Hi all. Please can you tell me if the 6015 booster is ok to use with the CS or is the 6017 the better option.

Hello,

as first Booster connected on the CS the 6017 is better. Afterwards you can connect either 6015 or 6017, it doesn't matter.

The reason is simple and I verified it on 3 booster 6015.

In case of a short circuit in the booster powered section, the CS will not cut off if the first booster is a 6015. The short circuit will continue to toast the wheels or whatever is causing it.
A short circuit in the section powered by CS cuts off correctly.

With a 6017 as first booster attached at the CS, the CS will cut off the tension properly.

kind regards

Stephan

that's right.
In the manual it is even written that you can connect the 6020 central unit to the sniffer. But they forgot to mention that this will work only if you have a 6035 or 6036 control 80/F connected to the 6020 and you enter a loknumber. If not, the 6020 will not work properly on the Sniffer.
They forgot to mention it in the manual. What a disattention.

This is bad for them who wanted to connect switchboards for a control panel to the CS through the 6020 like me. I sold my control unit because I thought the 6020 will do it too.

Kind regards

Stephan

While not specifically answering your question, you also have the choice of connection
1) Direct to the (upgraded) CS
2) through a 60129 (Connect-6017)

The 60129 has the advantage that it can "tap into the track at a distance" allow the boosters to be further than 1-2m from the CS.
This parasitic operation is similar to that available when using a Delta CU as a booster
2 gothcas though.
a) If the 6015 is used there is a need to provide the 60129 itself with a power source. (if the first booster is a 6017 there is no need for the additional power feed)
b) the CS must have at least 1 motorola loco (dummy if necessary) called up. Otherwise the shape of the mfx only signal plays havoc with the booster which turns off.

And at the risk of beating a dead horse, do not forget that the Boosters power supply CANNOT have the same ground (Brown) as the CS Powersupply.

with reference to ...
http://maerklin-info.de/...s/Systemarchitektur2.pdf ( Which I think is rubbish but is the latest that Marklin are standing by)
..you will note that, aside from not being up to date and showing the option for a booster connected to the CS, that the 60129/Booster feeds a track that is TOTALLY seperate from the track. This total isolation has been discussed recently for both ECoS and CS

I believe M* are signalling, by retaining so many limitations, that they don't want you to use the old stuff. That said it is unlikely we will ever see the 60172 booster and it certainly wont be able to be wired as per the picture, without centre rail isolation, and retain the child safety standard/classification as a toy.