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Offline Rocca  
#1 Posted : 19 March 2005 18:05:31(UTC)
Rocca

Italy   
Joined: 28/01/2004(UTC)
Posts: 632
Hi friends,

Days ago in the Märklin Insider Forum I read a thread about analog vs. digital. I suppose that the analog control have advantages especially in old layout, as it is mine, with M-track. What do you think?? confusedconfused

Best regards
Stefano
Offline rschaffr  
#2 Posted : 19 March 2005 18:37:24(UTC)
rschaffr

United States   
Joined: 03/01/2003(UTC)
Posts: 5,181
Location: Southern New Jersey, USA
The type of track is not important. Digital works excellently with M-track. The issue is the type of operations you prefer. Digital offers the advantage of not having to block for operating several loks on the same layout. I used to accomplish this with running one from catenary and one from the track. Within digital, then you have two camps...manual control and computer control.
-Ron
Digital, Epoch IV-V(K-track/CS3/6021Connect/60216051), Epoch III(C-track/6021/6036/6051)
http://www.sem-co.com/~rschaffr/trains/trains.html
Offline verheyen  
#3 Posted : 19 March 2005 20:19:33(UTC)
verheyen


Joined: 25/01/2004(UTC)
Posts: 639
Location: ,
Analog works great, even with my new C-track. Love the simplicity and can do without all the bells and whistles (literally), even though much of what I have is digital now.

Peter

Quote:
[size=1" face="Verdana" id="quote]quote:Originally posted by Rocca
<br />Hi friends,

Days ago in the Märklin Insider Forum I read a thread about analog vs. digital. I suppose that the analog control have advantages especially in old layout, as it is mine, with M-track. What do you think?? confusedconfused

Best regards
Stefano


Offline Rocca  
#4 Posted : 19 March 2005 20:45:44(UTC)
Rocca

Italy   
Joined: 28/01/2004(UTC)
Posts: 632
Hi Ron,

The question of the bolck for operating several loks in my opinion too is central and for someone it may seem troublesome create section in the layout, but if we speak about the control of the possible operation, as you write, I'm sure that the analog control offer a great fun. Anyway if we use the catenary too, we can have a lot of indipendent loks which run in our layout. The digital control, instead, is generally overdimensioned because we cannot run simultaneously all the locks in a layout. Isn't?

Best regards
Stefano
Offline Rocca  
#5 Posted : 19 March 2005 20:49:57(UTC)
Rocca

Italy   
Joined: 28/01/2004(UTC)
Posts: 632
Hi Peter,

Yes, you are right!! Smile and all digital loks work very well in analog mode too. Years ago instead I remember that it wasn't possible to have the light [xx(], for example. Now all is possible...

Best regards
Stefano
Quote:
[size=1" face="Verdana" id="quote]quote:Originally posted by verheyen
<br />Analog works great, even with my new C-track. Love the simplicity and can do without all the bells and whistles (literally), even though much of what I have is digital now.

Peter

Quote:
[size=1" face="Verdana" id="quote]quote:Originally posted by Rocca
<br />Hi friends,




Offline David Dewar  
#6 Posted : 19 March 2005 21:46:23(UTC)
David Dewar

Scotland   
Joined: 01/02/2004(UTC)
Posts: 7,448
Location: Scotland
Digital is the best way to go and is the system of the present and future. In a few years it is unlikely any analogue product will be available. Drive the train not the track as the adverts say.
David
Take care I like Marklin and will defend the worlds greatest model rail manufacturer.
Offline RayF  
#7 Posted : 20 March 2005 00:09:25(UTC)
RayF

Gibraltar   
Joined: 14/03/2005(UTC)
Posts: 15,870
Location: Gibraltar, Europe
I run my layout digitally with a delta control, but I still have some analogue locos which I have not yet converted.

After running in digital mode (even without the functions), I find it so much harder when I return to analogue.

The main advantage that I find is that, when you stop one loco and want to run another, you don't have to find a dead track to park it in. This is even more of an advantage on a small layout like mine.

I often park 2 or 3 locos in one siding, while running another 2. Try doing that in analogue!

Ray
Ray
Mostly Marklin.Selection of different eras and European railways
Small C track layout, control by MS2, 100+ trains but run 4-5 at a time.
Offline franciscohg  
#8 Posted : 20 March 2005 02:52:58(UTC)
franciscohg

Chile   
Joined: 10/07/2002(UTC)
Posts: 3,298
Location: Patagonia
Hi, i think that all modes have its advantages, it is true that you can achieve more complexes things in an easier way with digital, but i think at last the important thing it's to have fun with your trains wether in digital or analog, and that is a matter of personal choice.....
You can always have analog and digital sections on a layout.........
UserPostedImage German trains era I-II and selected III, era depends on the mood, mostly Maerklin but i can be heretic if needed XD, heresy is no longer an issue.. LOL
Offline McLae  
#9 Posted : 20 March 2005 05:29:30(UTC)
McLae


Joined: 16/07/2002(UTC)
Posts: 1,575
Location: DeSoto (Dallas area), TX
The Analog Loks use the same current limits as digital on max number of Loks in motion at one time. In some cases, the digital and analog can have the same trafo. (I did that!)

You can also have analog blocks on a digital layout. I have that on the layout I am now building.
If you like to start the trains and let everything run hands-off, analog and digital makes no difference. If you like to have the throttle in your hane, only digital will do.

I am digital (IB) and not going back.
The McLae
IB digital, DB, OBB, SBB epII-V
Providing a home for little lost 'Gators
Offline Rocca  
#10 Posted : 20 March 2005 13:51:09(UTC)
Rocca

Italy   
Joined: 28/01/2004(UTC)
Posts: 632
Quote:
[size=1" face="Verdana" id="quote]quote:Originally posted by RayPayas
<br />I run my layout digitally with a delta control, but I still have some analogue locos which I have not yet converted.
......
I often park 2 or 3 locos in one siding, while running another 2. Try doing that in analogue!

Ray


Hi Ray,

Sure! it is an advantage, but the question is that you can have in a layout only a limitated number of loks...[8)] and so [^]!!!!

Best regards
Stefano
Offline RayF  
#11 Posted : 20 March 2005 17:40:12(UTC)
RayF

Gibraltar   
Joined: 14/03/2005(UTC)
Posts: 15,870
Location: Gibraltar, Europe
Hi Stefano,

Of course you are right in saying that there is a limit to the number of locos on the layout. On mine (as you can see in my layout diagram in the thread with my layout pictures), I can only usually run 2 trains, with another two waiting in the sidings. For this reason Delta suits me fine.Smile

I have 21 locos, which I have divided into four groups depending on which part of the layout I am most likely to run them, and the four groups each have their Delta address:

Delta address 1.Outer track passenger locos
Delta address 2.Inner track passenger locos
Delta address 3.Freight locos
Delta address 4.Small or shunting locos

This arrangement sometimes restricts my choice of loco and I can't choose 2 with the same address, but the solution is 2 minutes work with a small screwdriver.wink

Having said all this, I do have dead sections controlled by signals, which means that I occasionally go analogue for the fun of it, and also to give my unconverted old locos some track time.

This is how I work my layout, and probably wouldn't suit many others. What do you thinkconfused
Ray
Mostly Marklin.Selection of different eras and European railways
Small C track layout, control by MS2, 100+ trains but run 4-5 at a time.
Offline rschaffr  
#12 Posted : 20 March 2005 18:00:23(UTC)
rschaffr

United States   
Joined: 03/01/2003(UTC)
Posts: 5,181
Location: Southern New Jersey, USA
I run my layout with digital/computer control. I have had 8 loks running at the same time. I am currently modifying my (home grown) control software to allow me to run one lok manually while the others are under computer control. The computer will keep track of where my manual lok is and adjust the others accordingly. I just have to make sure I don't run the manual one into another stopped train.
-Ron
Digital, Epoch IV-V(K-track/CS3/6021Connect/60216051), Epoch III(C-track/6021/6036/6051)
http://www.sem-co.com/~rschaffr/trains/trains.html
Offline Rocca  
#13 Posted : 20 March 2005 18:28:24(UTC)
Rocca

Italy   
Joined: 28/01/2004(UTC)
Posts: 632
Hi Ray,

Your solution is very interesting. Can you switch delta control and analog one or must you connect the wiring every time?
Bye bye
Stefano
Offline RayF  
#14 Posted : 20 March 2005 21:39:44(UTC)
RayF

Gibraltar   
Joined: 14/03/2005(UTC)
Posts: 15,870
Location: Gibraltar, Europe
Hi Stefano,

No switch. I physically change the Delta controller for the analogue transformer. Just 2 wires to changeSmile.

The unused controller gets left to one side with the power off.

Ray
Ray
Mostly Marklin.Selection of different eras and European railways
Small C track layout, control by MS2, 100+ trains but run 4-5 at a time.
Offline Rocca  
#15 Posted : 21 March 2005 10:48:53(UTC)
Rocca

Italy   
Joined: 28/01/2004(UTC)
Posts: 632
Hi Ray,

Thank you very much for the answer! I want to connect, instead, all the system to a switch.

Best regards
Stefano
Offline john black  
#16 Posted : 21 March 2005 10:56:24(UTC)
john black

United States   
Joined: 22/04/2004(UTC)
Posts: 12,139
Location: New York, NY
Quote:
[size=1" face="Verdana" id="quote]quote:Originally posted by franciscohg
<br />You can always have analog and digital sections on a layout ...


Stefano: Francisco's advice [:p] is surely the very best way to go if you like BOTH worlds. Time ago I followed his great advice never to regret - level I of my layout is analog, level II is digital Smile

Francisco: Visited your site again - WOW, your layout grows just NICELY [:p][:p][:p] !!!

John

I hope no one visits a poor Southener's layout in Brooklyn. Intruders beware of Gators.
AT&SF, D&RGW, T&P, SP, WP, UP, BN, NYC, ARR, epI-III - analog & digital Marklin Classics only.
CU#6021 FX-MOTOROLA DIGITAL SYSTEM. Fast as lightning and no trouble. What else ...
Outlaw Member of BIG JUHAN's OUTSIDER CLUB. With the most members, worldwide

Offline MärCo  
#17 Posted : 21 March 2005 14:48:19(UTC)
MärCo


Joined: 06/03/2005(UTC)
Posts: 1,159
Location: The Netherlands
I have a layout with mainly C track, but also M and K track. I did always use a analog layout, but at present I am rebuilding to digital. The present layout has a minimum space beneath( only 15 cm), which make it difficult to apply wires.
The lighting of houses is seperate, and this I will retain that way.
Absolutly AFB-NOHAB fan ;-)
Offline Rocca  
#18 Posted : 21 March 2005 15:27:37(UTC)
Rocca

Italy   
Joined: 28/01/2004(UTC)
Posts: 632
Hi John,

I have analog locos, which i'd like to let so and it is the the way because I'd prefer a switching digital/analog system. Anyway, with the old digitl system Märklin requires the rocker insulator n. 38555 (for M-tracks): what about the new Mobile Station?

Best regards
Stefano
Offline Guus  
#19 Posted : 21 March 2005 21:22:51(UTC)
Guus

Netherlands   
Joined: 13/10/2004(UTC)
Posts: 2,616
Hi Stefano,

The only thing I know is that the new Systems and "old" digital don't go together.

Guus.
Kind regards,
Guus
Offline john black  
#20 Posted : 21 March 2005 21:54:21(UTC)
john black

United States   
Joined: 22/04/2004(UTC)
Posts: 12,139
Location: New York, NY
Quote:
[size=1" face="Verdana" id="quote]quote:Originally posted by Rocca
<br />Hi John ... I'd prefer a switching digital/analog system


Stefano: I would never mix such cocktail - in case of a "shorty" some of your expensive digital parts can go up in blue smoke ... [xx(]

Best Regards
John

I hope no one visits a poor Southener's layout in Brooklyn. Intruders beware of Gators.
AT&SF, D&RGW, T&P, SP, WP, UP, BN, NYC, ARR, epI-III - analog & digital Marklin Classics only.
CU#6021 FX-MOTOROLA DIGITAL SYSTEM. Fast as lightning and no trouble. What else ...
Outlaw Member of BIG JUHAN's OUTSIDER CLUB. With the most members, worldwide

Offline Rocca  
#21 Posted : 22 March 2005 13:25:12(UTC)
Rocca

Italy   
Joined: 28/01/2004(UTC)
Posts: 632
Hi John,

Neither I would like to have a "shorty"!!!, so I appreciate very much your suggestion: I'll never mix the system...

Thank you very much for the help
Best regards
Stefano
Offline Rocca  
#22 Posted : 22 March 2005 15:46:33(UTC)
Rocca

Italy   
Joined: 28/01/2004(UTC)
Posts: 632
Quote:
[size=1" face="Verdana" id="quote]quote:Originally posted by john black
<br />You can always have analog and digital sections on a layout ...



Tell me, John, please!! How are connected level I and level II in your layout??

Best regards
Stefano
Offline haherrem  
#23 Posted : 22 March 2005 16:14:46(UTC)
haherrem


Joined: 17/11/2004(UTC)
Posts: 31
Location: ,
Hi all,

I can change my (small) layout from analogue to digital operation by means of one switch. I must admit that most of the time the switch is in the "analogue-mode" biggrin. I agree, you can't compare the level of detailling of the 60's/70's/80's-oldies with the new models. But in operating terms the oldies are unbeatable. Even after +20 years of service they function 100%. And I simply like the sound of any LFCM-loco (or 3015(9) croc!) better then that of any digital loco M. produced over the last 20 or so years. My humble advice: should you spot an old E18 (3023/24) at a swapmeet or 2nd hand shop, go for it. Compare it's running to any newer E18 and you'll know what I mean.

Best regards,
Hans
Nothing is better then a solid metal 3015
Offline Rocca  
#24 Posted : 22 March 2005 17:35:51(UTC)
Rocca

Italy   
Joined: 28/01/2004(UTC)
Posts: 632
Hi Hans,

You are right!!! The sound of the oldies is fantastic...a really good thing.

Best regards
Stefano
Offline john black  
#25 Posted : 22 March 2005 17:40:02(UTC)
john black

United States   
Joined: 22/04/2004(UTC)
Posts: 12,139
Location: New York, NY
Quote:
[size=1" face="Verdana" id="quote]quote:Originally posted by Rocca
<br />Tell me, John, please!! How are connected level I and level II in your layout??


Stefano: Always wanted both worlds, but the two levels are NOT connected - never were, to avoid any kind of trouble [}:)] !!!
More than that, with no acres of space available (whole area is 2,00 meters x 1,5 meters only) construction of two levels was imperative, somehow ... [:I]

ANALOG LEVEL I (Ground level):
3 separated track ovals (R1,R2,R3) for 3(4) trains running simultaneously, plus parking lots for 3 additional trains. 4 transformers (#4 feeds the cat above track #3)

DIGITAL LEVEL II (Highline, 25cm above level I):
A small double oval (R1,R2) for 2 trains running simultaneously, plus parking lots for 2 additional trains and 8 additional locos. Operated by CU6021 & 60VA transformer

I'll push the topic with the pictures up for you (same HO Forum), although most of the parking lots still were not built when the shooting took place (some new pictures wouldn't be bad) - but perhaps you get the idea ... [:p]

Best Regards Smile
John

I hope no one visits a poor Southener's layout in Brooklyn. Intruders beware of Gators.
AT&SF, D&RGW, T&P, SP, WP, UP, BN, NYC, ARR, epI-III - analog & digital Marklin Classics only.
CU#6021 FX-MOTOROLA DIGITAL SYSTEM. Fast as lightning and no trouble. What else ...
Outlaw Member of BIG JUHAN's OUTSIDER CLUB. With the most members, worldwide

Offline Rocca  
#26 Posted : 22 March 2005 20:21:39(UTC)
Rocca

Italy   
Joined: 28/01/2004(UTC)
Posts: 632
Hi John,

Oh!! I know!! I'll plan my level II next days: really wonderful and exciting. It will solve a lot of questions, which were in mine mind..

Best regards
Stefano
Offline Rocca  
#27 Posted : 22 March 2005 20:27:39(UTC)
Rocca

Italy   
Joined: 28/01/2004(UTC)
Posts: 632
Hi John,

I see your layout in the forum!! It is very impressive!! Congratulations!!!

Best regards
Stefano
Offline john black  
#28 Posted : 22 March 2005 21:05:13(UTC)
john black

United States   
Joined: 22/04/2004(UTC)
Posts: 12,139
Location: New York, NY
Thank you, Stefano - this was my very first try in 2003 (after been without [:0]!!! MRR since 1965 ...). It is nothing, but all technical sections work perfectly well & troublefree, and at least I had the possibility to build a small one just for myself - to play & have fun [:p] !!!

The next one - my little Grandson's Smile - will become somewhat better, somewhat bigger, somewhere in the future.
Must always look at Alberto's most impressive masterpieces of Antonio's beautyful art - these guys are "The Leonardo da Vincis of Modelrailroading" [:p][:p][:p] ... S I G H ... a new standard - it's sheer unbelieveable how beautyful a layout can be ...

Have Fun with your new one Smile
John

I hope no one visits a poor Southener's layout in Brooklyn. Intruders beware of Gators.
AT&SF, D&RGW, T&P, SP, WP, UP, BN, NYC, ARR, epI-III - analog & digital Marklin Classics only.
CU#6021 FX-MOTOROLA DIGITAL SYSTEM. Fast as lightning and no trouble. What else ...
Outlaw Member of BIG JUHAN's OUTSIDER CLUB. With the most members, worldwide

Offline RayF  
#29 Posted : 22 March 2005 22:03:52(UTC)
RayF

Gibraltar   
Joined: 14/03/2005(UTC)
Posts: 15,870
Location: Gibraltar, Europe
Hey John,

I just had a look at your layout pics.

What a great way of getting more track into a small space! Your layout measures only slightly wider than mine, but you can run a lot more trains.[^]

I think I'll try to include a separate 2nd level on my next layout, for my analogue locos. Thanks for the Idea.

Ray
Ray
Mostly Marklin.Selection of different eras and European railways
Small C track layout, control by MS2, 100+ trains but run 4-5 at a time.
Offline john black  
#30 Posted : 22 March 2005 22:31:03(UTC)
john black

United States   
Joined: 22/04/2004(UTC)
Posts: 12,139
Location: New York, NY
Thanks, Ray - but the idea came up only when there was no space left anymore biggrin

Best Regards to The Rock
John

post scriptum: cool profession - wow Cool

I hope no one visits a poor Southener's layout in Brooklyn. Intruders beware of Gators.
AT&SF, D&RGW, T&P, SP, WP, UP, BN, NYC, ARR, epI-III - analog & digital Marklin Classics only.
CU#6021 FX-MOTOROLA DIGITAL SYSTEM. Fast as lightning and no trouble. What else ...
Outlaw Member of BIG JUHAN's OUTSIDER CLUB. With the most members, worldwide

Offline RayF  
#31 Posted : 23 March 2005 00:29:17(UTC)
RayF

Gibraltar   
Joined: 14/03/2005(UTC)
Posts: 15,870
Location: Gibraltar, Europe
Quote:
[size=1" face="Verdana" id="quote]quote:post scriptum: cool profession - wow


No big deal. It's not as glamorous as it sounds.

A bit like Marklin digital control, but with satellites instead of locomotives... and the Central Control is WAY bigger.biggrin
Ray
Mostly Marklin.Selection of different eras and European railways
Small C track layout, control by MS2, 100+ trains but run 4-5 at a time.
Offline john black  
#32 Posted : 23 March 2005 15:03:41(UTC)
john black

United States   
Joined: 22/04/2004(UTC)
Posts: 12,139
Location: New York, NY
biggrinbiggrinbiggrin

I hope no one visits a poor Southener's layout in Brooklyn. Intruders beware of Gators.
AT&SF, D&RGW, T&P, SP, WP, UP, BN, NYC, ARR, epI-III - analog & digital Marklin Classics only.
CU#6021 FX-MOTOROLA DIGITAL SYSTEM. Fast as lightning and no trouble. What else ...
Outlaw Member of BIG JUHAN's OUTSIDER CLUB. With the most members, worldwide

Offline Rocca  
#33 Posted : 25 March 2005 18:16:36(UTC)
Rocca

Italy   
Joined: 28/01/2004(UTC)
Posts: 632
Hi friends,

I have another question to you, please!! I'm waiting for my Mobile Station, which doesn't arrive, but I would like to know how much long is the cable of the Mobile?

Thank you very much
Stefano
Offline john black  
#34 Posted : 25 March 2005 19:22:43(UTC)
john black

United States   
Joined: 22/04/2004(UTC)
Posts: 12,139
Location: New York, NY
About 1,5 meters, Stefano

Best Regards
John

I hope no one visits a poor Southener's layout in Brooklyn. Intruders beware of Gators.
AT&SF, D&RGW, T&P, SP, WP, UP, BN, NYC, ARR, epI-III - analog & digital Marklin Classics only.
CU#6021 FX-MOTOROLA DIGITAL SYSTEM. Fast as lightning and no trouble. What else ...
Outlaw Member of BIG JUHAN's OUTSIDER CLUB. With the most members, worldwide

Offline Rocca  
#35 Posted : 25 March 2005 19:53:56(UTC)
Rocca

Italy   
Joined: 28/01/2004(UTC)
Posts: 632
Quote:
[size=1" face="Verdana" id="quote]quote:Originally posted by john black
<br />About 1,5 meters, Stefano

Best Regards
John




Hi John,

Thank you very much!! Your answer in very useful for me because I'm organizing my control-desk....biggrinbiggrin
1.5 meters are perfect for my plans...[:p]

Best regards
Stefano
Offline john black  
#36 Posted : 25 March 2005 21:53:48(UTC)
john black

United States   
Joined: 22/04/2004(UTC)
Posts: 12,139
Location: New York, NY
Stefano, just measured cable lenghts on two different MS for you: precisely 170cm including plug

Have fun with your planning Smile
John

I hope no one visits a poor Southener's layout in Brooklyn. Intruders beware of Gators.
AT&SF, D&RGW, T&P, SP, WP, UP, BN, NYC, ARR, epI-III - analog & digital Marklin Classics only.
CU#6021 FX-MOTOROLA DIGITAL SYSTEM. Fast as lightning and no trouble. What else ...
Outlaw Member of BIG JUHAN's OUTSIDER CLUB. With the most members, worldwide

Offline Rocca  
#37 Posted : 26 March 2005 12:12:10(UTC)
Rocca

Italy   
Joined: 28/01/2004(UTC)
Posts: 632
Hi John,

You are really a gentleman!!
Thank you very much

Best regards
Stefano

Quote:
[size=1" face="Verdana" id="quote]quote:Originally posted by john black
<br />Stefano, just measured cable lenghts on two different MS for you: precisely 170cm including plug

Have fun with your planning Smile
John


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