yesterday I had a visit to a Marklin dealer. He showed me the new decoders in their original packaging.
By comparison with same kind of items from other manufacturers on the market , I was just impressed : all is veeeery clean. I had a close examination of the ref 60924 mLD decoder, all is made to give the user an easy access and clear understanding of the "thing" : nice grey box with compartments, to accompagny the decoder with a separate connector circuit board is a great idea. It is a 21 poles connector, all the wires are soldered (clean work),there is a plastic plate (well known model) and a screw for isolation (if needed)...

Above all,... the reason why I open this topic is the instruction manual.
The first time in my life I've seen such a complete and clear manual for a MRR decoder. I have read it completely. Many explanations, good explanations about... everything! Clear & useful shematics, good text, how and why about each point: connection, wiring, installation, use, etc.... This is also the first time I read a PERFECT, pleasant and accurate French translation in a Marklin instruction manual.**** The English translation seems to be in the same vein... Marklin really has made an effort.

About the tuning of CV's :.
For FX and DCC all CV's are there. For each CV there is an explanation. (clear & complete)
For Fx (motorola) CV's from N°1 to N°75 (if my memory serves me correctly)
For DCC , all CV's from CV N°1 to CV N°455 (.
For MFX, they stay in the spirit of MFX : no need to create an adress, automatic registering all is on the CS2 .
Good product.....+ smart & sweet price.

**** PS : On Insider Magazine N° 6, it was the first time I noticed a perfect French Translation as well. It seems that Marklin are dealing with some truly professionnal translators now... good news !

(anyway....I open topics only about positive points & the Marklin items I liked....I rarely open topics about things that are not for my liking - )

Edited by user 19 December 2011 11:01:36(UTC)  | Reason: Not specified

I am heavily invested in ESU decoders and have an ECoS, Lokprogrammer, and test stand, so I won't be buying any of the new decoders.

With that being said, I think it is awesome that Marklin is producing these kits. I have a few friends that will want to take advantage of these.

I recently posted how impressed I was at the new motor upgrade kits. I just upgraded two 20+ year old analog loks with new motor parts, lights, sockets, decoders, etc. Now they are digital and run great!

How many other companies would produce upgrade kits for models that haven't been made for years?

Thanks Marklin!

Yeah - all the other companies have been using DC motors for decades and don't have to provide motor conversion kits.
Most other companies have been using decoder sockets for years and don't have to provide replacement PCBs for old locos.

The sound option for the BR 185 was announced in 2004. Now, when nobody expected it any more, they release it in 2011.

With Märklin, availability of spare parts for old models is still good (but was better a few years ago).

The "fluff" piece was only to say that the whole range of Marklin decoders is now available in shops, also to tell about the quality of the instruction manual with it's quality of information....specially in foreign languages...(probably in German too)
Have you seen the poor quality of the manual of instruction of most decoder-manufacturers these last 10 years + their lack of information ?
I'm hopeless in electronics & digital things....For someone like me, the day I'll convert some of my "old" Loks into MFX protocole , the quality of the leaflet is reassuring.
...

the link above doesn't work for me....

Hi Roland,

Did you mean the 60942, which is one of the decoders recently released?

To be honest, I have never bothered with any upgrades before.
But there are some nice older Marklin locos out there, with impeccable mechanisms, highly recommended by many analogue users, and they are just begging to be upgraded with sound and/or other functions.

I for one, will be highly interested in this progress. Marklin to my way of thinking, have encouraged real progress in this hobby. They have indicated their commitment, and at the same time, proven their support for their oldest customers.

Because of these new Marklin releases, I have already taken steps toward my first upgrade, and it is an all-Marklin loco and an all-Marklin upgrade. I am too old to be messing with them myself, or with brands other than Marklin. (My apologies to all you clever people out there who have successfully done many upgrades using other equipment, I respect your abilities. As shown by John (river6109), many work brilliantly).

Thank you, Marklin.

regards
Kimball

Even if we are making German, US, Swiss, Belgian, any type of foreign Railways, I wonder if there is a possibility for Marklin to provide station announcements translated in our native language....
At least to give us the choice to load the announcements in a choosen language.It may be beside the original announcement or in place of it...As a french , even with my era 3 German trains on my layout having announcements in French should be more pleasant (just because I don't speak German )...

Edited by user 23 December 2011 10:18:44(UTC)  | Reason: Not specified

Some more information on these decoders from the latest Digital Newsletter.



New Decoders
The new digital decoders which have been presented in an earlier newsletter are beginning to
be delivered. Some of these decoders allow for sound editing through the CS2. If you have an
interest in these decoders you should review the new web page from Märklin:

http://www.maerklin.de/d...tes/standard-sounds.html


A manual accompanies each decoder with detailed information on installation and editing of
CVs in formats that include: MM2, MFX, and DCC. The text is in both German and English. Below is
the introduction from the manual:

Using the Product as Intended
The decoders are for converting Märklin/Trix H0 locomotives to digital.
! Not suitable for motors with field-wound coils. Locomotives with these motors must be converted
with the appropriate motor retrofit kits, item numbers 60941, 60943, or 60944.

! Important: The following locomotives have locomotive-specific decoders and cannot be converted
with this decoder.

26410
26453
26490
26557
26561
26562
29094 (only E 94)
29440 (only E 10)
29500 (only E 50)
37010
37011
37044
37226
37227
37239
37274
37275
37321
37346
37403
37404
37435
37485
37501
37504
37505
37530
37542
37573
37574
37575
37580
37581
37607
37733
37790
37791
37867
37940
37941
37993
39014
39022
39051
39081
39110
39123
39140
39185
39303
39340
39343
39390
39392
39393
39399
39404
39441
39563
39564
39565
39643
39836
39837
39838
39896
39972
39986


Contents as Delivered
1 Decoder
1 Circuit board with an 8-pin connector
1 Speaker small
1 Speaker big
1 Adhesive pad Installation instructions Warranty card



Tools also needed for the installation procedure include: regular and cross-point screwdrivers,
tweezers, and soldering station with a maximum soldering temperature of up to 30
watts / 300˚Celsius / 572˚Fahrenheit with a fine tip, soldering
flux for electronics (0.5 - 1 mm / 0.02” - 0.04” diameter), desoldering braid or a de-soldering
pump.

Technical Information
• Continuous current load at the motor output ≤ 1.1 amps
• Current load at the light outputs ≤ 250 milliamps
• Current load at AUX 1 - AUX 2 each ≤ 250 milliamps
• Current load at AUX + lights (total) ≤ 300 milliamps
• Current load for motor and AUX 5/6 ≤ 1.1 amps
• Maximum total load ≤ 1.6 amps
• Maximum voltage ≤ 40 volts
• Sound performance (at 4 Ω /8 Ω) 2.3 watts / 1.2 watts
• Short circuit and overload protection at the outputs lights front (LV), lights rear (LH), AUX 1 -
AUX 2 and at the motor outputs.

Functions
The mSD Sound Decoder is a sound decoder with very extensive setting and adaptation possibilities.
Additional sound functions are available. This decoder can be updated. The requirement for this is
an appropriate controller (60213/60214/60215 Central Station, software Version 2.0, track format
processor GFP 2.0 or higher). The settings and digital functions can only be used in digital
operation. However, the same possibilities are not available in all protocols. These instructions
describe the installation and the possible settings for the 60948 and 60949 decoders. Unless
otherwise stated, the functions refer to decoders 60945/60946/60947/ 60965/60966/60967 .
• Capable of multi-protocols (fx (MM), mfx, DCC, and AC/DC).
• Automatic system recognition. The address assigned to each system must be used for operation.
• Acceleration and braking delay can be set separately from each other. Any function button desired
can be assigned using the function mapping.
• Typical sound backdrops for diesel and electric locomotives are included.
• Variable motor feedback control is available in digital as well as in analog operation.
• 6090, 60901, DC, and can motors with bell-shaped armatures are supported. Its necessary to see
the table on page 2. These locomotives can not be converted with this set.
• Function mapping included.
• Can be updated with the CS2 (Software 2.0, track format processor GFP 2.0 or higher).
• Programming on the Main (PoM) this type of programming must be supported by the controller.
Please note the instructions for your controller when doing this.
• Switching range can be set.
• Braking / signal stopping block recognition is available in digital operation.


Multi-Protocol Operation


Analog Operation
This decoder can also be operated on analog layouts or areas of track that are analog. The decoder
recognizes alternating current or direct current voltage (AC/DC) and automatically adapts to the
analog track voltage. All functions that were set under mfx or DCC for analog operation are active.



Digital Operation
The mSD sound decoders are multi-protocol decoders. These decoders can be used under the following
digital protocols: mfx, DCC, fx (MM). The digital protocol with the most possibilities is the
highest order digital protocol. The sequence of digital protocols in descending order is:
Priority 1: mfx Priority 2: DCC Priority 3: fx (MM)
Note: Digital protocols can influence each other. For trouble free operation, we recommend
deactivating those digital protocols not needed by using CV 50. Deactivate unneeded digital
protocols at this CV if your controller supports this function. If two or more digital protocols
are recognized in the track, the decoder automatically takes on the highest order digital protocol,
example: mfx/DCC; the decoder takes on the mfx digital protocol (see previous table).

Note: Please note that not all functions are possible in all digital protocols. Several settings
for functions, which are supposed to be active in analog operation, can be done under mfx and DCC.

Braking / Signal Stopping Block (MM, fx, mfx)
The braking module essentially applies DC voltage to the track. If the decoder recognizes a DC
voltage of this kind in the track, it brakes with the delay that has been set. If the decoder
recognizes a digital protocol again, it accelerates at the speed that has been set. If automatic
recognition in braking areas is to be used, we recommend shutting the DC operation off (see CV
description).

mfx Protocol


Addresses
• No address is required; each decoder is given a onetime, unique identifier (UID).
• The decoder automatically registers itself on a Central Station or a Mobile Station with its UID.


Programming
• The characteristics can be programmed using the graphic screen on the Central Station or also
partially with the Mobile Station.
• All of the Configuration Variables (CV) can be read and programmed repeatedly.
• The programming can be done either on the main track or the programming track.
• The default settings (factory settings) can be produced repeatedly.
• Function mapping: Functions can be assigned to any of the function buttons with the help of the
60212 Central Station (with limitations) and with the 60213/60214/60215 Central Station (See help
section in the Central Station).

fx (Motorola) Protocol

Addresses
• 4 addresses (a main address and 3 consecutive addresses)
• Address range: 1 - 255 depending on the controller / central controller
• The main address can be programmed manually.
• The consecutive addresses can be turned on, turned off, set and can be programmed manually or
automatically.
• All 16 functions can be controlled by means of the four addresses.


Programming
• The characteristics can be programmed for the decoder can be programmed repeatedly using the
programming for the Configuration Variables (CV). Reading the CVs is not possible.
• The CV numbers and the CV values are entered directly.
• Program the CVs only on the programming track.
• The default settings (factory settings) can be produced repeatedly.
• 14 or 27 speed levels can be programmed.
• The first four functions and the lights can always be controlled by means of the first address;
additional functions can be used, depending on the consecutive addresses.
• All of the settings from the function mapping for mfx or DCC programming are taken on for fx
(Motorola).
• Automatic recognition corresponding to the active additional or consecutive addresses. What is
recognized is whether the function can be turned on or off continuously by means of a consecutive
address. This function mapping can only be determined in the mfx or DCC protocol.
• See the CV description for the fx protocol for additional information.

DCC Protocol
Addresses
• Short address - long address - multiple unit address
• Address range:
1 - 127 for short address and multiple unit address,
1 - 10239 for long address
• Every address can be programmed manually.
• A short or a long address is selected using the CVs.
• A multiple unit address that is being used deactivates the standard address.

Programming
• The characteristics can be changed repeatedly using the Configuration Variables (CV).
• The CV numbers and the CV values are entered directly.
• The CVs can be read and programmed repeatedly. (Programming is done on the programming track.)
• The CVs can be programmed in any order desired. (Programming can be done on the main track PoM).
The PoM can only be done with those designated in the CV table. Programming on the main track PoM
must be supported by your central controller (Please see the description for this unit).
• The default settings (factory settings) can be produced repeatedly.
• 14/28 or 126 speed levels can be set.
• All of the functions can be controlled according to the function mapping (see CV description).
• See the CV description for the DCC protocol for additional information.
We recommend that in general programming should be done on the programming track.

I take that to mean the normal SFCM/LFCM/DCM AC analog motors which use a field wound coil.

The next sentence says that "Locomotives with these motors must be converted
with the appropriate motor retrofit kits, item numbers 60941, 60943, or 60944."


60941, 60943, and 60944 are the motor conversion kits for DCM/SFCM/LFCM analog motors.

So does that mean that users who have an old loco with the normal SFCM/LFCM/DCM AC analog motors, must;

1) First change the motor with a 60941, 60943, or 60944 motor conversion kit

Then

2) Convert the operation to digital using one of these conversion kits ?


Is there such a thing as a conversion schedule, which clearly shows the conversion options for each locomotive ever made?

Maybe this file will help:
http://www.digitaltog.dk...Maerklin_Digital_lok.pdf

Note that motor parts from 60941 are the same as 60901, same for xxxx3 and xxxx4.
Also note that some locos came in different versions (e.g. SFCM at first, later DCM). So when the list says 60903 or 60904, make sure your model has a flat collector motor (FCM) and not the newer DCM.

The very point, Tom

For the protection of their system (say: money !!!) M never gave us those useful sockets.
And today (with a few 100,000 locos made in the past decades) it won't matter, anyway ...

Dave,
Damn if I can program these locos, I've tried and tried with different ways and the recommended recipe from ESU and gave up in the end,
Unless I've been spoiled by the 5 pole conversion set but I would use, ok there is extra cost involved, these sets anytime and recommend it.
Unless I can come with a solution these cheaper conversions will be laid to rest on a backburner for the time being.

John

Thanks Tom

According to the manual you get AUX2 with F8, AUX3 with F5 and AUX4 with F6.

With a CS or ECoS you can change the function mapping. With Swiss locos I often use LF, LR, AUX1, and AUX2 for the Swiss light change. With function mapping you can have F0 control those four outputs as you need it.

If the loco was wired for Swiss light functions with only two outputs, then you should be able to still use that - and you get the light change with only F0.

Probably AUX1 through AUX4 are unused with this loco, so activating them will have no visible impact.

Did you just plug the decoder into the existing circuit board of the loco? Or did you install the circuit board that came with the decoder?

Hi again, if you look at my album, you will see the photos and hopefully my dilemma.

Thanks Tom, I will see if I can work out where to solder them to, that sounds a lot simpler.

Thanks for all your help, the penny finally dropped and I worked it out just plugging in the new decoder to replace the old one and soldering the speaker wires into the old circuit board, works perfectly now. Finding a spot for the speaker was challenging though. I don't think I could have done it with supplied circuit board as there weren't enough outputs for all the head/rear lights.