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Sparking at the junction of the Booster connections
Joined: 03/06/2008(UTC) Posts: 1,252 Location: Sydney, NSW
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I have installed 2 boosters on my layout and I'm using C Track. I have installed the red tab isolation correctly, however, whenever a loco crosses the junction, there is sparking from the track - sometimes it causes a short circuit. Do I need to install "ski jumps" or is there another way of resolving this problem.
Regards Greg |
Take it easy . . . . or any other way you can get it !!!!
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Joined: 17/09/2006(UTC) Posts: 18,771 Location: New Zealand
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What type of controller / boosters are you using?
I think there were some caveats with older boosters, the later 60174 / 60175 boosters only need isolating between sections - no ski jumps needed.
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 1 user liked this useful post by Bigdaddynz
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Joined: 16/02/2004(UTC) Posts: 15,443 Location: DE-NW
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Hi! Originally Posted by: Drongo  Do I need to install "ski jumps" or is there another way of resolving this problem. When the red and brown wires are swapped in one part of the layout, there will be sparking at the junction. Double-check wire polarity. A mix of power supplies (16 V AC and 19 V DC) can also lead to sparking. In a homogeneous configuration (controllers and boosters from the same family with same power supplies) there should be no heavy sparking when used properly. |
Regards Tom --- "In all of the gauges, we particularly emphasize a high level of quality, the best possible fidelity to the prototype, and absolute precision. You will see that in all of our products." (from Märklin New Items Brochure 2015, page 1) ROFLBTCUTS  |
 2 users liked this useful post by H0
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Joined: 30/08/2002(UTC) Posts: 1,288
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Originally Posted by: Bigdaddynz  What type of controller / boosters are you using?
I think there were some caveats with older boosters, the later 60174 / 60175 boosters only need isolating between sections - no ski jumps needed. I so agree. I started my ”booster journey” by the Millenium, using a Delta controller as booster deriving serious sparkles between sections. Now, feeding both a CS2 and a 60175 booster with 60041 power packs, there is no indication of that at all, even without ski jumps. |
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 1 user liked this useful post by PeFu
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Joined: 03/06/2008(UTC) Posts: 1,252 Location: Sydney, NSW
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I'm using an EcoS 50210 6A at 17.3 V EcosBoost 4A at 17.3 V And EcosBoost 8A at 19.0 V
I hope this helps
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Take it easy . . . . or any other way you can get it !!!!
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Joined: 16/02/2004(UTC) Posts: 15,443 Location: DE-NW
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Originally Posted by: Drongo  I'm using an EcoS 50210 6A at 17.3 V EcosBoost 4A at 17.3 V And EcosBoost 8A at 19.0 V Different voltages can lead to some sparking. Wrong polarity will lead to heavy sparking. Do you get the sparks only between 19.0 V and 17.3 V? Or also between ECoS and ECoSBoost 4A? |
Regards Tom --- "In all of the gauges, we particularly emphasize a high level of quality, the best possible fidelity to the prototype, and absolute precision. You will see that in all of our products." (from Märklin New Items Brochure 2015, page 1) ROFLBTCUTS  |
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Joined: 03/06/2008(UTC) Posts: 1,252 Location: Sydney, NSW
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Hi Tom, I get the sparks at all the junctions, and the stronger sparks at the 19V/17.3v junctions |
Take it easy . . . . or any other way you can get it !!!!
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Joined: 30/08/2002(UTC) Posts: 1,288
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Originally Posted by: Drongo  I'm using an EcoS 50210 6A at 17.3 V EcosBoost 4A at 17.3 V And EcosBoost 8A at 19.0 V
I hope this helps
That’s a lot of power! How many concurrent moving trains will you run? |
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Joined: 06/11/2018(UTC) Posts: 11
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Originally Posted by: Bigdaddynz  What type of controller / boosters are you using?
I think there were some caveats with older boosters, the later 60174 / 60175 boosters only need isolating between sections - no ski jumps needed. I just purchased 2 60175 boosters, but was still told to use ski jump isolators.
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Joined: 17/09/2006(UTC) Posts: 18,771 Location: New Zealand
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Originally Posted by: Jack_Peters  I just purchased 2 60175 boosters, but was still told to use ski jump isolators. No, you don't need to use the ski jumps, but you do need to physically isolate the 2 sections from each other otherwise the power from one booster will feed into the output of the other and vice versa. That usually leads to smoke. I'm using 2 60174 boosters without ski jumps and have no issues with them.
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 1 user liked this useful post by Bigdaddynz
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Joined: 05/12/2008(UTC) Posts: 1,802 Location: Crozet, Virginia
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Originally Posted by: Jack_Peters  I just purchased 2 60175 boosters, but was still told to use ski jump isolators. And I was advised that I did not need them and therefore I have none in my layout. Mine is powered with the booster in my CS2 and three 60174/60175 external boosters and I have never seen a spark nor have I ever had any digital problems. More of the undocumented mysteries of Märklin I guess. I emailed the NA Märklin dudes about a pretty simple issue and I never received a useful response, so I believe that we are once again on our own here. I see answers on this forum that both indicate that we need to use them and that we do not. I think that Tom provided us with the clearest and most accurate answer, so I would proceed from there if it were me. |
Regards,
Jim
I have almost all Märklin and mostly HO, although I do have a small number of Z gauge trains!
So many trains and so little time. |
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Joined: 01/06/2016(UTC) Posts: 2,465
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 1 user liked this useful post by TEEWolf
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Joined: 08/11/2005(UTC) Posts: 3,528 Location: Mullerup, 4200 Slagelse
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Originally Posted by: TEEWolf  But perhaps you mean an isolating seesaw (in German "Trennwippe")? Which is needed for an electrical connection by sliders while you train is going from an analogue to a digital circuit and vv. No, no and no. Trying to do this would definitely let the smoke out of your digital system................ Per. |
If you can dream it, you can do it! I, the copyright holder of this work, hereby release it into the public domain. This applies worldwide. In case this is not legally possible: I grant anyone the right to use this work for any purpose, without any conditions, unless such conditions are required by law.  |
 1 user liked this useful post by Purellum
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Joined: 16/02/2004(UTC) Posts: 15,443 Location: DE-NW
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Originally Posted by: TEEWolf  But perhaps you mean an isolating seesaw (in German "Trennwippe")? The English term "centre-rail rocker" is what I am used to. "Ski jump" works for me. I don't remember seeing the term "seesaw" used here. |
Regards Tom --- "In all of the gauges, we particularly emphasize a high level of quality, the best possible fidelity to the prototype, and absolute precision. You will see that in all of our products." (from Märklin New Items Brochure 2015, page 1) ROFLBTCUTS  |
 1 user liked this useful post by H0
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Joined: 03/06/2008(UTC) Posts: 1,252 Location: Sydney, NSW
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Hi Tom and everyone, Today we spent about 4 hours trying to resolve this problem without success. I think I have tried everything - the last thing I did, was to put 4 red plastic isolators on all 4 prongs i.e. both the centre rail and the outer rails, and this didn't work out - still sparking. More information about my layout :- I'm using C Track, EcoS controller, EcoSBoosters and TrainController. Because I'm using TrainController, I have cut the C Track so that the 2 outer rails are isolated, therefore, one rail is for grounding and the other rail is for s88 detection. AS it's quite a large layout ( 5 metres x 6 metres) there are a couple of places where the 2 rails change and the ground rail connects to the s88 detection rail. There are isolated with the red plastic isolators, but could this cause the sparking ? |
Take it easy . . . . or any other way you can get it !!!!
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Joined: 19/08/2008(UTC) Posts: 1,051
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You might try reversing the wall plug on one of the booster power supplies to check if they are in phase. If the wall plugs are keyed to go in one way only then phase shouldn't be an issue. |
Modeling Immensee, mile/km 0 on the Gottard. SBB Era V.
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 1 user liked this useful post by rbw993
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Joined: 23/07/2014(UTC) Posts: 8,475 Location: ENGLAND, Didcot
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Originally Posted by: rbw993  You might try reversing the wall plug on one of the booster power supplies to check if they are in phase. If the wall plugs are keyed to go in one way only then phase shouldn't be an issue. This will not change anything with the modern switched mode supplies. It will also not change anything when there is a booster in the picture as the booster electronics isolates anything a transformer or switched mode supply does from anything happening on the track. The changing transformer plug around is ONLY RELEVANT when using analogue.
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Joined: 28/11/2007(UTC) Posts: 8,227 Location: Montreal, QC
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I would try to make sure that all of your controllers/boosters are powered from the same power bar. That way, they are all on the same circuit and receiving the same feed. I don't know how combining 17V and 19V will work. I would think that in that case, full isolation (all rails) would be needed at the junction.
As far as the ski jump/rocker/see-saw is concerned, those terms are all appropriate. The bridge allows the slider to switch from one circuit to the next and pivots for smooth transition, hence the jump or see-saw reference.
@Drongo, if one rail is for ground and the other for S88 detection, how does this work as the non-insulated wheels on Maerklin loks, cars and coaches are bridging the two sides at all times?
Regards
Mike C
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 1 user liked this useful post by mike c
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Joined: 17/09/2006(UTC) Posts: 18,771 Location: New Zealand
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Originally Posted by: kiwiAlan  Originally Posted by: rbw993  You might try reversing the wall plug on one of the booster power supplies to check if they are in phase. If the wall plugs are keyed to go in one way only then phase shouldn't be an issue. This will not change anything with the modern switched mode supplies. It will also not change anything when there is a booster in the picture as the booster electronics isolates anything a transformer or switched mode supply does from anything happening on the track. The changing transformer plug around is ONLY RELEVANT when using analogue. That and the fact that NZ/AUS mains plugs are keyed for one way insertion - they can't be reversed like US/European plugs can. You'd have to open up the plug and change the connections.
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Joined: 03/06/2008(UTC) Posts: 1,252 Location: Sydney, NSW
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Thanks again for your thoughts. I did some further research today and I was able to determine a location on the layout where there were only 2 tracks that joined the 2 sections. I disconnected the tracks so that the 2 sections were physically isolated and then I tested the track with my multimeter to find that the ground rails had a connection. I assume that this is not correct and that somewhere there's an incorrect bus connection. Am I correct with this assumption ? With about 200 bus connections to examine, I might be some time before I find it. |
Take it easy . . . . or any other way you can get it !!!!
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Joined: 30/08/2002(UTC) Posts: 1,288
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Originally Posted by: Drongo  Thanks again for your thoughts. I did some further research today and I was able to determine a location on the layout where there were only 2 tracks that joined the 2 sections. I disconnected the tracks so that the 2 sections were physically isolated and then I tested the track with my multimeter to find that the ground rails had a connection. I assume that this is not correct and that somewhere there's an incorrect bus connection. Am I correct with this assumption ? With about 200 bus connections to examine, I might be some time before I find it. I use one common ground bus for all digital power sections, having no problems. |
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Joined: 05/12/2008(UTC) Posts: 1,802 Location: Crozet, Virginia
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Originally Posted by: PeFu  I use one common ground bus for all digital power sections, having no problems. As do I, with no sparking or problems. Something strange and obscure is going on with your layout Greg. Although in theory your mix of digital components from various companies should work just fine, I suspect that is somehow the culprit here. Keep investigating and reporting to the community and in time I bet that we will find a solution. |
Regards,
Jim
I have almost all Märklin and mostly HO, although I do have a small number of Z gauge trains!
So many trains and so little time. |
 2 users liked this useful post by dickinsonj
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Joined: 09/08/2008(UTC) Posts: 1,919 Location: Auckland,
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Originally Posted by: Drongo  Hi Tom and everyone, Today we spent about 4 hours trying to resolve this problem without success. I think I have tried everything - the last thing I did, was to put 4 red plastic isolators on all 4 prongs i.e. both the centre rail and the outer rails, and this didn't work out - still sparking. More information about my layout :- I'm using C Track, EcoS controller, EcoSBoosters and TrainController. Because I'm using TrainController, I have cut the C Track so that the 2 outer rails are isolated, therefore, one rail is for grounding and the other rail is for s88 detection. AS it's quite a large layout ( 5 metres x 6 metres) there are a couple of places where the 2 rails change and the ground rail connects to the s88 detection rail. There are isolated with the red plastic isolators, but could this cause the sparking ? Can you show with a photo what you have done with the isolators? The ski jump/seesaw/thingy is designed to lift the pick up shoe off the centre contact momentarily as the loco crosses from one section to another. Adding the red isolators under the c track will isolate the sections from each other, however the moment a loco crosses the join it will be temporarily connected with the potential for sparks. I think a photo would clarify for everyone and perhaps assist in further advise
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Joined: 03/08/2011(UTC) Posts: 1,571
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Originally Posted by: Bigdaddynz  Originally Posted by: kiwiAlan  Originally Posted by: rbw993  You might try reversing the wall plug on one of the booster power supplies to check if they are in phase. If the wall plugs are keyed to go in one way only then phase shouldn't be an issue. This will not change anything with the modern switched mode supplies. It will also not change anything when there is a booster in the picture as the booster electronics isolates anything a transformer or switched mode supply does from anything happening on the track. The changing transformer plug around is ONLY RELEVANT when using analogue. That and the fact that NZ/AUS mains plugs are keyed for one way insertion - they can't be reversed like US/European plugs can. You'd have to open up the plug and change the connections. I have previously reported several observations with high ground leakage voltage from switch mode power packs for both C2/3 and MS2. If the power plug is fitted with EU plug try rotating it or else as BigDaddy says swop the wires internally. I don’t know if this could cause sparks, but worth trying? I would take the multimeter and test AC voltage from the outer rail to a point that is grounded in your house. Do that with each booster district and see if you get similar results. E.g. I either have 170V or around 50-60V depending on how the main plug for the switch mode power packs is inserted. Best Regards and good luck! Lasse |
Digital 11m2 layout / C (M&K) tracks / Era IV / CS3 60226 / Train Controller Gold 9 with 4D sound. Mainly Danish and German Locomotives. |
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Joined: 15/09/2015(UTC) Posts: 107 Location: Queensland
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I think Teewolf got a little confused you can't run both digital and analog
The rocker was for use when connecting boosters but I don't think you need it now
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Joined: 16/02/2004(UTC) Posts: 15,443 Location: DE-NW
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Originally Posted by: Bones  I think Teewolf got a little confused you can't run both digital and analog
The rocker was for use when connecting boosters but I don't think you need it now The question is who got confused. The centre-rail rockers are needed when you have a transition between analogue and digital parts of the layout. They can prevent problems when you have boosters with different voltage levels on a purely digital layout. |
Regards Tom --- "In all of the gauges, we particularly emphasize a high level of quality, the best possible fidelity to the prototype, and absolute precision. You will see that in all of our products." (from Märklin New Items Brochure 2015, page 1) ROFLBTCUTS  |
 1 user liked this useful post by H0
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Joined: 01/06/2016(UTC) Posts: 2,465
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Originally Posted by: Bones  I think Teewolf got a little confused you can't run both digital and analog
The rocker was for use when connecting boosters but I don't think you need it now Oh no I am not confused. And yes in some cases you still need it now. Even Märklin demonstrated the use ofthese isolating seesaws in its book #03070 https://www.maerklin.de/...s/details/article/03070/in an extra chapter (page 80 f) "The best out of 2 worlds". On page 81 is demonstrated the "breakdown into digital and analogue layout areas". A picture shows one line in digital mode and one line in analogue mode. Both are connected by 4 turnouts. So you can switch between the lines without changing the rolling material by hands. But underneath the picture (sorry did not find this one yet in the internet) "Important: at the transition points, isolating seesaws must be provided and the conductors must be insulated in each case." If I find the picture for this demosntration layout, I will add it on. P.S.: I like the words "isolating seesaw" best. Because a rocker is a musicfan to me.  But the seesaw priciple of this children toy is exactly what is done with the slider of the loco while crossing this important isolating point. First the slider is going up on top and then on the other side down again. It is like the seesaw toy is acting. The important isolating effect is obtained absolutly totally.
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 2 users liked this useful post by TEEWolf
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Joined: 08/11/2005(UTC) Posts: 3,528 Location: Mullerup, 4200 Slagelse
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Originally Posted by: H0  The centre-rail rockers are needed when you have a transition between analogue and digital parts of the layout. They could be used 15 - 20 years ago, when the digital output was made by push-pull transistors and the analogue and digital parts of the layout had common ground. All digital equipment made since the MS1 ( IIRC ) is made with a H-bridge in the output stage, and the analogue and digital parts of the layout can NOT common ground. The first loco passing the transition will make a short on the rails and thus a short between the two systems, letting the smoke out of the digital equipment. I know a way to do it; but think that for most people I would recommend to not even try, since a train with two connected sliders would still make the output stage of the digital equipment burn. Maybe Märklin forgot this detail in their book ?? Per.  |
If you can dream it, you can do it! I, the copyright holder of this work, hereby release it into the public domain. This applies worldwide. In case this is not legally possible: I grant anyone the right to use this work for any purpose, without any conditions, unless such conditions are required by law.  |
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Joined: 05/12/2008(UTC) Posts: 1,802 Location: Crozet, Virginia
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Originally Posted by: Purellum  Maybe Märklin forgot this detail in their book ?? Per.  Forgetting the details about their products or at least not sharing them with us is a time honored Märklin tradition. I think that we all wanted to see their traditions preserved after all, maybe just not this particular one. |
Regards,
Jim
I have almost all Märklin and mostly HO, although I do have a small number of Z gauge trains!
So many trains and so little time. |
 2 users liked this useful post by dickinsonj
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Joined: 16/02/2004(UTC) Posts: 15,443 Location: DE-NW
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Originally Posted by: Purellum  All digital equipment made since the MS1 ( IIRC ) is made with a H-bridge in the output stage, and the analogue and digital parts of the layout can NOT common ground. Sorry, but IMHO that is wrong. You can have a common ground at the output stage only. Since the MS1 you cannot have a common ground between the controller and the transformer that feeds the controller. A common ground between a controller and a separate transformer is no problem. Check out the manuals for the level-crossings, they show this even for MS1. Trains with two active sliders and centre-rail rockers never worked together. But AFAIK Märklin never sold digital rolling stock with two active sliders. |
Regards Tom --- "In all of the gauges, we particularly emphasize a high level of quality, the best possible fidelity to the prototype, and absolute precision. You will see that in all of our products." (from Märklin New Items Brochure 2015, page 1) ROFLBTCUTS  |
 1 user liked this useful post by H0
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Joined: 08/11/2005(UTC) Posts: 3,528 Location: Mullerup, 4200 Slagelse
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Originally Posted by: H0  Since the MS1 you cannot have a common ground between the controller and the transformer that feeds the controller. A common ground between a controller and a separate transformer is no problem. This is correct. My assumption was that some would use the same trafo to power both the digital and the analogue part of the layout. Originally Posted by: H0  Trains with two active sliders and centre-rail rockers never worked together. Also correct. ( I realized this later last night; but didn't have the time to go back and correct. My point is just, that for this to work, there are so many things that have to be done 100% correct, that the chances of something going wrong is too big, IMHO. BTW, I also wonder how direction of the locomotive should be controlled, when going from one section to the other ?? Per. |
If you can dream it, you can do it! I, the copyright holder of this work, hereby release it into the public domain. This applies worldwide. In case this is not legally possible: I grant anyone the right to use this work for any purpose, without any conditions, unless such conditions are required by law.  |
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Joined: 23/07/2014(UTC) Posts: 8,475 Location: ENGLAND, Didcot
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 2 users liked this useful post by kiwiAlan
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Joined: 16/02/2004(UTC) Posts: 15,443 Location: DE-NW
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Originally Posted by: Purellum  BTW, I also wonder how direction of the locomotive should be controlled, when going from one section to the other?? Most modern decoders have a "Falschfahrbit" (reversed direction bit). When going from digital to analogue and reversing there, on return into the digital area the loco keeps the current direction even if it opposes the current direction set in the digital controller. Next time you reverse in digital, controller and loco will be in sync again for decoders that support absolute directions. |
Regards Tom --- "In all of the gauges, we particularly emphasize a high level of quality, the best possible fidelity to the prototype, and absolute precision. You will see that in all of our products." (from Märklin New Items Brochure 2015, page 1) ROFLBTCUTS  |
 1 user liked this useful post by H0
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Joined: 01/06/2016(UTC) Posts: 2,465
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Originally Posted by: kiwiAlan  Indeed my dictionary told me too. For a baby I am too old.  Yes, well, but for such a chair I am just looking for, while I am getting older.  It shall be my new controller chair and positioner for my MRR. 
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Joined: 03/06/2008(UTC) Posts: 1,252 Location: Sydney, NSW
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Whatever they or you call it - seesaw ; ski jump ; rocker - are they still available and if so what is the part number. |
Take it easy . . . . or any other way you can get it !!!!
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Joined: 08/11/2005(UTC) Posts: 3,528 Location: Mullerup, 4200 Slagelse
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Originally Posted by: Drongo  Whatever they or you call it - seesaw ; ski jump ; rocker - are they still available and if so what is the part number. The number Märklin-number for C-track is 204595; I don't know about availability; but you can find them on Ebay Per. |
If you can dream it, you can do it! I, the copyright holder of this work, hereby release it into the public domain. This applies worldwide. In case this is not legally possible: I grant anyone the right to use this work for any purpose, without any conditions, unless such conditions are required by law.  |
 1 user liked this useful post by Purellum
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Joined: 01/06/2016(UTC) Posts: 2,465
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Originally Posted by: Drongo  Whatever they or you call it - seesaw ; ski jump ; rocker - are they still available and if so what is the part number. Oh yes Mr Drongo - please go back to my post #12 in this thread. There you find 2 links leading to ebay, the article numbers and prices of such a "Trennwippe". 
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Joined: 08/11/2005(UTC) Posts: 3,528 Location: Mullerup, 4200 Slagelse
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Originally Posted by: TEEWolf  Oh yes Mr Drongo - please go back to my post #12 in this thread. There you find 2 links leading to ebay, the article numbers and prices of such a "Trennwippe". Your two links leads to "Trennwippen" for M-track and for K-track. Drongo wrote in his first post that he's using C-track............... Per. |
If you can dream it, you can do it! I, the copyright holder of this work, hereby release it into the public domain. This applies worldwide. In case this is not legally possible: I grant anyone the right to use this work for any purpose, without any conditions, unless such conditions are required by law.  |
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Joined: 03/06/2008(UTC) Posts: 1,252 Location: Sydney, NSW
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Well the "Drongo" has done it again. With the help of a few friends we found the cause of the problem - Drongo had reversed the wires into the booster. For those outside the Australian/New Zealand region, "drongo" is a slang term for someone who does something stupid - hence my avatar. Anyway, it's onward now to finishing the layout, but I really feel like a "Goose".
Regards Greg p.s. thanks to everyone who offered assistance. |
Take it easy . . . . or any other way you can get it !!!!
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 2 users liked this useful post by Drongo
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Joined: 01/02/2004(UTC) Posts: 7,453 Location: Scotland
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Now the thread is complete can I just say not all old people need a rocker ...so there. lol |
Take care I like Marklin and will defend the worlds greatest model rail manufacturer. |
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Joined: 16/02/2004(UTC) Posts: 15,443 Location: DE-NW
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Originally Posted by: Drongo  Drongo had reversed the wires into the booster. Thanks for the feedback. Originally Posted by: H0  When the red and brown wires are swapped in one part of the layout, there will be sparking at the junction. Double-check wire polarity. |
Regards Tom --- "In all of the gauges, we particularly emphasize a high level of quality, the best possible fidelity to the prototype, and absolute precision. You will see that in all of our products." (from Märklin New Items Brochure 2015, page 1) ROFLBTCUTS  |
 1 user liked this useful post by H0
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Joined: 03/06/2008(UTC) Posts: 1,252 Location: Sydney, NSW
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Originally Posted by: H0  Originally Posted by: Drongo  Drongo had reversed the wires into the booster. Thanks for the feedback. Originally Posted by: H0  When the red and brown wires are swapped in one part of the layout, there will be sparking at the junction. Double-check wire polarity. Yes, Tom, that's why I'm a Drongo. Regards Greg |
Take it easy . . . . or any other way you can get it !!!!
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Joined: 27/11/2009(UTC) Posts: 1,218 Location: Middle of the US
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So just to clarify you did not need any ski jumps/ rockers? You simply needed to isolate the center rail connections and your boosters worked fine?
Thanks,
Chris
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Joined: 05/12/2008(UTC) Posts: 1,802 Location: Crozet, Virginia
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Originally Posted by: Chris6382chris  So just to clarify you did not need any ski jumps/ rockers? You simply needed to isolate the center rail connections and your boosters worked fine? Correct. The rockers are only needed between analog circuits, not digital ones. You want the ground to run through all circuits and just isolate the pukos in the center. |
Regards,
Jim
I have almost all Märklin and mostly HO, although I do have a small number of Z gauge trains!
So many trains and so little time. |
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Joined: 16/02/2004(UTC) Posts: 15,443 Location: DE-NW
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Originally Posted by: dickinsonj  The rockers are only needed between analog circuits, not digital ones. They are not needed when connecting two analogue circuits. They are needed when connected an analogue circuit with a digital circuit. They are also needed between different digital circuits - for example if you use two digital controllers. Between a controller circuit and a booster circuit fed by the same controller they are normally not needed; the track signals should be identical. |
Regards Tom --- "In all of the gauges, we particularly emphasize a high level of quality, the best possible fidelity to the prototype, and absolute precision. You will see that in all of our products." (from Märklin New Items Brochure 2015, page 1) ROFLBTCUTS  |
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Joined: 27/11/2009(UTC) Posts: 1,218 Location: Middle of the US
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Tom again thanks and thanks Jim. I had found this thread after I made mine. So anyway I can’t wait to add the booster when it arrives as Santa has already delivered a few more engines.
Thanks again.
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Joined: 05/12/2008(UTC) Posts: 1,802 Location: Crozet, Virginia
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Originally Posted by: H0  They are not needed when connecting two analogue circuits. That is good to know Tom. A dealer told me that they were needed many years ago, but I moved to digital before expanding my layout to where I needed a second analog circuit. I even bought some M track ones from him, which might be why he told me that I needed them. |
Regards,
Jim
I have almost all Märklin and mostly HO, although I do have a small number of Z gauge trains!
So many trains and so little time. |
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