( Old title of thread was Which controller for my needs? CS3, ECoS, Viessmann, IB? until post #20
And other title "Decided on CS3... etc". I'll keep this current title "Learning CS3" not to confuse; I'll just change after + to indicate current issue. )Hello all,
I have read a lot of posts over the years and I am thinking I have to take the plunge and just try some other control systems. So far we have had fun with using a 6021 with 80f and have bought or were graciously given some material to expand, however its time to make it all work. For some decoders when we used the 6021 we were able to get 8 sounds and\or functions by assigning two addresses to one lok when Marklin used ESU decoders in some models. Not sure the MFX or any other Marklin decoder can use multiple addresses to enable all the potential functions. If not they really are cheating the customer by not allowing to use the full capacity of the product, but as they do in tech, their product, their rules I guess. Be that as it may, I would like to use a Connect6021 to link my 6021 and 80f to (maybe) a CS3. HOWEVER IF i am reading the posts and literature correctly its a bit of a letdown that I read you cannot get feedback controls to work seamlessly on a CS3 which is why at the time I acquired the interface for PC control. Please correct me if I am wrong.
Is there anyway that you know of to get all potential sounds and functions for a Marklin loco with any of the available PC software out there?
Do I still need a CS3 just to get the functions and sounds and to apply DC to the rails instead of AC? (sort of two questions sorry and its not clear really. Just want to know the alternatives to achieve the same results I guess.)
If you are a PC software user for train control, and you were starting over again, which software and controllers would you ideally use to set yourself up with if you were me?
My requirements in order of priority might be:
1 - Track detection with feedback modules to trigger switches and signals so that I can set up scheduled automated runs. I loved using reed switches with block sections for semaphores in analog until they would not fire properly anymore, and it yet it seems that its limited in a CS3 to create a cascade of events to get routinely triggered, or am i wrong? I like the idea of several trains running routes automatically while you control a couple of others in a yard or branch line.
(Another sub-question, can I use m83 to trigger feedback? I have about 10 of them.)
2 - Automatically scheduled Braking modules that truly work with squealing brakes and don't just stop a loco dead. If a loco encounters a block section occupied, it should know well enough ahead of time in order to have smooth braking with its lovely sounds and of braking and slowing throttle or whatever engine sounds they would have be they steam, diesel or electric.
3 - Sounds, most or all of them. I love the sound but its not an absolute game changer for me. I often leave the sound off to think and work on what I am doing. I don't like how Marklin lists the digital functions on their pages with a ranking system that seems to constantly outdate the previous generation of controllers.
Higher number CS1, 2, 3, then more sounds and function. I mean it make sense, but it seems with a bit of foresight they would have allowed for enough space to trigger tiny sound files in their system. Of course I know the controllers do a lot more than just enable the sounds and functions, but that's they way they are listed when 'shopping' for a lok by looking for details on the Marklin site.
4 - Interoperability between controllers and the reduction of redundant systems. THAT SAID... having easily accessible and direct control of the 6021 instead of tweaking menus is a huge advantage when sharing a layout with a friend or family member. I love the bright red numbers and push button controls. With a 6021 t anyone can learn basic control in a few minutes. At shows our analog layout was a huge hit with the direct control panel we built. We would pass out "Mädchenbahn Lokführer" certificates to the kids when they went through a few hoops operating the control panel. They would beam.
(You can see the kids working on the old layout and see the final result at the bottom with the control panel at the bottom. A couple of the shots are from shows.
http://madchenbahn.com/show-layout.htm )
Message a bit longer than intended so I will leave it at this. If you think there are other important considerations I should take into account, please let me know. I am open to any and all suggestions at this stage.
Thank you all so much for this great community.
- Mark
Edited by user 17 May 2022 02:03:09(UTC)
| Reason: Not specified