Hi there,

with the 6021+6051 you will benefit only sounds available on functions F(0)1-F4 on each decoder, some decoders though can access another 4 functions using a second address. All other functions are not reachable with the 6021 (say on mfx-decoders). To make all functions usable you will need the CS - but then for the moment computer control is not possible (no software available yet...).

This is regardless of which computer-control-software you choose, if the central can't reach the (sound-)function so can't the computer... It will also not be possible to run a 6021+6051 connected to a CS and access the new functions through the 6051 interface, as it has no commands for these, nor can the 6021 request those by the CS.

Simply: To use ALL new functions (in M* locos) you will need the CS...

When computer-control-software for the CS will be available, we don't really now yet.

Fredrik.

Hi Symeon,

That's right, Marklin wants you to buy CS so you could experience
additional bells and whistles, but you are thinking straight
and I strongly agree that at this stage of the game PC train
control is the way to go. You can get PC Interface for your
6021 or you may want to consider trading 6021 in and buying
Intellibox controller; it has all the features of 6021, PC Interface,
memory, keyboard and what not. Also, its PC interface is more
robust than Marklin's. Either way, enjoy building your layout!

Mike

Hi Ron,
What software are you using with 6021/6051? Maerklin? Can you still use the 6021 control unit to control the locs even if you have installed the software? Personally I don't want to change the excellent feeling of the grip of the 6021 control unit with either the CS or Mobile Station inaccurate control knobs.
IB is an option and I have heard from a lot of people talking about that but still I believe the computer is a cheaper (since I already got one) and yet, in quality, equivalent alternative for train control, whereas at the same time it is more straightforward to me.
Has the Maerklin software control of the 7286 turntable too? What about other accessories i.e. Kibri moving bridge. Can they also be incorporated and controled by the software?

Mike: I wrote my own software. Yes you can still control trains even with the software running, and you can control anything with an address, although for a crane I guess you would need a dedicated routine in the software. If you have addressed a lok on your computer and try to control it with the 6021, when you enter the number it will flash saying that the lok is being controlled through the interface. if you enter it again, the 6021 takes over. Ont he other hand, if you have the lok addressed ont he 6021 and try to control it through the 6051, it will be blocked.

If you are using a computer to control your trains, the main advantage of the IB is the serial port speed...much faster on the IB.

Fair right, Symeon - never understood why M changed this excellent throttle for such crap ... [xx(]

Bert: I don't really find the 6021/6051 particularly limiting. It does everything I need it to do.

There is a 6021 on eBay today. It is currently at $100.00 with 8 bidders. It is coming from Australia so the shipping will be significant too. There appears to still be a market out there for them.

Well, true, but most of those can be solved in software. My system detects a train in the wrong direction and reverses it. It will let me drive a train manually, although I am not quite satisfied with that alogrithm yet. It need a lot more work.

Also keep in mind that IB has TWO throttles, not just one and it
has all others extras like keyboard and memory builtin. This is
very important because PC control or not, you'll still need
from time to time direct control over turnouts and locos.
I can't stop thinking that IB will somehow manage an upgrade
of IB to speak MFX as well. Those boys in Uhlenbrock have always
been very creative...
Mike

Mike,
From what you say it looks like you are in favor of IB for all these reasons that you mention and which I perfectly understand. Indeed you will need direct control over turnouts and locos from time to time. Now what you say about the possibility of upgrade to speak MFX as well that is really awesome!!! Would you recommend to wait for a while and see what is happening in this field? I believe I can wait for a couple of months. But then my fear is that if I choose IB Maerklin will come up later with some new bells and whistles that won't be compatible with IB and so forth!!!
After this discussion I am closer to select IB but still I would like to see a product that complies with the new MFX decoders. Anybody has inside information on whether Uhlenbrock is really working on trying to get the IB working with the new MFX decoders?
Symeon

YES! (or wait for Ecos or CS)

The slow speed is not a problem for me because I have a small layout. (max 2-3 trains running at once) The 2 other things have irritated me a lot though (I use RR&co to automate my layout).

Bert

With the IB you will be able to reach all functions mapped for F0-F4 on the base digital address of an mfx-loco, as well as mapped functions F1-F4 for the second address (basically 1 # higher than base-address), regardless of function-types. You will reach 9 functions with the IB as well as with the 6021. Benefits of the IB, though, is:
<ul><li>Direction control possible from computer</li>
<li>multi-protocol</li>
<li>faster interface</li>
<li>possibility to manually control trains controlled by the computer (software must also support this, or trains that you "mess" with might behave irregular)</li>
<li>switches (and signals) can be locked out of "human interfearence" from the computer (i.e. route-lock)</li>
<li>Loco-net bus (for those who want/needs it)</li>
<li>Free update to 2.0 (when available), it won't be a drawback - but the possibility it supports mfx is low</li>
<li>More functions - not listed here...</li>
</ul>
Today, as long as the interface-protocol of the CS is keeped secret, the IB is off course the better choice - the day Märklin reviews their position regarding this protocol I will have to review my standings, as I really like the CS. The secret protocol, though, is an enourmous draw-back of the CS - one which the ECoS will not have (although it initially won't speak mfx either). Are you reading Märklin??

You WOULD sell more Central Stations with the protocol released!!!!

Fredrik.

The MFX decoders are backwards compatible. You may not be able to activate the sound of the driver pasing gas[}:)], but there are ways around that, especially with computer control.

As for signals, did you know that Viessmann designed the new Signals for Marklin? (Also catenary...) My Viessmann signals are just as good, and I have more options on how to control them.

It was the 2867 with a BR111 as Lok.
That was many years ago.

This year it was the Wiesel set.

Winning the lottery has nothing over finding the right spouse.[:I]