Hi, I got a new/old (second hand) CS2 60213 that gives me some troubles.

I am testing with it several Mfx locs in a couple of test tracks I built using M-tracks and C-tracks.

I should say that neither of both test tracks are pretty new (of course) and maybe not 100% clean, but when I use them with the same locs using an (also old) Intellibox I, I don't have any problem, except that the loc can stop due to a problem of current micro-cut due to dirty in the tracks or the "pukos", but nothing more.

CS2 60213 instead changes the loc direction or even switch on a loc function. It seems CS2 is much more sensible to a possible current micro-failure than the other (old) Intellibox.

I am afraid that when I would use it in one of (from time to time) built layouts it would give me many troubles because my tracks ar old and impossible to have them 100% clean.

So, is there any way to lower the CS2 sensitivity to those micro-cut of current in possible dirty tracks (or "pukos").

Thanks and kind regards.

Javier

P.S.: When I build a layout, I usually use a booster between the Control Station and the layout (mainly for protecting the Control Station), would it lower the sensibility micro-cut problems I find now?

Thanks. Yes, the change of direction and the activation of the function are seen in the CS2, so, it seems to be a problem of the CS2.

On the other hand, both decoders (37921 and 37886) seems to be Mfx-only decoders, but I will try your suggestion of test them using MM protocol in order to isolate the problem between the decoder/protocol and the CS2/protocol.

I will also try it putting my booster (It is a "Do it yourself" Märklin 6017-like)

But everything has to wait a couple of weeks, as I am not at home just now, so, no access to them.

Thanks again and best regards.

Javier

Edited by user 22 September 2025 22:51:09(UTC)  | Reason: Not specified

I got it from another Spanish colleague, in fact I got it already built, but I feel I have all the documentation, the components, the electronic circuit and components and even the electronic board design, should you be interested in, I can contact my colleague (if still available) and ask for sending you information or selling you a board (is still available).

Regards

I will try to contact him and will let you know if any news.

In the meantime let me correct my previous post. It is not a 60174-like booster, but a 6017-like booster. It admits common-mass and DCC and Motorola protocols, don't sure about Mfx yet, in a couple of weeks I could confirm.

Rgds

Hi Javier
I had one 60213 and one 60214 and both went back to Märklin where the motherboard was replaced by a 60215 one and this was a real fix.
My experience is that the 60213 had serious design flaws around (1) the absence of galvanic separation and (2) the feed-back bus for S88 (6088 / 60880)

Back to your problem

The possible causes are (in decreasing probability):
- defective can bus receiving erratic order from another ghost equipemnt. You said you developped your own equipment (Booster) it must be connected either to the flat cable under the 60213 or to the CAN output
- noisy power supply (having high frequency superposed to the normal AC or DC). Are you using a transformer or a regulated DC power supply (e.g.60041 or 60101).
- defective touchscreen (I experienced this on my CS1 (60212) caused by a mechanical problem - the CS1 casing was touching the touch screen)

Have you tried the 60213 alone with a loco? Do you still have the same issues?

FYI today one of my 60215 work but with a dead programing track output and the second one fails to boot-up (the initial start image is displayed forever) and now I use a CS3 (60226) since 4 years and its fine.

Cheers
Jean

Yes and besides, Märklin does not repair them anymore since 2019 or so. M offers a rebate on CS3 if they keep the CS2 for destruction
Jean

Ah, if it is a 6017 equivalent then don't worry, I have information on these.
Thanks anyway, for your efforts.