Hello,
I am planning to buy Marklin 60113 Digital controller box. I know Marklin 74041 FCC interference pack is required in the US.

My 2 questions??
1) Does 60113 come with a connector ready for 74041??
2) Is it absolutely necessary to use 74041 in the USA, if in case the 60113 I buy doesn't come with connector ready for 74041???

Eagerly waiting for your suggestions

VJ

I recently purchased a starter set which included the MS2 (60653) and 60113 Connector box. It came with the 74041 Interference filter already wired in. A quick check of images on the internet shows that the 74041 Interference Filter comes with the connector (the green thing opposite the wires). The connector probably does not come with the MS2 (60653), except maybe the very newest builds. But I doubt it, since the 74041 is only required in the US.

About the 74041 being absolutely necessary. Technically yes. In order for the 60113 to be used in the US, it must be used with all included devices. Märklin had to have the unit certified, and in order to get the unit certified, they had to install the 74041 inline with the 60113. And technically, since the 60113 had to for some reason be re-certified, YOU are responsible to meet the new certification requirements, if you intend to use the unit (60113).

The FCC does have some overly strict rules about interference. They can make things difficult, excessively so, for manufacturers. But manufacturers and consumers have little choice.

In reality, as far as using it. If your MS2 (60113) did not come with it, don't use it. If your MS2 (60113) did come with it, you should use it. Personally, the first thing that I did (actually not the first thing, the first thing was to see if it fit under C track, which it does not) was to remove it and install the regular C track connectors on the wires from the 60113.

I did keep it, so that if by some odd chance there was an interference complaint linked to this MS2, I can reinstall it.

So, in the end, I would say, "use 'em if ya got 'em". If not, the "I didn't know I needed it" defense would be best. It's a fifteen dollars I wouldn't spend unless forced to at gunpoint.

Rodger