 Joined: 10/09/2022(UTC) Posts: 12 Location: Syddanmark, Esbjerg
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I am working on my first fully digital layout, and I am looking for a decoder to control power to signal blocks and signal control.
I am using a Märklin CS3+ for train control. I am looking into Märklin 60842 decoder, as it seems to fulfill my needs fine, but it comes with a hefty price tag for only control of 4 different sections.
Anyone knows a decodes which can be used instead? I will be using Viessmann signals, an no brake modules to keep price down. It is simply power on/off for the power section, together with red/green on the block signals.
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 Joined: 04/02/2011(UTC) Posts: 3,555 Location: Paris, France
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Hi Rytter Here a CS3 user from France in combination with Märklin HO and Rocrail. Yes the 60842 is rather expensive and this is because (1) it does many things (control signal colour, control isulated section, has control entries addtional to digital control, can MFX, DCC and MM2 and (2) It is fair to say Märklin is not the cheapest of them all. If you present set-up includes DCC and MM2 (you have not locked these protocols on the CS3) then you have many other decoder solutions like IEK (S DEC DCC, the cheapest I think), DigitalBahn (WeichZwei 4-fach Schaltausgang, only in DCC). I used to buy IEK kits with 4 relays but can't find them anymore. Another strange solution: Use Rocrail- don't need anymore stop sections and signals (except for cosmetic purposes) - don't need any brake modules (pretty expensive with Märklin and a lot of wiring - Rocrail is NOT free but you may use it first (all free download without restrictions) and then you decide what is your contribution (0, 12€ or more per year). This is a great product with a great forum and interactive documentation - additional cost: for me a CAT5 cable and I use my personal laptop The résult on my layout is this Cheers Jean |
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 Joined: 28/09/2019(UTC) Posts: 119 Location: Rogaland, Haugesund
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Must admit I am not familiar with the old analog way with blocks without power. It seems to me You try to drag the old ways into the digital system. You should look into the sensors/feed back system and use cs3 with events or rocrail or similar instead. At least. Make the required contact tracks with cables when building. You will probably go for this in the future. Sound, smoke, light etc can be set on some time prior to train starts.
Regards
Thor
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Joined: 16/02/2004(UTC)
Posts: 15,441
Location: DE-NW
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Originally Posted by: rytter  I am looking into Märklin 60842 decoder, as it seems to fulfill my needs fine, but it comes with a hefty price tag for only control of 4 different sections. It can control 8 sections with its 8 outputs, using either 4 or 8 addresses. |
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: 30/07/2008(UTC) Posts: 8 Location: ,
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Originally Posted by: rytter I am working on my first fully digital layout, and I am looking for a decoder to control power to signal blocks and signal control.
I am using a Märklin CS3+ for train control. I am looking into Märklin 60842 decoder, as it seems to fulfill my needs fine, but it comes with a hefty price tag for only control of 4 different sections.
Anyone knows a decodes which can be used instead? I will be using Viessmann signals, an no brake modules to keep price down. It is simply power on/off for the power section, together with red/green on the block signals. Here's how I implemented the control of my bridge with LDT TT-DEC decoder : https://jumping-jack-fla.../ateliers/pont-tournant/ |
Marklin H0: CS2, iTrain
Marklin Z
LGB |
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