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Offline juanfz  
#1 Posted : 16 June 2016 23:59:08(UTC)
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juanfz

United States   
Joined: 10/02/2012(UTC)
Posts: 10
Location: United States
Hi:
I'm having problems using Rocrail with Marklin Mfx decoders.
I use an ESU Ecos 5200 Command Station to control my layout, when running the locos directly from the Command Station everything is Ok. but when using a PC and Rocrail software Mfx decoders doesn't work.
I have read that ESU M4 and Marklin Mfx decoders doesn't use Cv's, but the locomotive's instruction paper indicate a factory address number for each loco. I tried to configure Rocrail with these numbers but have no luck.
Does Rocrail work with Mfx decoders? Is it possible to configure CV1 address in a Mfx decoder?
I would be very pleased if someone could help me ,
Thanks,
Juan
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Offline applor  
#2 Posted : 17 June 2016 03:28:09(UTC)
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applor

Australia   
Joined: 21/05/2004(UTC)
Posts: 1,654
Location: Brisbane, Queensland
I am not sure why you have posted this in the 'For Sale' section...

Mods please move this to Digital section.

As for your problem, I have not used Rocrail/MFX yet (plan to) but from what I read you need to determine the actual MFX address.

This is the process for the CS2 but I imagine it would be similar for the ECOS:

===========================

MFX decoders require special attention when defining them in Rocrail. The address the CS2 assigns to a new mfx decoder is not based upon the decoder address (Motorola address). To find out the address to fill in the address field on the interface tab of the loco the following steps are needed:

CS2 with current (Dec. 2014) firmware version

mfx-loco is placed on the tracks, await registration


clicking the wrench symbol on the CS2


the address (sid) is found in the field loco address:


===========================

Have a read through here:

http://wiki.rocrail.net/doku.php?id=ecos-en

and search for text 'MFX', it is mentioned briefly.
modelling era IIIa (1951-1955) Germany
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Offline Goofy  
#3 Posted : 17 June 2016 08:14:57(UTC)
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Goofy


Joined: 12/08/2006(UTC)
Posts: 9,012
Strange!
In all digital system and decoders,they must work with protocols.
Märklins mfx do have MM protocol too.
If yours system do stand with MM,yours mfx should work too with the MM protocol.
RocRail is an soft program via PC/Mac.

P.S.
Does yours Ecos 50200 stand with the latest version,so you can also use M4/mfx protocol?
H0
DCC = Digital Command Control
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Offline H0  
#4 Posted : 17 June 2016 08:22:57(UTC)
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H0


Joined: 16/02/2004(UTC)
Posts: 15,262
Location: DE-NW
Originally Posted by: Goofy Go to Quoted Post
Does yours Ecos 50200 stand with the latest version,so you can also use M4/mfx protocol?
The ECoS 50200 had mfx/M4 right from the start - and the first post indicates all locos work using mfx when steered from the ECoS.

Regards
Tom
---
"In all of the gauges, we particularly emphasize a high level of quality, the best possible fidelity to the prototype, and absolute precision. You will see that in all of our products." (from Märklin New Items Brochure 2015, page 1) ROFLBTCUTS
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Offline H0  
#5 Posted : 17 June 2016 08:31:10(UTC)
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H0


Joined: 16/02/2004(UTC)
Posts: 15,262
Location: DE-NW
Hi, Juan!
Originally Posted by: juanfz Go to Quoted Post
Does Rocrail work with Mfx decoders?
The protocol should not matter.

Judging from the help I assume you have to enter the loco name into Rocrail - the exact name as it was entered into the ECoS (for mfx locos this is the name stored in the decoder).

My source (German):
http://wiki.rocrail.net/doku.php?id=ecos-de

Quote:
Die Verbindung erfolgt bei Lokomotiven zwischen ECoS und Rocrail nicht über die Adresse, sondern über die eindeutige Kennung (ID) der Lokomotive. Die vergebene ID in Rocrail muss genau der Kennung für die Lokomotive in der ECoS entsprechen. In diesem Beispiel wird die ID “DB BR215” verwendet.
Rocrail uses the unique ID (loco name), not the address, to control locos in the ECoS.
The address does not matter - but it cannot be 0. The protocol must be set to "ServerDefined" for mfx locos. For MM locos it can be "ServerDefined" or "Motorola".

It seems Rocrail uses a different approach for the CS2.

Update: There also is an English help page:
http://wiki.rocrail.net/doku.php?id=ecos-en
Regards
Tom
---
"In all of the gauges, we particularly emphasize a high level of quality, the best possible fidelity to the prototype, and absolute precision. You will see that in all of our products." (from Märklin New Items Brochure 2015, page 1) ROFLBTCUTS
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Offline Goofy  
#6 Posted : 18 June 2016 09:52:09(UTC)
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Goofy


Joined: 12/08/2006(UTC)
Posts: 9,012
If you have still problem by use mfx protocol,try use MM instead by set it.
I have not tried myself to use MM protocol with an mfx locomotive.
If Rocrail still cannot identification yours locomotive,you do have some default somewhere.
H0
DCC = Digital Command Control
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Offline H0  
#7 Posted : 18 June 2016 10:44:38(UTC)
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H0


Joined: 16/02/2004(UTC)
Posts: 15,262
Location: DE-NW
Originally Posted by: Goofy Go to Quoted Post
I have not tried myself to use MM protocol with an mfx locomotive.
I think you haven't tried ECoS either. Have you ever used Rocrail?

I use either DCC or MM for all my "mfx locomotives". But it seems this is not what Juan wants and so this can only be a last resort.
Regards
Tom
---
"In all of the gauges, we particularly emphasize a high level of quality, the best possible fidelity to the prototype, and absolute precision. You will see that in all of our products." (from Märklin New Items Brochure 2015, page 1) ROFLBTCUTS
UserPostedImage
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Offline Goofy  
#8 Posted : 18 June 2016 11:33:42(UTC)
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Goofy


Joined: 12/08/2006(UTC)
Posts: 9,012
Originally Posted by: H0 Go to Quoted Post
Originally Posted by: Goofy Go to Quoted Post
I have not tried myself to use MM protocol with an mfx locomotive.
I think you haven't tried ECoS either. Have you ever used Rocrail?

I use either DCC or MM for all my "mfx locomotives". But it seems this is not what Juan wants and so this can only be a last resort.


What´s difference by use digital system?
Juan should try with MM protocol too.
It seems RocRail works better by use locomotives adress and not mfx (ID).
Perhaps RocRail do have problems with the identification?
ESU do have Railcomplus and RocRail do have problem with this too?

H0
DCC = Digital Command Control
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Offline H0  
#9 Posted : 18 June 2016 20:38:01(UTC)
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H0


Joined: 16/02/2004(UTC)
Posts: 15,262
Location: DE-NW
Originally Posted by: Goofy Go to Quoted Post
It seems RocRail works better by use locomotives adress and not mfx (ID).
Says one who, as it seems, neither tried the ECoS nor Rcrail.
When Rocrail works as documented then there is no need to disable mfx and switch back to MM.

Regards
Tom
---
"In all of the gauges, we particularly emphasize a high level of quality, the best possible fidelity to the prototype, and absolute precision. You will see that in all of our products." (from Märklin New Items Brochure 2015, page 1) ROFLBTCUTS
UserPostedImage
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Offline Goofy  
#10 Posted : 19 June 2016 09:42:01(UTC)
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Goofy


Joined: 12/08/2006(UTC)
Posts: 9,012
Originally Posted by: H0 Go to Quoted Post
Originally Posted by: Goofy Go to Quoted Post
It seems RocRail works better by use locomotives adress and not mfx (ID).
Says one who, as it seems, neither tried the ECoS nor Rcrail.
When Rocrail works as documented then there is no need to disable mfx and switch back to MM.



And you think there is no defaults with the software program by RocRail?
I did only suggestment to try with the MM protocol to see if it works by use locomotives adress and not ID (identification).

H0
DCC = Digital Command Control
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Offline Goofy  
#11 Posted : 19 June 2016 10:38:04(UTC)
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Goofy


Joined: 12/08/2006(UTC)
Posts: 9,012
I did visit Rocrail.
Try to follow Rocrail-Quick-Start and scroll down by follow every step.
If Tom says that mfx do also works with the Rocrail,you must set locomotives names like an example: BR 218 231-9 mfx adress (Märklin diesel 39180) MM adress are 21.
Next step is to choice protocol,speed step...etc
If it stand mfx,press on it.
If this process doesn´t work,try to choice MM protocol.
It´s very important that yours digital system must been set first with protocol to use.

Good luck!
H0
DCC = Digital Command Control
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Offline JohnjeanB  
#12 Posted : 19 June 2016 12:03:50(UTC)
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JohnjeanB

France   
Joined: 04/02/2011(UTC)
Posts: 3,114
Location: Paris, France
Hi,

Not sure if it helps but I am using Rocrail to drive MFX and MFX+ locos. In my case it is with a CS2.
Having used both the MM and MFX protocol, MFX is far superior to control locos
One key difference: the loco number is set by the CS2 or its equivalent. Numbering start close to 1 (not always 1 but very close).
Assuming that your ECOS is properly connected to your PC/Rocrail, below is a typical configuration you need to use:

[img=UserPostedImage heberger une image]Loco Properties Interface[/img]
  • MyMCS2 is to be replaced with the name you gave to your ECOS when configuring Rocrail

  • Address 6 is to be replaced with the address assigned by your ECOS (see note below)

  • the speed values V_min, V_mid,.. are to be set depending on your loco profile

and that's it.

NOTES:
  • So in your case, how to find the loco number assigned by your ECOS, I cannot help (CS2 shows this number in the loco properties screen) but since very small address values are used, you can do the above procedure using address 1, 2, 3, and it is very likely you will find yours before arriving to 10. Then, knowing the address and looking back at your ECOS screen you will find where it is displayed to make it easy for the next locos.

  • The MFX number is independent of other MM or DCC addresses so expect it to be very close to one

I hope this helps
Cheers

Jean

Jean
Here is my steam depot with mostly MFX locos, here driven in automatic mode: Video
My layout videos
latest vid
marshalling yard
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Offline H0  
#13 Posted : 19 June 2016 13:05:40(UTC)
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H0


Joined: 16/02/2004(UTC)
Posts: 15,262
Location: DE-NW
Hi!
Originally Posted by: JohnjeanB Go to Quoted Post
Not sure if it helps but I am using Rocrail to drive MFX and MFX+ locos. In my case it is with a CS2.
It's different with ECoS - see post #5.

Regards
Tom
---
"In all of the gauges, we particularly emphasize a high level of quality, the best possible fidelity to the prototype, and absolute precision. You will see that in all of our products." (from Märklin New Items Brochure 2015, page 1) ROFLBTCUTS
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