The CS2 should work with a 16 V AC transformer.

Also since you have already used a laptop power supply you might be interested in this.

switched mode power supply SMPS

https://www.marklin-user...aspx?g=posts&t=17077

The new Marklin 60061 60 VA Switched Mode Power Pack is 230 Volts, there is not a 120 Volt version available for North America.




r/Thomas

Hi Eric,

I would say no, someone may say different, in terms of going through the CS2 to the track. Using a booster from Littfinski DatenTechnik (LDT) for example the DB4, there is the option of putting 2.5 ampere or 4.5 ampere to the isolated booster track. What I was pointing out really is that for those of us who do not use 230 Volts, Marklin has yet to introduce a SMP transformer. Since the SMP has advantages over the older style transformers there is the option of going with the alternative unit that I described. These are widely available on the internet or even from
"You-do-it" Electronics Center in Needham, MA.

http://www.youdoitelectr...rs/compactswitching.html


http://www.youdoitelectronics.com/id525.htm


regards,

Thomas

Love that store - I go there 4 or 5 times a year.

Eric

For all of you in this thread, please try to realize that getting everything to run smoothly and without problems means getting all dimensions right to begin with.

Start with calculating what the power requirements are when you run the max. number of trains (with lighting, sound, telex), switching points and signals etc. Then you will know what your requirements re booster output are. Now make sure your boosters*** can actually perform up to their specified power by providing adequate power sources. (transformer ratings for standard modelrailway transformers* are somewhat misleading in that they don't deliver the max. rated power (indicated as VA) under load conditions, so if you want your booster to deliver up to its max. rated output you'll need a larger transformer or better still a switched mode power supply-which don't suffer from these power losses )

Provide sufficient feeding points on the tracks (every 2-3 meter for M and K-rail, every 4-6 meter for C-rail) and make sure the connecting wires are of sufficient gauge to transport the required currents, they should be specified for 10 Amps min. Use as few connectors as you can, if possible use soldered joints instead of connectors. In track feeding lines, use connectors specified for 10 Amps min. as well (I use connectors and wires as used in cars-corroision proof and stable). The hair-thin wires sold by your local trainshop are definitely unsuitable to conduct anything over a couple of milliamps.

Once you´ve done that run your trains and you´ll be amazed how little effect dust and little specs of rust will have on your driving pleasure.** If you don´t believe me ask your local electrician. Following these simple and basic rules will probably mean the end of your frequenting fora like this one but that would be the least of your problems I´d imagine.

*There are no fuses in these transformers, to make them short circuit proof you reduce the size of the laminated iron core so that the max. current is dictated by magnetic saturation of the core, such that a meltdown cannot occur. Putting a fuse between the transformer and the booster doesn´t therefore make any sense. (This construction makes the transformer less efficient and results in relatively large voltage drops under higher loads.)

**Most people think that dust and dirt/rust on the tracks can only be removed by mechanical/chemical means. Not so, we all know that running a train at a higher speed often helps to clean the tracks in just one run around the layout. Indeed that cleans the tracks and the studs but not by mechanically rubbing away the dirt but by electrocuting/vaporizing it. In order for that process to work properly, again you need a bit more electric power to overcome the initial contact resistance.

***A track short circuit will never damage a modern booster, it will switch itself off. To blow up your booster you either need back-feeding into the booster output (shorting 2 booster outputs against each other) or very high capacitive or (worse) inductive load peaks. That will blow out the end stages but it will not cause a short. Same for decoders.

Good luck, Robert

It is possible to build a module that transmits the mfx signal back from the track in connection to any booster - but I have only seen this as a home-built electronic project.

The "Delta-booster" is a bit slow [...]

[...] is not recommended for running trains (but can be used for accessories).

Hi all
while it maybe a nice idea to find another power supply
but from my retail days with dick smith the minute you
connect another power supply other than the makers model
you can forget your warranty so as long as you understand
that the marklin 60a power supply is designed to run the CS2
and with LCD screen on board you need more than the 18a supply
it will turn it on but to operate with full functions it needs
the 60a supply which is why they make it
sony panasonic toshiba etc all have the same attitude you choose
to use something other than what we recommend your warranty is void
I just want you to aware of that before you hurt your investment
regards
bryan old toot

It appears Marklin uses two pins for DC and the other two for AC.I will find out.

I am not a Märklin employee, and commercially they´ll be accused of forcing the customer to buy their power sources only by using a "de-facto" proprietary (non-common) connector/cabling solution. 2 seperate plugs or jacks or sets of screw terminals would have done the same job leaving us more freedom...

Regards, Robert

Alessandro,

It does seem strange. Laptop power supplies usually work from 100 - 240 Volts, one would think that Marklin would take the advantage of only having to build, stock, and market an item that could work worldwide? On the other hand they maybe sitting on a 5 year supply of 120V transformers.


r/Thomas

In the end one can test the power supply to determine its capability, as in this case the Märklin documentation does
not mention it specifically.