Hi Jim,

I see a couple of issues with what you intend.

First of all Marklin digital systems have their own protocol which is not directly compatible with what you call "DCC". This is not a problem if you don't intend to use any Marklin decoders and just convert all your locos to DCC using other manufacturers decoders. If that is so then you can use the Piko system you are referring to.

The other issue is with your assumption that the Marklin locos have plug-in decoders. I'm afraid that is not the case, except for very recent locos. The decoders are all hard-wired in, so they need to be upgraded by someone who is handy with a soldering iron.

In both cases above there are exceptions in very recent locomotives and decoders from Marklin.

I would encourage you to go digital, and if you fancy the Piko system then "DCC" is the way to go for you, but read up on the current Marklin systems too, which use a protocol called MFX. Many find MFX to be more attractive to them, and all MFX controllers are also capable of handling original Marklin digital too, so you would be able to convert your locos one by one and still run the older ones.

Good luck!

I use a CS2 to run my layout and my Marklin locomotives run on MFX or MFX+ protocol. My non Marklin 3 rail locomotives run on DCC with full sound.

Hi Jim

I have a layout which is not going to win any prizes for scenic artistry or sophistication - however it encompasses Marklin digital from 1985 to the present day in 10 loks and a few turnouts and uncouplers. We have a variety of digital control systems from the original 6021 through to a new MS2 with the loks going from "coffee grinder" sound and flickering lights to the full bells and whistles.

And significantly I live in Purley which is probably less than two miles from you!!!!!

You may like to contact me and you can pop round and have a look - but my soldering skill are limited so I will not be a help in the upgrading stakes!

Roger Williams

Pretty much the same for me too. I run MM, mfx, mfx+ and DCC all from my CS2, and all of my locos work really well together. I have a 60215 running the latest software and it handles all of the protocols simultaneously and seamlessly. As a software developer I have been quite impressed with the multi-protocol performance and ease of use of the Märklin digital control systems.

Hi Jim\ many thanks for your help.
Have you ever run older version 1 Marklin digital as well as all your other digital trains (at the same time on the same track)?
Jim.

Hi Ray, nasty accident. My family and I sometimes use the tram, They do go far too fast on this section and an accident was inevitable sooner or later. I did not know any of the dead or injured people.

Jim.

Hi Jim

You asked,"Anyone used the Lenz decoders before?"

Yes, I have, and they work well.

I have converted all my old Marklin locos to run on DCC. I have used a range of decoders from manufacturers such as TCS and Lenz but have now largely standardized on ESU decoders. Most of my conversions were done without an upgrade to 5 pole motors. I simply replaced all the wound field coils with Hamo or ESU permanent magnets. All locos run well, particularly those locos that have the LFCMs.

I just checked up on the specifications of the Lenz Gold 10410-01 as I had a concern because you descibed it as a "neat small decoder". It is neat and small because it is designed for N gauge locos. i would advise against using it in your Marklin locos as it is designed for the lower electrica lcurrents in N gauge locos. Instead, if you have your mind set on a Lenz product, I would recommend a larger Lenz decoder intended for HO locos, or an ESU LokPilot V4.0 DCC 54611 decoder. Most decoders come with an 8 pin plug which can simply be cut off before doing a direct soldered installation

One thing that has not been specifically mentioned is that if you intend to use a DCC decoder, you MUST replace the wound field coil in any of your locos with a permanent magnet. These can be obtained from most ESU dealers. You must specify the type of motor for which you require the magnet: i.e. LFCM, SFCM or DCM.

Might I also encourage you to have a go at instaling the decoder yourself. It is not too difficult, and you will find that, like most things, it becomes easier the more you do it.

I hope this may assist you

Regards
Geoff

Hi Jim

The reason for replacing the field coils in Marklin AC motors with permanent magnets is that DCC decoders are designed for use with DC motors.

Marklin AC motors can be modified to run on DC current without replacing the field coil by using 4 diodes or a rectifier bridge around the field coil, and I suppose would then run using a DCC decoder, but it would not be advisable in my opinion because it would not overcome the inherent problem of poor speed control present in AC motors.

Many years ago (back in the early 1980's as I recall) I fitted rectifier bridges around the field coils of all my Marklin locos to run them on DC and avoid the flashing lights and jumping loco whenever you reversed them. When I became aware of the existence of Hamo permanent magnets, I converted all my locos because of the improved speed control that this modification offered. Later, when digital operation of model trains became a reality, I chose to use DCC, instead of the Marklin system, as it was designed for DC motors and was cheaper.

If your locos are already fitted with permanent magnets, then no changes are necessary and it just a matter of removing all existing wiring and installing the new decoder. One further thing: be aware that the colour coding of DCC decoder wires is different to Marklin decoders.

Geoff

Hi!
The standard Märklin motor is an AC/DC motor and runs on DC without any modification.
Some folks use two diodes to bypass the mechanical reverse unit in order to control direction of travel with reversing polarity.

Märklin decoders operate those motors with DC.
You need special decoders and further motor modification to get Back EMF and load regulation with that motor. IMHO this is not worth the effort.


Roco did that for H0 coaches, at least for one type of coaches.
Each coach has a decoder and a random generator is used so that doors do not open and close at the same time.
I think they made a few one-time series a few years ago and do not have them in stock.