I have two SBB Re 421 which are running on 29483 chassis. One is 421 374 and has SBB Re 421 374 as it's MFX ID. The other one is 421 397 and has SBB Re 421 397 as it's MFX ID. The first one was set to MM address 13 and the second was 42.
When I put them on my test oval with MS2 (29486), it does not recognize the locomotives. There is no databank list for 29483. I tried 29481 but no response.
Next test was to try address 13 or 42. No direct response.
What it has been doing all along is that it will from time to time start running at different speeds and direction each time, sometimes changing when start/stop is pressed.
A few times, it did not detect MFX, but came back with DCC with address 0.
When I disabled MFX and DCC it did respond to the MM address.

I tried programming a new entry for a MM2 Programmierbar lok with address 13, but it did not respond to that manual entry.

Does anybody have any clue what is going on?

When separately placed on a test track with my 6021, they both respond to that controller normally (MM). But when I go back to the MS2 oval, they resume their strange behaviour.

Regards

Mike C

Hi Mike,

Thats an older MS2 (2012?) so have you updated the software in it?
Then perhaps the decoders need to be reset.

Don

mfx locos are never in the database. The decoder is supposed to register automatically and provide all information.

And because mfx is so great, user-friendly, and reliable, the locos will not respond to their MM address if mfx is detected on the track. It does not matter if the names or MM addresses are the same or different, as mfx should assign a unique mfx address based on the serial number of the decoder.

Their are hundreds of threads dealing with mfx locos that won't register. The best thing to try is MS2, track box, one or two pieces of track and just one loco on the track.
It can help to try a different digital controller - mfx would be best.

You can reset the locos using the 6021. But that is just clutching at straws. Could help.

You can disable mfx in the MS2 and then happily operate the locos using MM - or DCC for those locos that support it. The locos work with the 6021 that does not support mfx.

The loco is so new, I cannot believe there is an ESU decoder inside. If the decoder PCB is red or green then it is definitely not ESU.

It could be that the mfx sender on the decoder is kaputt. Then using MM or replacing the decoder are the only options - unless you can do some SMD soldering.

You can check the versions of your MS 2 on the info screens. IIRC you need at least 1.83 to register mfx+ locos, but even older versions should register mfx locos with Märklin decoders correctly.

You are probably reluctant to do this, especially if you have a lot of saved locos in the MS2, but have you tried resetting the MS2 ? This will wipe out all your saved data but it may fix the issues.
Good luck,

36851 had a MM address of 11 and a mfx address of Re 482 011
36606 had a MM address of 46 and a mfx address of Re 482 046
29846 had a MM address of 29 and a mfx address of BLS Re 486 503
36852 had a MM address of 50 and a mfx address of BLS Re 485

Each one should have had it's own addresses (both mfx and MM)

I deleted a few stored locomotives from the list, but that did not make a difference.
In MM, they all respond to their individual addresses
In mfx they all respond to the same command.

Regards

Mike C

The loco name is not the mfx address. The MS2 does not show the mfx address.
36851 was FX only AFAIK.
Early 36606 were FX only.
29486 was FX only.
36852 was FX only.

Were these locos converted to mfx?

When you have several locos on the track and change the MM address for any loco, then all locos will have the new MM address.
Otherwise this sounds like strange loco behaviour.

You can ask Marklin how to get the latest update on your ms2.

A reset is only the last option you have.

Ms2 have dcc from software version 2. It can hold 40 loks and you can handle 32 functions now from software version 3.55. .

It can also be updated from an MS2 with newer firmware.
Maybe forum members in Canada or the USA can help.
Or maybe buy a new MS2 and make sure it has version 3.112 or at least 3.55 installed.

BTW: Which software do your MS2s currently have? I hope they all have the same version. I hope the track box also has a suitable version installed.

Mike, I have a CS3 and have updated MS2's with it. If you want to send it to me I can do it. I'm in Massachusetts, so that's not too far. PM me if you'd like to do have me do the update.

Regards,
Roger

When you plug an updated ms2 into the track box you will get a message about updating the track box. You need to confirm that and it will then proceed. The ms2 and track box need to have their revisions in step to operate correctly.