So doing a search it looks like MFX+ is for CS2 customers for a cab view/control of the Loco ?

Most informative I found was ;
The new mfx+ in the electric BR101
• Equipped with the new mfx digital decoder +.
• Game mode in addition beginner, advanced and professional mode.
• Simulated resource consumption.
• Realistic handling characteristics such as steady ride.
• Simulated cab display in the Central Station 2
• control of the model cab mode on the touch screen of the Central Station 2
• These new features are only available in conjunction with the Central Station 2 with firmware version 2.5 available

Does it offer anything for non-CS2 owners ?

I hope this isn't the Technik-Spielen-Faszination "new technology"


Howard

it would be nice if you could update the firmware of Mld and MsD......

Please elaborate, you can do updates currently

i mean if the current mfx decoders will be able to manage this (+) , out of the box or trough a firmware update. or we will need a bunch of new decoders?

The 7244 is cited in the details for the 60841. But even though the 60841 is listed at 60% the price of the 60840, I still don't think it is worth it as the outputs are only SPDT and rated at less than 2 amps (5 amps for the 4).

Have you considered a latching relay as a replacement?
4PDT are a bit more expensive but you can use the more common DPDT for those situations that don't need 4 circuits.

examples in the US (USD) (ignore the "representative image" - but check the datasheet)
4PDT 14.70 http://www.galco.com/buy...Electronics/R40-17D2-24C
DPDT 7.60 http://www.galco.com/buy...Electronics/R40-11D2-24C
most of these component guys will have price breaks for quantity...

Personally I would suggest adding a couple of BackEMF diodes for protection if you are using a k83 to drive

IMHO mfx+ is an attempt in psychological obsolescence (one form of planned obsolescence). Those who buy the new locos may also buy a new CS2 to try the cab control. Those who have a CS2 will be tempted to buy one of the new locos to try cab control.
I use LokSim3d (www.loksim3d.de) to play with realistic cab control (without risking scratches on my model locos).

They now have cheap sound decoders and so they use sound in every model (planned obsolescence of former "silent" models). Old moulds, old liveries, but now with sound. I'll skip those.

Thanks clapcott ,will look into the latching relays.
I guess the 7244 cited in the details for the 60841 is one of my Technik-Spielen-Faszination "new technology" then.

Surely not (I dare say). The CS2 may know your track plan (but only simplified), but it does not know where the loco is.
There is no camera in the loco - if there was one, mfx would be too slow to transfer images in real-time. So most likely you'll see a static image or a very simple animation that depends on the speed setting of the loco.

Mfx plus locomotives 2013 delivery date.

37764 - JANUARY
37768 - Q2
39644 - Q2
39233 - FEBRUARY
37956 - Q3
39850 - Q4
37358 - FEBRUARY

Cab control comes with version 2.5 of the CS2 software. So the locos may hit the shelves before the new software will be out.
The brochure only mentions "2013" (no month, not even quarter specified).

The only announcement is of the 7 or so locos with mfx+ decoders pre-installed, there is no mention of any retrofitable mfx+ decoder kit. Standard mfx decoders will not work with the cab control features of software version 2.5

Hi!
It's the first MRR related post of the author who wrote about mfx+. Is this inside information or wishful thinking? Time will tell.
Does the CS2 receive feedback from a loco stopped by a braking module? Or does the braking module prevent the mfx feedback from passing through?

The same article (but written by another contributor) also reads "Eventually booster 60173 became available for use with any mfx system." AFAIK 60173 cannot be used with CS 60212.
The error rate of Wikipedia is said to be lower than that of printed encyclopaedias, but errors do occur.

Laxman,

I will try and answer you questions:

1) Yes, the yellow wires can be either connected to 1 and 10 or 5 and 6. I would have to check the relay diagram again, but changing them might reverse which of the red/green outputs from the K83 will do a set or a reset to the relay. Not a big problem.

2) As I re-look at one of my pcbs, applying a pulse at pin 1 causes a "reset", so the normally closed contacts, 2 to 3 and 8 to 9, are closed. Applying a pulse to pin 10 causes a "set" and the connections from 3 to 4 and from 7 to 8 are closed.

3) As I built my relay boards, I tested each one to insure it worked and I checked with a volt/ohm meter which pins were closed and which ones were open. I then marked the terminal connectors which one was R and G and which ones were normally open and normally closed. I then tried to make sure I built them all the same way. I still confirmed the operation of each one after it was built to make sure if was functioning properly. My relays boards are for generic use and not just for braking areas.

4) That is correct, they are bistable or latching relays. A small pulse to the set/reset moves the relay and it stays "latched" into that position until it receives the opposite set/reset pulse.

5) I use them with the output of a K83 (or equivalent) device. I have not tried to do so, but I would think it would function from a control box. Just make sure it is a control box that creates a pulse not an on/off switch, like a 72720 but not a 72730.

6) I am familiar with Huib's circuit. I looked at it closely for a long time when I first considered braking modules. Because I just didn't like the transition track, I found a braking module from Bogobit that did not need one. The problem is Bogobit won't ship to the USA. I can't say here how I worked through that problem, but the Bogogbit circuit works very well and I am completely satisfied with it. Back to your problem. Where the yellow and two blue wires come in to the relay is the coil. This is the Y R G wires in my diagram. Huib includes a diode to give just the positive pulse from the ac. I found it wasn't needed in my application, but it could be added to my Y wire. Right above the coil are the double pole double throws (DPDT) contacts. These are the two sets of normally open and normally closed contacts.

I hope this helps you.

Robert

I see it comes with rail joints sound... All my locos have a rail joints sound - it comes free with m-track..

No, I have order 37956 BR03.

Hello would you not be watching your locomotive run through the scenery you have carefully made I would not say that the sound decoders are cheap i am impressed by the station anouncements on my new models. They come complete with the french tune before the French voice anouncement!

When i notice how much you are forcement to change display at screen of CS2 it becomes boring.
You have stellwerk,locomotivs diagram and now cab control.
You are switching lot of screen display back and forward.
When i use MS2 i don´t need to do that.
I suppose it becomes too much to control CS2 and you are not focus so much on the layout to play it...instead you do with CS2.
CS2 has now becomes PC game!

Yes Goofy,
A proper Central Station does keep one, on ones toes, to keep on top of everything. Thats why M bought out the "Main Station" App for IPads which I believe is a such good thing, as well as the ability to network more than one CS.

MS's are great for very small layouts, but make great extra throttles for a CS
I only have/am building a smallish layout (2700 x 1500 plus a 1200 x 800 area for the TT and Roundhouse giving it an "L" shape) but it has a reasonable BTW, how about a 12 bay Roundhouse and just the other day, the Marklin Coaling Station, at least 22 turnouts (without the Schatten Bahnhoff) and I think the MFX+ game has enough appeal to make the layout a bit boring proof for the future, maybe me broke as well
So I have to confess it has got my attention and may cause me to defect (excuse me please Tom ) to a CS2. That being the case I will have to obtain a CS2, three boosters and four power supplies, not a bad little deal for M. Just what they wanted and why MFX+ has been made the way it is.
That said I will be looking for good reports from the forum, not BS from non Central Station owners !

I think our friend from Touch Cab is doing his customers and himself an injustice by trying to make a better Main Station (IPad) app for the CS2. he should stick with doing one for CS1-R & Ecos, maybe even Cab Control. If he did that he'd be on a winner, ESU would love him as well as me, and maybe Tom, and I wouldn't consider a new '64,'23, 101 or any other MFX+ lok where I have one or two allready ! let alone a new Controller.

Goofy get yourself a CS1-R at least if, you can't justify a newer colour screen CS2 or Ecos. (As I can't just at the moment ) It will revolutionise your enjoyment of your trains and layout I promise you !

Edited by user 26 February 2013 15:44:08(UTC)  | Reason: Not specified

Hi!
Good news for Märklin!

Well, you don't know what you got 'til it's gone.
There's a lot I miss when switching from CS1 reloaded to CS2.
There's nothing I miss when switching from CS2 to CS1 reloaded.

OTOH there are many happy CS2 owners, so enjoy your forthcoming CS2.

Yes, even with discounts and without Mwst it adds up to over 1100euro shipped

Edited by user 03 March 2013 07:52:36(UTC)  | Reason: Not specified

Today i did visit hobbystore in my hometown and see this new upgrade in the CS2.
And also diesel BR218 with mfx+.
It was okey...
But more work by control locomotiv(s).

Goofy,

"But more work by control locomotiv(s)"

If by that you mean more operator intervention, then that is the whole point of "Cab Control"

edit; Peter; please pardon Goofy and me for hijacking your excellent thread