What is the software version?

That's the part I don't know. The only clue in the images is the manual half-hidden behind the box, which has the word "update" on the front. Are V2.0 versions more reliable than V1.0?


TBH I'm more inclined to go after a nice V200 that they're also selling, if they still have it in a week or two!

Matt, v2 CS1's should have a red sticker on the bottom of the unit to signify that it has the v2 hardware and software upgrades.

ESU in Europe no longer supply the CS1 Reloaded update pack (which updates a v2 CS1 to v3), but you may be able to obtain it through ESU USA via a US / North American dealer (which is what I did this time last year).

Personally, I would not buy a CS1 that was anything less than v2.

Hi,

I also have a 6021 and Keyboards and Memory and s88 as my main controllers.

I recently purchased a CS1 and I am delighted with the purchase.

It allows me to programme my digital locos with Braking Delays and Acceleration on a visual screen which you can't do with a 6021.
It also allows me to connect my 6021 Output to the CS1 Input, and operate with with both controllers simultaneously, in order words, there is full compatibility between 6021 and associated hardware with the CS1.
It continues to let me use the Keyboards and Memory and s88 connections connected to my 6021 just as I did before, in addition to being able to switch items on the CS1 keyboard.
I can see the full range of sound functions on the CS1, which is something you can only do on the 6021 if you programme the CV functions.
You can also connect a MS1 later if you want a hand held controller.
It's much cheaper than a CS2 !

Ok, there seem to be some things you may not like, for example the orange screen, a sometimes slow reaction from the CS1 dials, some software issues, etc.

But at $150 it will be fun to play with, and if you later decide to go CS2, well you are likely to get your $150 investment back when you sell it.

Regards,
John

Here's the listing

The cable with the green plug does indeed look like a connector to go between the CS1 and a booster. However, there's no sign of the transformer and the unit isn't shown working. The seller is excellent about refunds (I bought a shunter from them a few months ago which was DOA, a return had been accepted within an hour of my emailing about it), but obviously it's a hassle having to post it back if it doesn't work. Plus I'd have to rebuild my 49960 measuring coach as the CS1 can't address the original Motorola format, which looks like a lot of precision soldering and opportunity to bork it terminally. I think I'll leave this one, if anyone else is interested then I can heartily recommend the seller, he has a load of other Marklin stuff in his shop at very sane prices.

They write "Transformer Condition: 99.9% Mint - very little use comes with a British plug", but it can't harm to ask them if a transformer (and which one) is really included.

According to the manual the 60212 can control the 49960 coach (I don't have such a coach, therefore I cannot verify this).

It certainly looks like a complete set of cables. There is also a cable to connect to the C-Track connection where you would plug in an MS1, and I think the figure-8 cable is the cable to go to the power supply.

These will drive a 49960 or any of the other original Motorola format accessory devices. They always could do, it was just that with the v1 software they didn't have them set up in the menu. I remember running the 4999 Restaurant car when Gaugemaster first had the seminar when the Cs1 was first introduced. It did have problems as I don't think they had the mfx properly sorted so it didn't interfere with the original Motorola format, but later on these devices were included in the menu selection.

You chaps want me to buy this, don't you! [/joke]

I no longer have the "ugly box" from my MS1 (converted it to a conventional wired connection to use with the 6021 by pulling the box off and soldering a long two-core cable to the terminals under the track), so would have to obtain another. Unless the CS1 has terminals for plain wires?

Ok, I'm now onto "think about it for a couple of days before buying"!

I can't see any sign of those plugs, but there were part numbers in the manual Steven posted so they shouldn't be hard to find. I'll send the seller a message asking what cables are present and whether they've had it powered up, as it doesn't say anything about having tested it

Are the V2 versions a lot more reliable than the V1? Only I'm not willing to buy if they're as failure-prone as I remember them being at launch. This is a hefty chunk of my train budget so it needs to work.

Guessing these are the plugs? £10 or so isn't as bad as I was expecting.

I'll send them a message and ask if they've had it powered up/run a loco with it. Like I said, they were excellent when I bought a loco from them a few months ago which was DOA, so I wouldn't expect any problems but it's still much less hassle if I don't have to send it back.

I thought it might be a case of "If you buy the same item not in a Marklin bag it's cheaper".

Do the plugs have a technical name? Obviously typing "plugs" into Maplin or ebay produces an enormous pile of results!

So did you buy it, because I see it has now sold on eBay?