Hi friends.

I have assembled a simple maintenance guide as an A4 document, that I have placed in the CS English manual as page 42A. Especially the firmware update section is not a daily routine. Hope that you find it of some use too. [8)]

Notes:
.. My PC/CS connection is via a router with DHCP using a "straight through" cable.
.. Direct connection to the pc nw card requires a "cross over" cable!
.. A v1 nw card has a yellow led instead of the red led on the v2 nw card.
.. If no DHCP is available, follow § 7.2.2 (page 41).
.. The IP, Gateway and Mask values may well differ in your system.



<u>Märklin Central Station Maintenance</u>

General
A. Backup
B. Restore
C. Firmware Update

General:

Connect the CS to a Router port.
The red led on the CS side must be illuminated constantly if the connection is in order.
Enter the Setup menu in the CS.
Enter the Network setup in the Setup menu.
The DHCP server assigns an IP address if the box has a check mark. (Make sure it has).
Take a note of the assigned IP address: 10.0.1.x
Check that Gateway holds 10.0.1.1 and Mask holds 255.255.255.0
Exit by tick mark.
Re-enter if no IP address was assigned in the first place.
On the browser address line type http://10.0.1.x.
Wait for the Märklin Menu screen to appear on the PC and displays Current Settings.

A. Backup.

Select Store Configuration from the Navigation Area.
Choose Store Settings in the control screen area.
Click Save in the File download pop-up window.
Browse to your choice-folder - press Save.

B. Restore

Select Restore Configuration from the Navigation Area.
Browse to your choice-folder and select the backup file to restore.
Click Send. Wait for the message: File transferred successfully.

C. Firmware update

Do a backup as per A. above.
Download the announced update file to your choice-folder from: http://www.maerklin.de/systems/index2.html
Select Firmware update from the Navigation Area.
Search the downloaded update file from your choice-folder.
Pressing the Send button starts the update.
- Do not disturb the Central Station during the update --
- Wait for a normal shut down and start up of the CS (up to 15 minutes).
- <u>Still wait </u>for the message “Wait for Bus Device update” to appear/disappear from the screen.
- Connect the MS to the CS and wait for “Wait for Bus Device update” to appear/disappear.
End

"[size=2]Real men never take backup!" [:0]
David, at least for some months yet! See this note from Märklin:

»We are currently out of the hardware needed to complete the update and expect to get our next shipment in May or June. Please check back in May for more information about when the update program will resume.«

Otherwise you ought to take the offer of the free update. I remember you saying, that you would probably buy a new starter set to get the V2 CS. So do that before the offer ends and send the old one for update. When it eventually is returned you have a spare one. So a breakdown will not leave you for months without running your trains, unless of course you have the older control system 6021 as backup.

Have you done the most important thing ???

That is apply protection to the touch screen to prevent scratches !

By Clapcott: »Real men are not afraid to do backups because they know how to perform a restore AND have tested it.«

You are of course right. I was just referring to and old saying from the EDP child-hood.

-

By Frostie: »That is apply protection to the touch screen to prevent scratches!«

Sorry, what would that be
I have a long scratch across the screen already! [B)]
-

By Gkar: »Does that mean that there is no way to update at the present time? I am guessing that I should wait until May to send my old CS for the update?«

That's how I understand it, but please do consult your dealer now if not done already. It might be a good idea to have your CS registered somehow for a due update.

This goes for you as well, David. As I recall the offer from märklin (not the actual doing of it) ended dec. 31. I don't know, but I should think that M* has extended that date due to the lack of parts situation.

Here come the next fake ... [xx(]
Ya better start looking for an hotel room near court house, Per

Benny: As you mentioned this is page 42A in your CS manual now. Can you put this in an html or PDF document and send us the link? I would like to print it and insert it. BTW, I am happy to cut and paste to print, but it never hurts to ask nicely.--MM

Far from, John as you can see on my next post! [:I]

Hi All: A PDF with the information from Benny is now at the following URL:
http://www.cs.fsu.edu/~m...ion_mit_Update_60212.pdf

Than you Benny.--MM

For your info:

Panasonic has a very good protective film, meant for their Toughbook CF-18. CF-18 (currently updated to CF-19) is a rugged PC with a 10,5" touchscreen. The film can of course be cut down to the proper size to fit the CS. Panasonic part number CF-VPF08U.

The only disadvantage is the price. I paied approx Euro 100 for my film, which I also used for the displays on several digital cameras.