I just recently (like yesterday)... got the new CS2, but I've been using the Mobil station... I am a bit puzzled by the instruction manual.. it seems to be a bit brief in explaining how to connect the unit to the layout. The first confusion I have is, do I read the book correctly, the only way to connect the CS2 to a layout is via a brown/red wire fed into the track directly in the "old fashioned" way.. and that I cannot use my 24088 feeder track with it's nice plug?

Secondly, if the above is true.... then what is the difference between the 1st output and 2nd connection option as displayed on page 33 (right side) of the owners manual? For example, assuming a simple layout, which of the two outputs do I plug into the track, the one closer to the middle? or the one that's more outboard? They look identical and both have a track symbol drawn.. Marklin could take a lesson or two from Apple in simplicity!

Thanks for helping out this noob!

I have taken the attitude that Marklin believes that we are all incredibly smart and near prescient in our understanding of all mechanisms. I choose to take it as a compliment. (I would rather be regarded as somewhat dull and have everything explained to me in pedantic detail; but, it doesn't seem that we'll get that.)

Thanks everyone for the answers... But what is, and more over why do I want a "program track"? Does it need to be a full blown circuit track?


But yeah, manuals, and especially ones done in another language then translated to English seem to be VERY lacking in general today, Marklin is no exception.

Troy, my esu LoKpilot came with a mini CD with the instructions as a pdf
but the pdf is also online at esu's web site.

Sam, its not useless it takes up space. [:o)]
My feeder track stays packed away but I use it sometimes to quickly set CV's from the mobile station or want to set up a small test track.

Sam,
A simple answer is that, when you want to add a locomotive to your loco list, the CS will get confused if you have more than one loco on the layout tracks. With a "program track" (can be a few straight tracks hooked together and connected to the Program Track outlet in the CS) you can place one loco on it and add that loco to your list. When the CS accepts that, you can even run the loco slowly forward and backward, sound the whistle, turn the lights on and off, etc. to test it.
Now that your new loco is in the CS loco list, you can put the loco and the rest of the train on your layout and operate it.
I hope this is understandable and correct for your CS2. I'm sure more knowledgeable members will add to this, if necessary.

Also, it is always good to remind English speakers that the "B" connection stands for Bahnstrom which is German for track power or current NOT for brown.
Joel

re: Marklin instructions

for those of you who are familiar with ancient (Greek) history, the Pythia at the Oracle of Delphi was renown for her utterly ambiguous statements & divinations --- guess who I believe Marklin contracts some of their instruction writing to!

Dan

CS should be able to recognise more than one new (mfx) loco on the track, at least CS 1 can. Don't know about CS 2.
Programming track is for certain loco's/decoders that need a message from the CS to change the decoder settings. AFAIK this signal goes only to the programming track connection of the CS and not to the layout connection, thus preventing other loco's which might be on the layout from being programmed also. I'm not near my layout now so I don't quite remember or can find out which loco's/decoders need the programming track procedure but some do. What you do is edit the loco from the CS and then send the edited data to the loco.
Regards, Henk.

Hello SAM,

As a starting reference point I direct you to the instructions in most Märklin manuals for locomotives with "soft" decoders (Those without DIP switches).
Under "Setting Locomotive Parameters with the Control Unit" you will see a convoluted set of instructions on how to use a 6021 to "program" the decoders values.
The procedure works, but involves amongst other things, resetting the controller, holding your tongue out and to the left, setting address 80, praying , watching out for blinking lights ...

Here's the rub .... while you will successfully program the locomotive you want ... you will also reprogram ANY OTHER locomotive (with a soft programmable decoder)

Therefore the concept of a programming track allows for a separate feed of programming commands without affecting locos/decoders already on the main layout (i.e. you do not have to unplug/replug the wires every time you wish to change a single locomotives configuration)

In fact the rest of the layout can continue to operate while you go through the programming steps.

The programming track, when not in programming mode, operates just like the main track and could even be a mini layout for testing - see below for comment about reduced current rating. However when you enter a programing mode you will hear a relay click within the CS1/CS2. When this happens the CS is just automatically going through the same steps that are described for the 6021 - but without as much praying.
TIP: sometimes it is uncertain when a programing operation has finished, especially if there are no lights. By listing for the 2 clicks - one at the start and one at the end - you will know when the job is done.

Additionally, The programming track is also used in the "address scan detection" feature (for when the address has been forgotten and you do not want to just overwrite a new one). For some decoders this can only be done by sending the correct address (the controller will step through them all) and detecting the (minuscule) change in current drawn. It is unrealistic for this to reliably work with a full layout connected with its, potentially, large variations in load from trains and accessories.

The programming track is also rated for less current draw and quicker safeguards for cutout.
The thinking here is that if you are testing and performing the initial configuration of a newly installed/upgraded decoder, it is more likely that there has been an inadvertent incorrect wire connection or a wiring short - rather than an operation spark (shoe touching the frog of a point) that can be "pushed through". Thus saving both the decoder and the control unit from undue stress and damage and allowing for inspection and correction of ones work.

There has also been a reference to the use of the programming track for mFX decoder registration. Neither the CS1 nor CS2 distinguish between the main track of programming track for detection and registration. However , as with the comment about unpredictable load likely on ones main layout, using the programming track MAY be more reliable because of less distractions and variations in the power during the registration process. Personally I have not had a problem registering mFX decoders on the main track.

Well, no sooner did I ask a follow up question, but do I get another! ... I am trying to program my locs into the CS2.. I am using the "program" track... which is attached and tested (on my V100 non-mfx loc).. I put both a 39892 and 39894 Mfx loc onto the test track, follow the directions ... which if I'm understanding them correctly want me to go to "New Locomotive -manual".. then select thru the drop down menu for Decoder Type "Programmable" .. then click on the Loc Upload icon ... It runs for a bit, the progress bar moves, but then I get the message "The Locomotive address could not be recognized in 10 seconds" ... and nothing uploads.. I tried this on both and no luck..

So, what am I doing wrong fellas? any ideas?

Sam

This does not sound good,

please check for bent pins in the connector, then try the the other port and , if you have a MS 10pin to 7pin connector , the port at the back labeled 60173 (booster).

If you sill have a problem , please confirm ha the MS works ok by itself. and then let us know the version level.

Hi Sam. No bugs in recognising locos as far as I know. When the mfx symbol shows the loco is registered remember to touch the symbol to confirm.

dave