With the display........................................................24
13. Support ................................................................. 25
14. Menu reference SwitchPilot 3 Plus..................... 26
15. Solenoid address & turnout numbers ................ 28
16. List of all supported CVs...................................... 30
17. Warranty certificate............................................. 33
18. Change history..................................................... 34

3
Declaration of Conformity
1. Declaration of Conformity
The manufacturer, ESU electronic solutions ulm GmbH & Co. KG,
Edisonallee 29, D-89231 Neu-Ulm, hereby declares under its sole
responsibility that the product
Product name: SwitchPilot 3 Plus
Type: 51831
complies with all relevant provisions of the Electromagnetic Com-
patibility Directive (2004/108/EC). The following harmonised stan-
dards have been applied:
EN 55014-1:2006 + A1:2009: Electromagnetic compatibility -
Requirements for household appliances, power tools and similar
electrical appliances - Part 1: Interference emission
EN 55014-2:1997 + A1:2001 + A2:2008: Electromagnetic compa-
tibility - Requirements for household appliances, power tools and
similar electrical appliances - Part 2: Immunity.
Copyright 1998 - 2021 by ESU electronic solutions ulm GmbH & Co KG. Irrtum, Änderungen die dem technischen Fortschritt dienen, Liefermöglichkeiten und alle sonstigen
Rechte vorbehalten. Elektrische und mechanische Maßangaben sowie Abbildungen ohne Gewähr. Jede Haftung für Schäden und Folgeschäden durch nicht bestimmungs-
gemäßen Gebrauch, Nichtbeachtung dieser Anleitung, eigenmächtige Umbauten u. ä. ist ausgeschlossen. Nicht geeignet für Kinder unter 14 Jahren. Bei unsachgemäßem
Gebrauch besteht Verletzungsgefahr.
Märklin® und mfx® sind eingetragene Warenzeichen der Firma Gebr. Märklin® und Cie. GmbH, Göppingen. RailCom® ist ein eingetragenes Warenzeichen der Firma
Lenz® Elektronik GmbH, Gießen.
Alle anderen Warenzeichen sind Eigentum ihrer jeweiligen Rechteinhaber.
ESU electronic solutions ulm GmbH & Co. KG entwickelt entsprechend seiner Politik die Produkte ständig weiter. ESU behält sich deshalb das Recht vor, ohne vorherige
Ankündigung an jedem der in der Dokumentation beschriebenen Produkte Änderungen und Verbesserungen vorzunehmen.
Vervielfältigungen und Reproduktionen dieser Dokumentation in jeglicher Form bedürfen der vorherigen schriftlichen Genehmigung durch ESU.

4
WEEE Declaration Features
2. WEEE Declaration
Disposal of old electrical and electronic equipment (valid in the
European Union and other European countries with separate coll-
ection system).
This symbol on the product of the packaging or in
the documentation means that this product must
not be treated as household waste. Instead, this
product is to be taken to the appropriate disposal
point for recycling electrical and electronic equip-
ment. If the product is disposed of correctly, you
help to prevent negative environmental influences and damage
to health that could be caused by improper disposal. Recycling
material will preserve our natural resources. For more information
about recycling this product, please contact your local citizens‘
office, household waste collection service or the store where you
purchased this product.
3. Important Notes
Congratulations on your purchase of an ESU SwitchPilot 3 Plus
decoder. This manual wants to introduce you step by step to the
possibilities of the decoder. Therefore, a request:
Please carefully work through this manual prior to commissioning.
Although all SwitchPilot decoders are very robust, a wrong con-
nection could destroy the device. If in doubt, avoid „expensive”
experiments.
•The SwitchPilot is intended exclusively for use with electric model
railway layouts. It may only be operated with the components de-
scribed in this manual. Any use other than that described in this
manual is not permitted.
•All connection work may only be carried out when the operating
voltage is switched off.
•The power supply units must be protected in such a way that in
the event of a short circuit, there is no risk of a cable fire. Use only
commercially available model train transformers manufactured ac-
cording to the VDE/EN standards, bearing the CE mark.
•Never operate the SwitchPilot unattended. The SwitchPilot is not
a (children’s) toy.
•Follow the principles of this manual when connecting the external
components. The use of other circuits may cause damage to the
decoder.
•The SwitchPilot is not waterproof: outdoor use is not intended and
is done at your own risk.
•Do not attempt to open your SwitchPilot module. Improper treat-
ment can destroy it.

5
Features
4. Features
ESU SwitchPilot 3 decoders are optimized for stationary use on
your model train layout and can switch conventional solenoid
turnout drives, daylight signals, magnetic uncouplers, incande-
scent lamps (bulbs) or other stationary electric loads.
4.1. General Features
The SwitchPilot 3 Plus has 16 transistor outputs for switching up
to 8 solenoid accessories (e.g.: turnouts) or 16 other electric loads
such as uncoupling tracks or incandescent lamps. Each output can
be individually programmed for the purpose of use and is electro-
nically protected against overload and short circuit.
The SwitchPilot 3 Plus can receive its power directly from the digi-
tal system or an external DC or AC power supply.
SwitchPilot 3 Plus supports multi-protocol operation and can be
used with central units supporting the Märklin® Motorola® sys-
tem (e.g.: 6021, Central Station® or Mobile Station®) as well as
DCC enabled command stations. Configuration can be carried out
on the main (POM – Programming on the Main) and the program-
ming track. Thanks to RailCom®, CVs can also be read out.
Operation with the Roco® Lokmaus 2 is not possible: The Lok-
maus 2 sends only DCC locomotive commands instead of the re-
quired accessory commands.
For simplifying the rather cumbersome configuration of accesso-
ry decoders, the SwitchPilot 3 Plus has an innovative operating
concept consisting of a 4-line, illuminated OLED display and three
input buttons. All settings can be checked directly on the decoder
at any time with the help of the display and changed, if so desired.
„Programming” with the help of your command station is not
required. It cannot get any easier.
4.2. Technical Data
SwitchPilot 3 Plus
Input voltage 12V - 20V DC power supply
12V - 16V AC power supply
Digital track voltage
Outputs 16 Transistor outputs
Maximum load 1.5A each (2.5A for
100msec) arranged in 8 groups as a pair
Short-circuit and overload-protected
Output power Complete module 2A (2,5A for 100mS)
Feedback inputs Unavailable
Operating modes DCC „Accessory Decoder“ with Rail-
Com® (addressing according to RCN-213
oder ROCO®). Turnout numbers 1 - 2048.
Märklin® Motorola®. Turnout numbers
1 – 256. K83 and K84 operating modes.
Configuration 0.91“ OLED display with 3 buttons
Dimensions 86mm x 86mm x 25mm
4.3. Scope of delivery
The SwitchPilot 3 Plus is supplied with 5 detachable terminal
blocks (1x 4-pole for the track connection, 4x 5-pole for the out-
puts) as well as this operating manual. Under part number 51800.
SP.01 a pack of replacement terminal blocks is available from ESU.

6
4.4. Operating modes
The SwitchPilot 3 Plus has a total of 16 transistor outputs, which
are grouped in 8 output pairs 1 to 8. Each output pair contains
two outputs (Out A and Out B) and can be configured individually
to suit the desired application. The following operating modes are
possible:
4.4.1. Pulse operation
If the output is configured for pulse operation, the output is swit-
ched on as soon as an appropriate command is received. At the
same time, a timer automatically turns off the output as soon as a
predetermined time (pulse time) saved in the decoder has elapsed,
even if the button (on the command station or control panel) has
been released beforehand.
Operating modes
If the button is pressed longer than the pre-determined pulse time,
the output will still be switched off.
Limiting the switch-on time prevents accessories to blow. Optio-
nally, the output can also be slowly dimmed up and dimmed down
(so-called „zoom” for incandescent lamp simulation).
The pulse operation is the default setting of the SwitchPilot 3 Plus
and is ideal for controlling solenoid turnout drives.
Some DCC command stations (e.g.: by Lenz) repeat the power
command in a fixed rhythm until the button is released. With each
power-on command received, the SwitchPilot 3 Plus resets the
stopwatch. This is shown in Fig. 1.
Figure 1: Pulse operation
keyboard
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16
time
on
off
1
RED
ON
1
RED
OFF
1
(RED
ON)
(Lenz)
Impulse-Time
1
RED
ON
1
RED
OFF
Impulse-Time
1
RED
ON
1
RED
OFF
Impulse-Time

7
4.4.2. Operating PECO turnout drives
The PECO mode corresponds to the afore mentioned pulse ope-
ration with the exception that to increase the peak current the
overcurrent protection of the output pair is switched off and the
pulse time is fixed to a relatively short time span. This short current
surge is used to optimally control the PECO drives.
Incorrect wiring or a short circuit at an output in PECO mode can
destroy the SwitchPilot 3 Plus decoder!
4.4.3. K83 operation (momentary action mode)
In K83 mode, the output remains active until the button on the
command station or control panel is released. This operating
mode is suitable for turnout drives with end position shutdown
or for uncoupling tracks.
Optionally, the output can also be slowly dimmed up and dimmed
down (so-called „zoom” for incandescent lamp simulation).
K83 operation may cause problems with older DCC command sta-
tions, because they do not transmit the required „Off” command
(e.g.: older Lenz command stations).
Figure 2: K83 operation (momentary action mode)
keyboard
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16
time
on
off
1
RED
ON
1
RED
OFF
1
(RED
ON)
(Lenz) 1
RED
ON
1
RED
OFF
1
RED
ON
1
RED
OFF
Operating modes

8
4.4.4. K84 Operation (Bistable continuous operation)
In K84 mode, the two outputs are alternately switched on and
off: When pressing the first button (red) on the command station,
the Output Out A is turned on. It remains active until pressing the
assigned button (green) activates the output Out B of the same
output group. Out A and Out B behave like a change-over switch.
Optionally, the output can also be slowly dimmed up and dimmed
down (so-called „zoom” for incandescent lamp simulation).
The K84 operation is well suited for lighting applications or twoa-
spect daylight signals.
The logic of this mode of operation corresponds to the Märklin®
k84 decoder.
Figure 3: K84 operation (Bistable continuous operation)
keyboard
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16
time
on
off
1
RED
ON
1
RED
OFF
1
(RED
ON)
(Lenz)
1
GREEN
ON
1
(GREEN
ON)
(Lenz)
1
GREEN
OFF
1
RED
ON
Operating modes

9
4.4.5. Alternate flasher mode
In this mode, the outputs Out A and Out B of an output pair are
switched on alternately with an adjustable flashing frequency. The
alternate flasher is started with the command „Straight/Green” of
the assigned button and stopped again with the command „Di-
verging/Red”.
Optionally, the output can also be slowly dimmed up and dimmed
down (so-called „zoom” for incandescent lamp simulation).
The alternating flasher operation is ideal for illuminating St.
Andrew´s crosses at level crossings.
Figure 4: Alternate flasher mode
keyboard
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16
time
on
off
1
RED
ON
1
RED
OFF
1
GREEN
ON
1
(GREEN
ON)
(Lenz)
1
GREEN
OFF
Flash-Time
Flash-Time
Flash-Time
Flash-Time
Stop
Operating modes

10
5. Connection to the digital system
We recommend that you first configure the SwitchPilot 3 Plus de-
coder completely and then install it on the layout.
5.1. Terminals
Fig. 5 shows the SwitchPilot 3 Plus with all terminals.
a) Turnouts, daylight signals, uncouplers and similar electric loads
shall be connected to the terminals labelled 1 to 8 for the out-
put pairs 1 to 8.
b) The power supply of the SwitchPilot 3 Plus including all con-
nected loads is realized vie the Terminals Pw A and Pw B. You
can either use the track voltage or use an external power sup-
ply. We recommend an external power supply, particularly for
larger layouts, because then the energy for powering the drives
does not add to the load for the command station or booster.
c) Connect the Terminals Trk A and Trk B to the track output of
the command station (or booster) that controls the SwitchPilot
Plus 3.
e) Input unit. The three buttons PROG/OK as well as (+) and (-)
serve to configure the decoder, as explained in chapter 6.
f) The display shows all settings of the decoder including turnout
address and status of the outputs. After a few seconds, the
screen saver displays the supply voltage.
g) Extension socket for the SwitchPilot Extension relay module.
Figure 5: Terminals of the SwitchPilot 3 Plus
Connection to the digital system
g)
f)
e) c) b)
a) a) a) a)
g)

11
Connection to the digital system
5.2. Power supply by the digital system
For smaller layouts with only a few electric loads turned on at the
same time, the SwitchPilot 3 Plus can be supplied directly from the
command station or booster. The terminals Pw A and Pw B are
connected parallel to the terminals Trk A and Trk B.
If accessories (e.g.: Märklin® K track) do not switch at all or only
respond with little power, check the track voltage and increa-
se it, if necessary. The SwitchPilot 3 Plus can display the supply
voltage as described in chapter 6.8.1. If the voltage cannot be
increased, please use an external power supply.
This wiring scheme must be used if you want to configure the
SwitchPilot 3 Plus on the programming track of your command
station. For more information, see Chapter 9.
5.3. External power supply
For larger layouts with many electric loads, we recommend the
use of an external power supply. DC and AC power supplies are
suitable with the specifications described in chapter 4.2. We re-
commend the use of a stabilized DC power supply with at least
18V DC at least 3A output power (e.g.: ESU part number 50119).
For switching Märklin® K track drives a minimum of 18V is re-
quired. Keep this in mind when choosing the transformer! The
SwitchPilot 3 Plus can display the supply voltage as described
in chapter 6.8.1.
This type of wiring cannot be used for programming on the pro-
gramming track. In this case, a temporary connection must be
established as shown in chapter 5.2.
B 0
Main track exit
approx.
18V
B 0
Main track exit
approx.
18V
Stabilized DC
power supply
recommended
Figure 6: Supply from the digital system Figure 7: Separate (external) power supply

12
Wiring the outputs
5.4. Wiring the outputs
5.4.1. Solenoid turnout drives
You may use any of the commercially available solenoid turnout
drives from the well-known manufacturers with the SwitchPilot 3
Plus. Figure 8 shows the wiring of a turnout at output 1.
a) The common wire from the two coils is connected to terminal
C.
b) Terminal Out A is connected to the wire for the diverging route.
c) Terminal Out B is connected to the wire for the straight route.
Should the turnout not be aligned as you intended after pressing
the respective button on your command station respectively con-
trol panel (diverging and straight route are reversed), please swap
the wires at terminals Out A and Out B.
The power consumption of PECO switch drives is so high that the
PECO operating mode must be set.
5.4.2. Daylight signals with incandescent lamps or LEDs
If you are using daylight signals with incandescent lamps (bulbs)
or LEDs (light-emitting diodes), the corresponding output must be
configured in the K84 mode (Bistable continuous operation).
Incandescent lamps, as shown in Figure 8, Output 2, may be di-
rectly connected to the SwitchPilot 3 Plus.
Figure 8: Wiring the outputs
R
For uncouplers:
K83 operation (momentary
operation) to adjust.
Example for output 8:
OUTPUT 8
MODE :K83
Time :Permanent
Zoom :Disabled

13
Wiring the outputs
If, on the other hand, signals or lighting with LEDs are used (as
shown in Figure 8, Output 6), a series resistor must be used to
limit the current. The resistance value depends to a large extent
on the type of LED used, so no precise statement is possible here.
Values between 1 kOhm and 10 kOhm are common. If in doubt,
start with a higher value.
The terminal C of the output is the „+” pole. Therefore, the catho-
de of the LED must be connected to the terminals Out A or Out B.
5.4.3. Uncoupling tracks
The momentary action mode is suitable for uncoupling tracks, as
the coil will be active only until the button is released. The wiring
is as shown in Fig. 8, Terminal 8. You can use either Terminal Out A
or Out B, depending on whether you want to activate the uncoup-
ler with the „diverging” or „straight” turnout button.
5.5. Connecting the SwitchPilot Extension
Up to two SwitchPilot Extension Modules can be docked to the
side of the SwitchPilot 3 Plus. To do this, press the modules with
the 8-pin plugs against each other until the latches on the plugs
engage. The internal logic and the relay coils of the SwitchPilot
Extension Module are also supplied by the SwitchPilot 3 Plus.
The SwitchPilot Extension module on the left is responsible for
outputs 1 to 4, the SwitchPilot Extension module on the right is
responsible for outputs 5 to 8.
Figure 9: SwitchPilot Plus with two connected SwitchPilot Extension Modules
a) a) b) a) a)
a) a) b) a) a)
III
Com
For outputs 5 to 8For outputs 1 to 4

14
5.5.1. Relay outputs
Fig. 9 shows the connections
a) The outputs 1 to 4 are connected to relay outputs A and B,
which are activated jointly (2x change-over contacts, bistable).
Each relay output corresponds to the corresponding transistor
output of the SwitchPilot 3. If the output Out A of the Switch
Pilot 3 is active, the terminals I and COM of the relay output are
also active. If the output Out B on the SwitchPilot 3 is active,
terminals II and COM are also active..
b) Terminals for ground and „U+” (rectified track voltage, sup-
plied by SwitchPilot 3) for powering DC turnout motors.
5.5.2. Motorized turnout drives
Motorized turnout drives can be controlled with the help of the
SwitchPilot Extension module. Reversing the operating voltage of
the electric motor changes the direction of rotation of the mo-
tor, thereby moving the turnout from one position (status) to the
other.
Use only turnout drives with limit stop contacts to prevent the
motor from burning through, because the relay outputs of the
SwitchPilot Extension module are continuously active.
The wiring of the motorized turnout drive is shown in Fig. 10.
Please note the maximum supply voltage values specified in the
instructions for your drive. The Extension module always delivers
the full voltage that is provided to the SwitchPilot 3.
Figure 10: Motorized point maschine with SwitchPilot Extension
M
Wiring the outputs

15
5.5.4. Turnout frog polarization
With the SwitchPilot Extension Module turnout frog polarization
can be set very easy.
Wiring the outputs
5.5.3. LGB® Turnout drive
The wiring is as shown in Fig. 11. Unless reprogrammed, the mo-
tors are supplied with electricity for approx. 520 msec and are then
switched off to prevent overheating of the drive.
Figure 11: LGB® Turnout drive Figure 12: Polarization with SwitchPilot Extension
OutA OutB

16
Each SwitchPilot 3 Plus can be assigned two 4-series groups: this
is the so-called accessory address.
The accessory address 1 is stored internally in CV 1 and CV 9. The
accessory address 2 is stored internally in CV 35 and CV 36. The
calculation of the turnout numbers from the values saved in the
two CVs is regulated in the RCN-213 standard.
The table in chapter 16 lists turnout numbers and corresponding
accessory addresses. Only the first 256 turnouts are available
when operating with Motorola® central units.
It is not possible to assign turnout numbers outside the group-of-4
limits to a SwitchPilot 3 Plus. For example. it would not be possible
to assign turnout numbers 4, 5, 6 and 7, as these go beyond the
limit of the accessory address groups. Please keep this in mind
when assigning turnout numbers.
The two output groups 1 to 4 and 5 to 8 can be selected inde-
pendently .
Due to a weakness in the DCC standard prior to the creation of
the RCN-213, some command stations (especially ROCO® Multi-
maus or Z21) calculate the turnout numbers differently. In this case
please take note of chapter 6.3.
Configuration with OLED
6. Configuration with OLED
The programming of accessory decoders was usually very cum-
bersome in the past. CV programming with the help of the hand-
held throttle often failed due to the missing programming modes
(e.g.: only very few command stations and/or throttles respectively
central units support „POM for accessory decoders”) or forgotten
addresses of decoders installed on the layout. Even assigning the
decoder address presented many model railway enthusiasts with
major obstacles. Reading the currently assigned decoder address is
also quite cumbersome and causes a lot of displeasure.
To avoid such problems, the SwitchPilot 3 Plus is the first accesso-
ry decoder on the market working with an innovative operating
concept. It consists of an illuminated multi-line OLED display and a
3-button input unit. This allows programming all (!) settings of the
SwitchPilot 3 Plus in plain text directly on the decoder, without the
need of external programming devices or cumbersome CV pro-
gramming. In addition, the display shows the currently assigned
turnout numbers at any time and can even accurately display the
supply voltage (respectively track voltage). A screen saver prevents
the OLED display from burning in.
6.1. Relationship between accessory addresses and turnout
numbers
For addressing the outputs of the SwitchPilot 3 Plus decoder with
the command station, so-called turnout numbers must be assig-
ned to them. The number of turnout numbers is limited and de-
pends on the digital system:
Motorola®: Turnout numbers 0001 to 0256
DCC: Turnout numbers 0001 to 2048
(ROCO command stations 0001 to 2040).
The turnout numbers are arranged into four groups. The first
group comprises turnout numbers 1,2,3,4, the second group the
turnout numbers 5,6,7,8, the third group the turnout numbers
9,10,11,12, and so forth.

17
Assigning turnout numbers
6.1.1. Assigning turnout numbers
Ex works, the 8 double outputs of the SwitchPilot 3 Plus respond
to turnout numbers 0001 to 0004 and 0005 to 0008. The turnout
numbers can be easily changed directly on the SwitchPilot 3 Plus.
a) Check whether the display shows the screen saver (lettering
„SPP” and the supply voltage):
b) In this case, press the „PROG/OK” button only (!) briefly. Now
the SwitchPilot 3 Plus should display its current turnout num-
bers directly in plain text:
c) Press the „PROG/OK” button. The turnout numbers 1 to 4
should now flash (inverse).
d) Press the button (+) or (-) to select the desired turnout numbers
for outputs 1 to 4. The currently selected turnout numbers are
displayed flashing.
e) Press the „PROG/OK” button again to confirm the turnout
numbers for outputs 1 to 4. The display no longer flashes, but
the one for outputs 5 to 8.
SPP»17.3V
ADDRESS
Switch 1-4: 0001-0004
Switch 5-8: 0005-0008
ADDRESS
Switch 1-4: 0001-0004
Switch 5-8: 0005-0008
ADDRESS
Switch 1-4: 0009-0012
Switch 5-8: 0005-0008
f) Press the button (+) or (-) to select the desired turnout numbers
for outputs 5 to 8. The currently selected turnout numbers are
displayed flashing.
g) Press the „PROG/OK” button again to confirm the turnout
numbers for outputs 5 to 8. The display no longer flashes.
Finished! Without programming or cumbersome handling on the
handheld throttle or command station.
ADDRESS
Switch 1-4: 0009-0012
Switch 5-8: 0013-0016

18
OUTPUT1
Mode : AltFlash
Time : 1720 ms
Zoom : Disabled
Introduction to the operating structure
6.2. Introduction to the operating structure
The configuration with the aid of the OLED display and the 3-but-
ton input unit enables you to set all parameters of the SwitchPilot
3 Plus decoder.
All properties are arranged in so-called „panels”. A panel fills in
all four lines of the display. The first line displays the name of the
panel, and rows two to four display a maximum of three different
setting options. With the help of the „+” and „-” buttons you can
scroll between the individual panels.
a) Name of the panel
b) Name of setting option 1
c) Value of the setting option 1
d) Name of setting option 2
e) Value of the setting option 2
f) Name of the setting option 3
g) Value of the setting option 3
Figure 13: Control elements of the SwitchPilot 3 Plus
ADDRESS
Switch 1-4: 0001-0004
Switch 5-8: 0005-0008
ADDRESS
Switch 1-4: 0001-0004
Switch 5-8: 0005-0008
ADDRESS MODE
Mode : RCN-213
OUTPUT STATE
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
CMD .».»».».»..».»».
PHY .».»..».»....»».
OUTPUT1
Mode : Impulse
Time : 520 ms
Zoom : Disabled
a)
c)
a)
b)
d)
f)
e)
g)
OUTPUT1
Mode : Impulse
Time : 520 ms
Zoom : Disabled
PROG/OK
OUTPUT1
Mode : AltFlash
Time : 1720 ms
Zoom : Disabled
PROG/OK
OUTPUT1
Mode : AltFlash
Time : 1720ms
Zoom : Disabled
PROG/OK
PROG/OK

19
•If you want to change a setting option of the currently selected
panel, press the PROG/OK button once. The setting option 1 of
the screen will now flash as a sign that it can be changed.
•For changing the respective setting
use the (+) and (-) buttons. Press the button until the display shows
the desired value. The decoder immediately applies the changes so
you can see immediately what is happening.
•Confirm your entry with PROG/OK. After that, the next setting
option will flash as a sign that it can now be changed.
If you do not want to change a setting option, but only want to
proceed to the next one, just press the PROG/OK button. Then the
current value is not changed.
After you have changed the last of the three setting options re-
spectively confirmed them by pressing PROG/OK, nothing will
flash. You are now back in the display mode of the panel and can
now either make changes to other setting options of the panel
by pressing PROG/OK again or select another panel with the (+)
and (-) buttons.
For a list of all possible panels and their setting options, see Chap-
ter 15.
6.3. Address mode for ROCO® command stations
As already mentioned in Chapter 6.1, ROCO® command stations
(specially the multiMaus, but also the Z21 in the standard setting)
use a different computation method to calculate the turnout num-
bers from the accessory addresses. Set the decoder to “ROCO”
to ensure that the SwitchPilot 3 Plus handles instructions from
ROCO® command stations correctly.
To do this, select „Mode” in the „ADDRESS MODE” panel, and
then select the calculation method „ROCO”.
Introduction to the operating structure
6.4. Configuring outputs
Each output can be configured individually. For this purpose, the
panels „OUTPUT 1” to „OUTPUT 8” are provided.
You can use the “Mode” option to set the desired output mode:
•“Pulse” configures pulse operation according to chapter 4.4.1.
•“PECO” configures PECO operating mode according to chapter
4.4.2.
•“K83” configures momentary action mode according to chapter
4.4.3.
•“K84” configures bistable continuous operation according to
chapter 4.4.4.
•“Alt Flash” configures the alternating flasher operation according
to chapter 4.4.5.
The meaning of the „Time” option depends on the selected out-
put mode:
•In pulse mode, it is determined here how long the output remains
switched on.
•In alternating flasher mode, you specify how fast the two outputs
should flash.
•In all other modes, „Time” has no meaning and cannot be chan-
ged respectively is set to „Permanent”.
OUTPUT1
Mode : Impulse
Time : 520 ms
Zoom : Disabled
OUTPUT2
Mode : PECO
Time : Permanent
Zoom : Disabled
OUTPUT7
Mode : K83
Time : Permanent
Zoom : Disabled
OUTPUT8
Mode : Alt-Flash
Time : 1170ms
Zoom : Enabled

20
Introduction to the operating structure
For particularly realistic fade-in and fade-out effects, you can add
a „zoom” function to each output, if so desired:
•“Enabled” enables the pair to fade-in and fade-out
•“Disabled” turns off the fade-in and fade-out feature of the out-
put pair.
6.5. Setting fade-in and fade-out times
Here you can choose the time during which the outputs should
be dimmed up or down if the „Zoom” option is active at the cor-
responding output.
The time can be set from 0 msec to 4160 msec. The value „0
msec” turns off this feature for all outputs.
Do not choose exceedingly long durations. Especially in alternating
flasher mode, you should make sure that the flashing frequency is
selected significantly longer than the fade-in and fade-out times.
6.6. Status information
The SwitchPilot 3 Plus can display extensive status and diagnostic
information, which can be particularly helpful, especially for wiring
and troubleshooting.
6.6.1. Display software version & track voltage
The „Information” panel displays both the hardware („HW”) as
well as the software („SW”) version of the decoder. The supply
voltage („Voltage”) of the outputs is also displayed.
If the SwitchPilot 3 Plus is powered directly by the command sta-
tion, „Voltage” displays the digital track voltage, otherwise the
voltage of the connected power supply.
FADEIN & FADEOUT
Time : 260ms
6.6.2. Displaying output states
Important information about the output state is provided by the
„Output State” panel
a) Number of the output
b) Output terminal „Out A” active
c) Output terminal „Out B” active
The PHY line indicates for each output 1 to 8 whether it is current-
ly active. As soon as the state changes (e.g.: when an alternate
flasher is active or because an output is switched off by the timer),
this is displayed in real time.
If the fade-in and fade-out feature is active for an output, the
output is immediately displayed as active, even if it is still fadingin
or - out.
The line CMD shows the latest command received for each out-
put 1 to 8: A bar to the left directly below the number indicates
that the command „Red” was received from the command stati-
on, a bar to the right of it indicates that the last command was
„Green”. If no valid command has been detected, only dots are
displayed. The SwitchPilot 3 Plus saves the most recently detected
commands so that the last operating state is restored after a p
wer interruption.
INFORMATION
HW : 3.0
FW : 3.0.9
Voltage : 17.3V
OUTPUT STATE
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
CMD .».»»..»».».»..»
PHY .».....»..».»..»
a)
b) c)