The ESU SwitchPilot3 started showing up around the start of this year so I wound up getting what I needed to take the place of the octopus IIIs. I've only tested one unit at this point but it does deliver on everything they mentioned. I did not test the external switch functions as I plan to control via DCC. Onboard programming was pretty straightforward with the 3 buttons on the unit so I was able to confirm no external programmer needed. The built-in OLED does give indication of both selected and actual turnout position for each channel but may not fit the bill for those wanting separate indicators... although the switch pilot extension can be plugged which provide relays (4 each so two needed for each switch pilot if wanting 8 separate outputs, more money gah!) Below is the the turnout position indicator screen that can be selected for viewing via the menu system. The block indicates the setting as follows: Top row shows requested position which changes as soon as a command is given. Bottom row shows actual position which changes once servo has completed movement to the commanded position. As one makes turnout changes the block will shift to the adjacent tick mark. In this case all turnouts are set to the same position but will shift to the adjacent tick mark on the right once the change command is given and completed respectively.
