Hi. As you say the instructions are poor but then so are most German model rail instructions.
Regarding batteries I didnt know there were any in the CS2. In fact I dont have any in mine as far as I know.

dave

Well, the manuals on the Märklin website clearly states: "The programming track may not have any direct electrical contact with the layout, nor can it have additional users (examples: lighting, turnout decoders, light track bumper, etc.) connected to it.
The programming track is required to read out, program, and process locomotive decoders."
(60213 version p.33, 60214 version p.37)

I can see everybody with a CS2 will now be searching for batteries.

Page 33 of the instruction book does have a clear diagram as to how to connect the CS2 60213 (and as said above for 60214 I presume) to both the layout and the programming track. Make sure the brown and red wires are connected as shown in the picture.

Looking forward to hearing from you when you get to the signals etc and memory lol.

dave

The manual leaves much to be desired in terms of clarity. It should be revised and enhanced.

Thanks Thomas - at least someone else has a sense of humour out there Even if it's a bit old fashion.
Now back to the topic. So I guess there are no batteries required for the CS2. [:0] So let's start at the beginning - connecting the CS2 to the layout. One set of wires (Red & Brown) are connected to the C track as shown in the book and the plug is inserted into the right hand side socket on the CS2. I've done that, however, the programming track business is confusing me. There is an identical picture for connecting the programming tack to the C Track, but what's the difference between "programming track" & "Layout track"? Why can't I use the feeder track 24088 as I did with CS1 ?
Please remember that I'm the Marklin dummy

Hi, For the CS1 there is only one connection (#1) that can be used with a 24088. This is the round(ish) 8 pin connector - you need a 8pin to 10pin cable which ships with the CS1.

The output (for the track) from this connector is the SAME as the one next to it ( #2 - Icon with a piece of track with a B and O BUT WITHOUT the word "Prog"). It just allows you to choose to wire directly to the layout tracks.
Note: Using the 24088 allowed for a MS to be plugged in - one reason for the different number of pins.



The CS2 has a connector with the same (8pin) connector configuration but is labeled "SX". And while this is plug compatible with the 24088 and a slave MS will power up, the commands sent are not the same and the MS shows "NO MASTER".
The port is described as "Opt." on pg 36 and "SX-Bus: (Currently not used)" on page 40. The SX implies TRIX so I do not know if a Trix MS would work differently.

Therefore:. The 24088 cannot be used by the CS2 as a feed to the track We just have to bite the bullet and move on ...

The Connector WITH the word "Prog" has special functions (and protection).

First it is important to understand that there are 2 types of programming and this is really a function of the decoder.

1) For "older decoders" it is necessary to use a power command sequence to set them into programming mode. Conversely ALL decoders of this type that were on the track when this is done will be put into programming mode. This is why it is desirable to have an isolated piece of track - in order to limit the damage to just one train

2) The newer decoders are able to be addressed specifically and allow for PoM (Programming on Main) - mFX decoders are of this type

So both the CS1 and CS2 (and all other brands of controllers for that matter) provide 2 seperate circuits.
NOTE: in normal operation the Programming track gets exactly the same signal as the Main Layout. However when you perform a programming function a relay changes the circuit to allow for the needed power initiation sequence - A noticeable, audible, click can be heard from the unit when this happens.

An additional design specification of the programing track output, is that of limited current and more sensitive cutout.
One of the reasons for this is for the testing of a newly installed decoder. If there is a short or miss-wiring, the idea being that the track will turn off earlier and save the decoder from damage rather than blowing it up. The comment about other loads (lights etc), aside from using up the limited power, is that they distort the signal and "may" prevent the protection circuitry doing its job of cutting out quickly and cleanly.

Edited by moderator 11 January 2011 17:14:09(UTC)  | Reason: Not specified

Thanks Mike and Eric for your understanding. Lutz - not everyone can grasp the digital concept as well as you can. When I opened the polystyrene box which contained the CS2, there was a bag containing 4 AA batteries. The CS1 used batteries, so I assumed that as there was a bag of batteries supplied, then they needed to be installed like the CS1. All anyone had to say to me, was that batteries are not needed.
As for the connection to the track system - all anyone had to say to me was, you only need to connect the "track" connection for the CS2 to operate. The "program tack" connection is a separate connection to the layout track. When ONE is ignorant and the instructions are not explicit, then ONE becomes confused, especially as the equipment is expensive and sensitive and ONE doesn't want to damage the CS2. So, to err on the side of caution, is better than sending the CS2 back for repairs. Also, as I live in the "colonies", shipping between Marklin and the rest of the world is extremely slow. I owned the CS1 for 22 months - I had it for 10 months and Marklin had it for 12 months, including shipping time. That's why I wasn't prepared to do anything which may have damaged the unit. 600 Euros in any country is a lot of money.
Now that I've said that, I must congratulate you Lutz, on a great thread on how to use the CS2. I've read several times and I starting to understand the CS2 more. Keep up the good work and just be "gentle" with us who are trying to learn the new technology.
Regards
Greg

Hi Lutz,
I'm sure your post didn't intend any malice. When anyone writes a message there is a good chance that it can be misinterpreted, especially when the author is ESL (English as a second langauge). In fact I envy the people who attempt to communicate in another language, so "hats off" to them.
Let's leave this all behind. I'm really enjoying the CS2 - My problem, is that I must learn to forget the old technology and start up with the new. I still think along the old DC method that I used when I was a boy, some 40 years ago. AC and digital is leaps ahead and the thinking is different - so is the equipment with decoders, etc.
I think this is a good point to thank everyone who has tried to help others - we must remember that this is all voluntry. Thanks everyone.