Hello experts, I have a basic analog layout with 10VA blue metal transformer (old) with a few analog locos which run fine. Now I got hands on a digital loco, which seems to run fine on the analog layout. However, I don’t know how to change the direction of this digital loco to run it reverse.
Any suggestions? Is it even possible to reverse?
I know it shouldn’t be the pulse as there is no spring reverse setup inside it.

Thanks

Thanks HO, it’s a märklin 3065. I’m not sure about the decoder inside it, will come back after checking.

The 3065 was analogue ex works.
With an unidentified retrofit decoder, better play it safe: assume that the reversing voltage should be below 28.28 V, the documented limit for recent decoders.
I won't use transformers that give more than 26 V to reverse digital locos.

You might find that the decoder has DIP switches for address settings. Those older decoders usually can handle the reversing voltages from blue transformers, but there is no guarantee.

Tip: Apply reversing voltage as short as possible. Digital locos show no reaction to the reversing pulse.

Nice and clarifying picture.
A question, how much is the household voltage in Croatia?
Still 220 or have you moved to 240?
Regards

We still haven't seen a picture of the decoder.
28.28 V is the limit for some modern decoders, older decoders and recent decoders are more robust.

Can you take a photo from the other side of the circuit board as well?
Your safest option is to buy a 66470 (the newest 230VAC) model. This will allow you to reverse both analog and digital locomotives in analog operation and can still be used to power accessories should you at some point convert to Central or Mobile Station (Digital)
As far as the old 1960s metal blue transformer, those transformers are known to have issues with deterioration of wire insulation and are considered a shock hazard. You should discontinue use of that model unless wearing shock proof gloves when operating if the wiring has not been replaced.
Also, take into consideration that older model blue transformers (210-220VAC) now put out operating voltage in excess of 16VAC due to the standardization of voltage at 230.

Thanks

Mike C

As I suspected, that looks more like some kind of electronic reverse unit rather than a digital decoder. I don't see the dip switches that I would normally expect to find on a 6080/6090 decoder nor do I see a circuit board with a plugged in decoder that I would expect from ESU, Zimo, etc.
This locomotive should reverse when it detects the inversion pulse.

As far as the 66470 transformer, this would allow you to safely operate all your analog, delta and digital locomotives in analog mode without putting any decoders at risk. You can still use your older transformer to provide power for signals, layout lights, etc.
Analog, unlike digital, controls the track and not individual locomotives, so any locomotive on the track would respond to changes of speed or direction.

Regards

Mike C

I think it is a home brew decoder. It uses a PIC microcontroller, but the wiring is too heavy gauge to be a commercially available item. It will set its address using a method similar to what marklin decoders do with a 6021 I would guess, or maybe it has been designed to be set on a programming track.

Hello Raj,

There is a more recent transformer, the 66471:

Märklin 66471

From what i understand, the difference is in the on/off switch in the cable.

There is also an older version, 6647, that is not protected against have the 230V in the primary (that in this situation is acting as the secondary) when the 16V is being applied in the secondary (that in such a
situation is acting as the primary). This one is usually a lot cheaper in ebay. I have this version.

Miguel