Frequently Asked Questions about Märklin digital
- What is the difference between the various s88 feedback modules? - Technical tip 322
Various generations of s88 feedback modules have been offered by Märklin over the course of time. Their differences as well as information about their use in the Märklin digital system can be found in the Technical-Tip 322.
- Why does a limitation to the maximum speed for a locomotive occur after a straightforward period of operation?
Our repair department constantly receives warranty claims in which the model railroader complains about a limited maximum speed for a locomotive after a straightforward period of operation.
Learn more here. - What is the difference between the various decoder versions such as mfx, fx, etc.? - Technical tip 303
The most important types of decoders from the history of Märklin Digital can be found in the following Technical Tip available as a download.
Tip 303 - How do I connect simple turnouts to the Digital system? - Technical tip 304
We recommend downloading the tip just below for this subject. The connections for C, K, and M simple turnouts are explained.
Tip 304 - How do I connect three-way turnouts to the Digital system? - Technical tip 304
We recommend downloading the tip just below for this subject. The connections for C, K, and M three-way turnouts are explained.
Tip 304 - How can I update my 60212 Central Station?
The update to 2.03 can only be done by the Märklin Repair Department. The next update to 2.04 can be found on the Internet at the Märklin web page under the following link.
Go to Model Railroad Control
- How can I update my 60215 Central Station?
Information about the current update for the 60213 - 60215 Central Station can be found on the Web page under the following link.
Go to the Software Updates - How can model railroad lamps be controlled digitally?- Technical tip 308
The easiest way to do this is with the k84 decoder. Extensive information about this can be found in our following Technical Tip.
Tip 308 - How can an area of track be controlled digitally to turn off the current?- Technical tip 310
In addition to the signal technology, the digital technology with the k84 decoder is also available for this purpose. More about this in the Technical Tip below.
Tip 310 - How can I update my 60653 Mobile Station?
This update is done either by connecting your Mobile Station by means of a connector box to another 60653 Mobile Station with the current version of software (Version 1.81 or higher) or by connecting it to a 60213-60215 Central Station with the current version of software for that Central Station. If in doubt, ask your specialty dealer if he can do the update for you with his demonstration unit.
- How can I update my 60653 Mobile Station? - Technical tip 307
This update is done either by connecting your Mobile Station by means of a connector box to another 60653 Mobile Station with the current version of software (Version 1.81 or higher) or by connecting it to a 60213-60215 Central Station with the current version of software for that Central Station. If in doubt, ask your specialty dealer if he can do the update for you with his demonstration unit.
Tip 307 - How is the 7294 transfer table controlled digitally?
This is done via the decoder k 84. in the download of our technology tip you will find more detailed information.
Tipp 405 - How is an H0 level crossing switched digitally?
The level crossing works as a separate system independent of the digital system and is triggered via a contact track. More information in the following technology tip download.
Tipp 407 - How do I program a turnout decoder?
We have summarized the programming of turnout decoders with 8-digit or 10-digit coding switches in the adjacent download.
Tipp 305b - How do I register a locomotive with Mobile Station 60653?
These and other questions about the Mobile Station 60653 are answered in this technology tip download.
Tipp 306 - Which devices can I connect to the Central Station 60215?
The system architecture and the general possibilities of the Central Station are presented in the adjacent download.
Tipp 315 - How can I realize a block route operation with my Central Station 60215?
There are a lot of application proposals for the block line operation in practice. We have summarized the most common solutions for the CS 2 in the following table. Technik Tipp 321
- Which feedback module is best to use with my Central Station?
For information on the use of the L88, s66 AC and s88 DC feedback modules, refer to the manual supplied in the Technik-Tipp 320.
- What do I have to consider for the shuttle train control of the Central Station 2?
The function and steps to set up this shuttle train control can be found in the attached pdf document.
Tipp 312 - How can I upload my own locomotive images to my Central Station 2?
To do this, connect a USB stick with the images to the CS 2 and start an update now. The details of this process can be found in the technique tip 314.
Tipp 314 - I would like to buy the new CS 3. Which components from my existing digital system can I continue to use?
Almost all earlier Märklin digital components can still be used with the CS 3/ CS 3 plus. In the technology tip 331, we have compiled a table of which components can still be used and how.
Tipp 331 - MS WLAN - I would like to control my layout wirelessly. What is required for that?
The new MS WLAN is suitable for wireless control. You also need the 60117 Receiver Box in order to receive the signal from the MS WLAN and to transmit it on to the Track Box. Alternatively, an existing CS2/CS3 with a commercially available WLAN router can also be used. In this case, the Receiver Box is not needed.
- I have a Mobile Station 2 from a starter set and would like to connect the Mobile Station WLAN to it. What do I need?
You need the 60667 Mobile Station WLAN and the 60117 Receiver Box. The Receiver Box is connected to one of the two connecting sockets on the existing Track Box from the starter set. The Mobile Station 2 connected by a cable occupies the other connecting socket. This allows you to control your model railroad with both devices.
- I use a CS3 – what do I need to control my layout wirelessly?
You need a 60667 Mobile Station WLAN, which as a receiver uses a commercially available WLAN router connected to the CS3. Alternatively, the 60117 Receiver Box can also be connected as a receiver.
- Does the Power Control Stick from the starter sets also work in combination with other control devices?
Yes, the 60117 Receiver Box also understands the infrared signals from the Power Control Stick so that this in addition for example to a Mobile Station 2 or Mobile Station WLAN can be used as another controller on a model railroad.
- I have a Power Control Stick. What more does the MS WLAN offer me?
The Power Control Stick offers a high level of play value for running locomotives and powered units, but it is limited in its range of functions. The Mobile Station WLAN can control up to 32 functions per locomotive, it can also control turnouts and signals, it understands the mfx protocol for locomotive recognition, and it offers many other possibilities for broader operating enjoyment.
- Does the Receiver Box require its own switched mode power pack?
No. The Receiver Box receives its power like a Mobile Station 2 via the Track Box or from a CS2 or CS3. These two units each have their own switched mode power pack.
- Can the Mobile Station WLAN or the Receiver Box also be connected to the CS1?
No, this is unfortunately not possible.
- How long do the batteries last in the Mobile Station WLAN?
The useful life of batteries depends on the capacity and quality of the batteries, so that a precise specification unfortunately cannot be made. However, in tests we have reached over 60 hours.
- Can the MS WLAN also be operated with rechargeable batteries?
Yes, commercially available 1.2 volt rechargeable batteries can be used.
- Does the MS WLAN also work with other gauges beyond Märklin H0?
Yes, the Mobile Station WLAN can also be used with LGB, Märklin 1 Gauge, Trix, and Minitrix. You must pay attention in each case to the current supply technical details of the individual gauges.
- I have a larger model railroad layout. Is the Mobile Station WLAN suitable for it?
Yes, the Mobile Station WLAN offers exactly the same operating comfort and the same logic as the Mobile Station 2, and it goes marvelously with the CS3 or CS2. It can be connected optimally for locomotive control as well as for comfortable control of turnouts and signals, and it will operate correctly intuitively.
