Hi Chris, wellcome to the forum!

I am also using the 6021 on my layout, and I find it completely adequate for my purposes.

However, it looks as if Maerklin will no longer produce the 6021 in future. Some of the accessories as the 6051 interface module have already disappeared. The reason is that, of course, they want to sell us the new Central station. Another reason is that some of the chips, e.g. the control chip of the 6051 interface, is no longer available by Motorola.

So, what can we do to get a 6021 or the various accessories:
1. Get it from the stock of your dealer or from Ebay (there are very good occasions presently, and thousands of 6021 out there waiting for being sold by their owners (who have got a Mmobile or central station)
2. Also get a CS (unfortunately no heritage to expect from a wealthy aunt or uncle )
3. Go Intellibox (same problem with my relatives)
4. Generate the digital signal directly by your computer. There is software available.

I hope that M* will grant support for the 6021 for some years, i.e repair or service. Any case, no reason to panic. I must say it took me 20 years to make up my mind before I converted from analogic to digital operation.[:I] So I'll think about converting again (from CU to CS) without any hurry.

Hans Martin

Hello Chris and welcome to the site.

It is interesting that your layout is 10'x10' since that is the same size as the layout I am now working on. I am looking for a backdrop (as reported in my earlier post)befor proceeding with the surface scenery.

It is my understanding from my M dealer that the 6021 will be available for some time. As you know, there is a significant cost difference between the new CS and the 6021. Maybe we could compare notes on our layouts off line.

As I already have the 6021, and am very happy with it, I have no plans on changing any time soon. I do like the walk around option, so the ESU 51100 plugs directly into the 6021?

This would be of great interest to me. Also as mentioned in my original post I am very interested in the 80f or 6036, I thought it did have the four functions, am I wrong about that?

Chris

Chris: Yes, the base station plugs into the right side of the 6021. I operate mostly with computer control, but love the handheld for switching operations and testing, or if I just want to play. When you turn it on it searches for the radio connection with it's base station (plugged into you 6021 or IB) and once it establishes the radio link you are ready to go. You can enter you loks into it's database, then you just look them up and operate them by name. It also has lok type icons, an idea that ESU included in mfx, although this precedes (and is not comaptible with) mfx. You can also name your turnouts for easy access. I just wish it had rechargeable batteries that would recharge when you put it on the base. I use lithium rechargables (it take AAA's) but it would be convenient if it did it itself.

Added: Chris: just read the rest of your post. The 6035 Martin was referring to was the "Control 80" which only had the light function. The 6036 is the "Control 80f" which has 4 functions. Both are available on eBay. I recently bought a 6036 for my smaller Era III layout. My IB and Mobile control are on my large Era IV-V layout.

Thanks for the Welcome and thanks for the info on the Mobile Control from ESU. This is exactly what I am looking for. And it looks to be about 230 or so US dollars this is great.

Does everyone have the same positive experience with the mobile station as Rschaffr? If this device works as advertised it really is all I need. So to make sure I have it correctly though, the ESU 51100 plugs right into the my 6021, nothing else is needed.

Also Rschaffr, you mentioned batteries, how much of a battery hog is this thing? How much time do you get before you need to replace usually? One last question, any recommendations on a place to order it from?

Thanks again for the useful info.

Hi Chris,

stay with your trusty CU6021 - since this is M's very best digital controller, ever
- so good I even got a 2nd as a spare ... [:p][:p][:p]
(MS is a piece of junk [xx(] and CS will cost you a leg - never needed for a small to midsize layout)

Welcome to The Forum
John

David: I guess you're the one and only. Some day you'll get M's GOLDEN MS NEEDLE for this ... [}:)]

ETS is a good store. If you ever are in the Stuttgart area, their real store is worth the trip itself. It is a huge supermarkiet of MRR. Their mailorder is reliable, but they don't have a secure website, so you have to call or fax your credit card info (only once if you don't mind them keeping it on record..then you can order anytime online).

All of this informatio has been very helpful. I will have to post some pictures of my layout and get some input from the group. Until then I will continue to read and make plans to buy the 51100. What a productive day at the office.

Chris

Hi Chris - I have used ETS in the past - Good prices and no problems - would strongly recommend.I would love to visit their shops some day.

The only thing I find, the delivery time seems to take forever?? I think they send my stuff to me by camel
Good luck