Hello Jörg, Frank,

the information you got from Märklin is in line with mine; however, they made clear that "professional" customers/partners (i.e. companies with corresponding products on the market that also have a certain amount of common Märklin customers) will be first priority.

IMHO it will be little to no different than how ESU handles it for the ECoS. It is likely more a support rather than a commercial related decision.

Hi Jörg,

First of all I appreciate it a lot you are trying to help me out with this issue for getting the PC Interface specifications for the Marklin's CS system.

In short the story behind "LocCommander". Some 4 years ago I started developing in my spare time the application LocCommander. The LocCommander system must be seen as yet another model railroad control software application that runs on a Windows PC and helps controlling your rail road manual and semi-automatic. Also a client application called "iLoc" that allows remote control via a PDA makes part of the LocCommander package. Currently LocCommander only supports the old Marklin Digital system (thus 6021 and 6051).

Thus my intentions are to support the CS system in LocCommander. This means I need to implement a TCP/IP based communication protocol. As LocCommander is written component based in C# and its architecture based on the .NET Framework version 2 this implementation can easily being done.

Current features of the LocCommander version 0.9.0:
1. configuring and displaying a model railroad in a 2 dimensional grid.
2. displaying realtime track occupancy based on data fetched from the feedback modules(Eg. S88).
3. manual and semi-automatic control of turnouts, signals, cranewagon and trains.
4. semi-automatic control is based on actions and conditions defined by the user("defining routes").
5. displaying video sources (Eg. Webcam, Video/TV card).
6. remote control (Wifi based) via the iLoc program running on a Windows 5 Mobile PDA.

Screenshot of the LocCommander GUI, just click the link:
http://users.telenet.be/...ages/LocCommander090.jpg

Until now LocCommander has not being officially released yet! I'm the only user of it.
Professionally I'm a full-time software developer writing applications for the Visualization(large displays) and Simulation(aviation) world (www.barco.com).

In a first stage of the product's life cycle I have no intention to commercialize it. Once the first version is released it is free to be used.

When used based on the positive feedback I receive and the number distributed I might consider to commercialize it.

Current hold-up reasons for release:
- program in different languages, currently only in English.
- providing manuals in different languages, currently only in English.
- only supporting the MS 6021/6051 (thus the RS232 based communication protocol).

As most people no longer want to invest in the "old stuff" it would only be worthfull today if I could support the new system in LocCommander.

I could implement the TCP/IP based communication protocol for the CS system in LocCommander if I had the specs documenting the new commands that are TCP/IP based.

I hope I gave enough information to give you an idea of my intentions and requests towards Marklin.

I'm looking forward for the information Marklin can provide me. I understand this can be a support issue for M. but I'm willing to bind me to constrains M. imposes for the use of the specs for this protocol. If necessary I'm willing to give them feedback on remaining system anomalies. My layout contains over more than 40 turnouts, 20 signals and 8 feedback modules, thus enough material to do the necessary tests.

Once I have the specs the only thing I still have to do... is to buy a CS system:)!. Of coarse then there is the update issue of the CS system, not yet available for Belgium.

Thanks again for your interest and help!

Best regards,
Frank

Hi Charles,

nothing remarkable since the announcement for starting in June other than customers who bring their CS's in already now will be formally notified about a longer wait time for the return of their device. Seems to make sense.

The recent firmware update required for the ECoS and other bug fixes should not bother CS customers as it should already be done at the factory (ECoS customers are this time the "test rabbits" ).

Hi Lutz, thanks for your updates. Has there been any announcements of Marklin address and contact details that people can send their CS to, and any process for registering a CS with Marklin, so that they can expect its return?

Today is the day, any further news about?

As the day got closer to send my CS back to Marklin for the update I got that funny feeling that this too would be another blown schedule date for Marklin. Not really trying to say anything bad about Marklin, I would not have any of their products if I did not like them. But to be bluntly honest I am very disappointed at their inefficiency. Very much so. In my opinion the Central Station has been a complete let down from day one. Had I known that it would be this far behind in all of their plans for updates I would of waited much longer or planned on some sort of alternate operating system. I am too far invested into the CS now to jump ship and go to something else. So like a rudderless ship here I sit waiting and waiting for my CS to perform as it was promised almost 4 years ago. And still waiting.

I would of expected this type of inefficiency from some sort of American Company in the model train business. But never from a German company with the name Marklin. Just my two cents worth. My best guess now is that nothing will be done until August of this year.

Bob R

Bob - Good thing Maerklin isn't in the business of supplying avionics to the commerical aircraft industry?

I agree with your comments about American companies for the most part. However, Lionel has held up releasing their new generation of digital command control systems since they do not want to do what Maerklin did with CS. They have been very honest with customers and while it is frustrating perhaps they are doing the right thing unless, of course, it is finally released an acts like a beta version like CS.

Better to delay the product than have to recall them all or create a new operating system.

I'm involved in technology and as tempted as CS was and what they promised I held off and am glad I did. Sorry.

Many thanks for all the excellent info regarding the CS.
Question: Will the updated CS handle
the Marklin turntable & how ?

Regards Jannie

Just like i foresaw,DCC capability after some update(s).

If you see a previous topic of mine, i was aking if it is possible at our cs ,with a future update to be able to have DCC options and then you will understand my guessing capabilities.
I have not read these pamphlets cause my German is very poor(only studying them a year so far).

Ps:if you give us an image of your palm i can tell your future as well[}:)].
Ps2:The Greek oracle was able to predict the outcome of persian wars,but he/she is unable to predict the date of the first update.

If you read my response and take a serious look at the reference material you'll realize that the only external difference between the Märklin CS and the TRIX (i.e. DCC) CS that you "foresaw" are the green thumbwheels. This doesn't need the slightest German word nor any oracle.



Likely due to lack of appropriate "communication" with Märklin. [}:)]

Don't worry;be happy!

Blue ones. Its a boy. [}:)][^]

I want the one with the silver thumbwheels?
I have been following the discussion and I know that people on this site can fill me in. A question that came up and went unaswered at the Marklin Digital Presentation was "Why not just buy the ECos controller"?
If ECos makes the CS, and the ECos units can get DCC, Marklin/Motorola & Trix/Selectrix formats and seem to have all the options that most people want right now, why would I want to wait for the CS? Wouldn't it be easier for Marklin to just purchase them from ECos in bulk and put a Marklin logo on them and call it good?
I understand that is easier for Marklin loks to register themselves with the CS, but is that worth the wait for these updates from Marklin?
Also, here in Seattle, WA, USA where I live, the CS is $850.00 and the ECos is $699.00 at my local train store (I know it is less on Ebay).
Just Wondering?

I have a question, as I am too lacy tonight, after some good food, some wine and one Guinness, too read all the posts in this topic:

Will a saving procedure/function of our own locomotive/car list be available with the update?
It is rather important for me to be able to make a back-up of my loco list, with all the different setups and functions.

Takk, Fredrik

Good news for me.

This is surely a nice feature, but when this upgrade will be available?
Rumors says we have still to wait...

Davy,
Would you be able to provide a fuller translation please.

P.S. I note the .nl site also has a marklin systems handbook. From the pictures this appears to be a nice summary of marklin systems.
All CS screen images are as we know them today except the one on page 4. (and there are aspects of the image that make me think this might be a mock up)
Is there anything in the words that talks to the new features ?

The upgrade program is scheduled for the coming 6-8 month; i.e. there should be sufficient time for everyone interested to get his/her CS updated in this timeframe w/o any life risk urgency.

David I agree with your statement 100%. The CS is great but it has been a complete disapointment from Day 1 in my opinion. They have not got anything right with with this system yet.

Bob R

The update will come. And Kingbridge already have their own people in the top of Marklin and they can not deliver also.

But one thing is well new. Marklin says the reason for the delay and that is new and very good if I may say so.

David,

I will deliver my CS on my trip in just 2 weeks for the update,,,

Hmmm,

Okay, then I'll take it with me to my friend and he send it when they are ready to recieve it,,,

Hi Guus From what you say I think this has proved my point that nobody appears to know what do with their CS.

David

Interestingly, most european Märklin sites are off line today (NL, BE, CH, FR)
Hopefully, they did not have to send their servers to Göppingen for an update..