Hi all:

I'm running a C-track layout with one Mobile station and 3-4 engines plus lighted cars, so power on the small 18 VA transformer is becoming scare. Hence wondering what everyone's opinion is about using an inexpensive transformer rather than buying the expensive 60 VA version from Marklin.

My understanding is that for digital, you have a constant 16V current on the tracks and you need 8-10 VA per loco. So couldn't just buy an inexpensive 40-50W AC transformer that outputs a constant 16V, hook it up to the connector track and be set to go? From poking around, I found this one:

http://www.altex.com/pro...5_40&products_id=950

Apparently, the 16V type is also used in video-surveillance equipment and those go up to 80-100 Watts. I'd still need to get the right plug, but any electronics store should be able to help with that. So is there anything that should stop me from buying an 80W unit and have enough power to run 6-7 trains plus lights through the same source?

Second question: in some of the postings someone mentioned that there are two versions of the Mobile Station. Could somebody explain how they differ and what the impact is for multi-train control? Also, if I bought one on ebay, how do I know which one I have?

Cheers,
kisch4

Welcome to the forum,kisch4.

kisch:

I would suggest a transformer with fault protection such as is sold by several of the DCC manufacturers. I have been using a NCE transformer with my 6021 with good success.

r/mark

That sounds great. Can you let me know which NCE model you use? On their website I found a 15V AC 5Amp (no. P515) and a 18V AC 10Amp (no. P1018), both a little off for Marklin purposes. Did you just connect yours directly or modify it somehow to output 16V? Also, how many trains do you run under your setup?

There are two mobile stations one at 1.2A that comes with the starter sets, which is the type most commonly available on e-bay. They get stripped out of starter sets that are broken up for sale on E-bay. Also a 1.9A version(#60652), this will allow you to run an extra train on the track but is similar to the 1.2A version in all other respects. As Intruder said you can see which version you have by accessing the setup menu.
Ira

Well put Stu,I use a 100va home madetrafo with 2 outputs from jaycar(34 $au) for 5 years without a problem one output is for my lights,lanterns ect,the other for my 6021/6040digital turnout decoders&TT and the ms is powered with the stater trafo it came with it all works fine
BTW welcome to the forum Kisch4

so if you add a second mobile station to the system with the 10 to 7 pin adapter does that increase the layouts power by another 1.2amps?

I connected my 6646 transformer (32VA) to the system last night and ran a test with a multimeter conected to the track. With 2 locs running there was in incress of 1.7 to 2.3 v on the track over the old transformer. the original small balck transfomer pack only had 9.8 to 10.2 v at the track with two locs runnig
I did notice something strange so I stoped the test. The two locs were a my old BR89 and a DB24 that I have convereted to digital. when I would rapidly slow the BR89 (with an esu decoader and hamo magnet) from 75% speed to around 10% both locs would shutter and the lights fiickerd on and off on both locs. I havent wanted to test this with any other locs incase the whole system fries.

Hi @all,

maybe this link helps.
Unfortunately it is only in German, but the picture shows how to connect a Delta Control 66045 to the MS as a booster.
http://hgh-esn.ath.cx/images/66045_mfx_booster.jpg
That's the way I'm going to hopefully solve my problems.

Hi Frankie,

can't say if it works on a CS, but as far as I'm concerned it should.
But please don't take that for granted.

WARNING GIVEN:

UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES MUST THE CONNECTING TRACK FOR THE MOBILE STATION HAVE A DIRECT OR ANY CONNECTION TO THE TRACKS ON THE BOOSTER CIRCUIT:

And remember that there doesn't have to be any connection between the booster circuits as well.

Welcome to the forum Darren.

I think the CS output is around 3 Amps.

Yes, the 60052 transformer powers all three Delta's. It has more than enough power to run my nine loco's (I usually drive up to four or five at the same time) and the coach lights. All other layout lights, turnouts and electronics are powered by an independent 13.8VDC stabilised power supply. Everything shares the same, solid ground that is a start design to prevent ground loops.

The little black transformer you see powers just the mobile stations - as people already pointed out, it is obligatory to use two different transformers (transformers that feed Delta have one side connected to track ground, transformers that feed MS do not - see the warnings in the M* manuals). The MS do not actually power any train tracks, except the little programming track you see. I only use that to recognise new MFX loco's, or to perform tests.

Each Delta powers around one third of the layout. In fact, it might be a bit overkill, but the Delta's are very inexpensive and this increases manageability. It also makes sure each part has its own power limiter / short circuit correction at nicely limited current values - I prefer to have three independent circuits limited at 2 Amps, for instance, over a singe circuit limited at 6 Amps (I'm not sure these are exactly the values for the various M* parts, I just mention for illustration). It also makes it easier to locate a eventual short-circuit. Bofore I screw all my tracks to the plate, however, I plan to further divide each of the three circuits into around five sub-circuits each, having their own switch.

Best, Rudi

I'm new to the forum, so forgive me if this is stupid question... With all these non-Marklin transformer options, how do you distinguish between brown and yellow wires of the Marklin transformers? Does +/- even matter (as long as I don't cross them) say if I use the NCE transformer? I would only be using the transformer to power accessories. Thanks!

Wow! Thanks Pat.. Can you please share the part numbers etc? I am really interested in this idea..

Thanks for clearing this up for me! :-)