Let´s say to get the new CS3...which do you prefer to get one...CS3 or CS3 plus?

Given the 150 euro difference in price between the CS3+ and the CS3, I would hope you would get something more than a 6 pin socket that allows your CS3+ to be used as a remote slave.

Still, I would probably get the CS3+ as although I have a CS2 which could be used as a remote controller to a CS3, if I took my CS3+ along to our club, I would want to be able to use it as a remote to the club's CS3.

Or I believe you can also use the CS3 plus as a booster, so if you are planning a new layout and may later expand you can get a booster as well as a extra slave control.

Brgds Lasse

I think i will perhaps this time give Märklin a chance to get one CS3.
But first to get more information about CS3 from Märklin.

As the CS3 can't be used in slave mode what is or are the input ports (and due to mfx also the output) for it to be used as a booster?
Does that configuration use some special cable?

That is my understanding too. From a software perspective I can't see why they should have changed that in the CS3.


Actually, a few months back, I wrote an article on how a booster works, this may help people understand the basic inner workings of a digital command station. To sum things up: Every digital command station comes with a booster, mostly it is built-in, some times it is external.

It is not always possible to use the built-in booster when connecting several command stations, thus wasting a perfectly good booster. This is now possible with the CS3Plus - and that is a big deal IMO.

Link: What is a Booster?

Excellent article Søren,

Thanks for taking the time to explain it all.

Brgds Lasse

I got your point and I agree. If the CS3+ is the master, then the CS3 can work as a booster.

You're right, that is a typo. You connect the module to the CS3Plus. I will correct the typo. Thanks! :-)

Assuming that the remaining CS2 60215s in dealer inventories will be heavily discounted, are 60215s a reasonable option to a higher priced CS3?

So, the 60882 works as a viessmann 5233 module by providing current to the track and detecting power consumption?

5217 is a standard s88 feedback module.

5233 powers 8 isolated areas and when there is power consumption on any of these 8 areas it returns a s88 feedback pulse.

Actually the cs3 is around the price of a discounted cs2, to a point where the answer becomes 'buy a cs3'.

The cs3+ is around the price of an undiscounted cs2.

Yes, I agree with comment that a switch is unlikely - and as such maybe a bit of cutting off the nose to spite the face.

In the context of this comparison I do see the economics falling down.
(Using Marklins WebShop prices - but expecting any discounting to be relatively proportionate)

If we analyse the cost of providing S88 capabilities
- The 60216 + 60881 is now valued @ €850
- The 60226 + 60883 + 66351 becomes valued @ €780
The difference is quite a bit closer.

However, If you are the type of person with a layout with the need for a)Legacy S88 support OR b) 3 S88 busses (for wiring distribution ease, if not 93 actual S88s) OR c) Matrix support for a control panel , then - are you not also the type of person wanting an additional throttle?

So your options really become ,
1) buy a CS3+ (for the extra throttle) PLUS a L88 anyway (price now = €930 : 60216 + 60883 + 66351)
or
2) buy a CS3 (with L88/S88 add-ons as above) and be happily forced into a big screen PC using the (free) CS-PC with better visual capabilities and YOUR CHOICE of screen sizes and location (e.g. track control reflected on a wall)
or
3) buy a CS3 (as above) and find/reuse your CS2 (functional , but probably with some reduced refinements - i.e. resolution)

Another positive for the CS3 over the CS3+ is that I can save on a 60125 terminal (another €50) when going the 2nd bus device (Booster, L88, MS)
Again, something that is more likely if you have a medium/large layout. (sure a large/large layout would eventually need a terminal(s))

So at this stage I suggest the only value proposition for the CS3+ is a small one - that being the lack in needing a stupid additionally 66361 for your S88 device support (this assumes no other L88 needs)
Note: Actually this has some rather major advantages for the quick setup brigade - but not one that I think justifies the price in the long run.


Am I missing something?

I agree with John!
If you still have older components,you can still use CS3 with it.
But Märklin do not always produce old stuff,when the new digital accessories present.
But it will fit for both CS3 and CS3plus.

Hi,
Has anyone here seen the new CS3 in person yet?

The reason I ask is: I would like to know if the new screen looks like a good upgrade over the CS2 series? Does the new display appear any brighter, more crisp, more colorful, or faster responding than the CS2 display?

Thanks!
Paul

I would think the first sighting will be at the Nurnberg Toyfair, which I believe is next weekend.

I'm sure someone else will be removing one under his coat tails given half a chance ...

Will Märklin this time add ABC-technik and the RailCom in the CS3 by use with the DCC protocol?

Is there any controller with ABC-Technik? I thought ABC was just a decoder feature that is completely transparent to the controller.

Of course...silly me!
I forgot about locomotive decoder do have the ABC and not the digital system.

Not sure about Ms, but far as I've read LDT boosters support ABC braking.

Any links?

That, and a faster processor, more memory, and can operate up to 32 loco functions (but the CS2 will most likely get that with a software update).



Absolutely not!

I would agree with you. The CS2 is still a very good controller, and may well be all you need. Some have found that the CS2 slows down if you have hundreds of locos registered in it, which is why the CS3 may be good for those folk, but if you don't have hundreds of locos, a CS2 may be fine for your needs. Some folk on this forum are still using the 6021 controller, which is fine - each to what suits them and what they can afford. There is no right or wrong in this instance.

Do the CS3plus have cab control?

Any PC software with CS3plus?