Hello All:

I am posting this question to the forum in the hope that I might get a solution to a digital problem I am currently experiencing.


I recently purchased a couple of the "My World" red/green aspect home signals (#74391), thinking that when I go to set my layout up for computer control and therefore not needing any direct (analogue) locomotive control with the signals, that this would be a relatively inexpensive signal solution. That is... they would look the part, but they would not actually cut off any power to the track, and that it would be the computer (through a control program) that would actually start/stop the locomotives. Price wise (approx $15.00), they are the perfect fit.

However, as I have found many, many times, nothing in life is that simple... and... I have run into a "glitch" that I was wondering if any members of this forum have previously encountered.

Okay, this gets a little complicated so please ... bear with me.

The signals have two (long)wires running to the actual signal mast, one dark blue and one a lighter shade of blue. These wires are matched up with a third wire which is red. The red wire does not actually attach to the signal Mast, but it is clipped to a plug along with the two blue wires, which in turn are attached to a "My World" control box (#72751). The red wire has a spade connector at it's other end which is intended to be attached to the third rail (or power lead) of a 'C' track piece somewhere on the actual layout. At the other end of the control box you run a small (3 inch) cable to be connected to a starter set control track piece (#??????), the older versions were numbered #24088. All of the plugs coming out of the control box (both those going to the signals, and the return to the 'C' track control track piece appear to be four circuit plugs. That is, there are four "female" type adapters which in turn attach to four "male" ended holes in the control box.

Unfortunately, Marklin in their infinite wisdom elected to change the control track connector box from the older round plugs to a square plug. They also elected to make the connection wire from the signal control box to the control track about 3 inches in length. Definitly intended to be used on a carpet type layout setting. In their pictogram instructions which come with the control boxes, they elected not to identify this cable.

At this point I would be willing to use said signals as they were intended, however, the control track with the newer square connection hole is not sold as a separate item (at least to my current knowledge) and... the company does not offer a longer connection cable. They do not even offer a part number for the 3 inch connection cable so that I am unable to inquire about extensions.

I have thought about trying to use my older control boxes, however, when I go to wiring the signals they only way that I can get them to light up is to take each wire from the signal (light and dark blue) and attach them to the third rail and ground circuit respectively which cause both lights in the signal to light up. however, there is no control either off or on except to attach or un-attach the wires, all of which just kills any power to the light.

I guess my biggest question right now is...does any of this make any sense to anyone? Would anybody have any suggestions on just what my next move should be?

Either way... thanks for taking the time to read this

Hi!

Here's a page from the German Märklin Magazin:
http://www.railroad24.de...94333-09062820122250.pdf

If you cut of the plug, please note that "due to technical reasons" the wire colours do not match the standard colour scheme.
Hobby signals need the resistors inside the 72750/1 control boxes - normal control boxes will do harm unless you add resistors of your own.
A 72750 control box would do (but not available at the factory).

James, I'm glad you've found some useful information. I, on the other hand, am more confused than when you started the thread.

Are we saying that it is impossible to buy hobby colour light signals and make them work with the products currently on the market?

I noted that there are two generations of control boxes. The 72751 replaces the earlier 72750. What is the difference between these?

Maybe someone could shed some light on this problem, because I was actually considering getting some of these signals, but now I don't know how they would connect to the layout.

Hi, Ray!
With MyWorld (72751) they introduced a new system: a four-pole cable runs from the track box to the first control box and to the next control box and so forth.
There are control boxes for signals and control boxes for solenoids. All plug and play.

These four poles include track power (that signals will switch off) and "power" for solenoids.

With the 72750 you did the wiring yourself with those small plugs.

Thanks James,

I've recently invested in a MS2 from a starter set, and the track connection box it brings, the 60113, only has three connectors, two for MS2s and one for power, so I can't see how these signals may be used with a starter set containing an MS2 and this type of connection box.

Next time I'm in a Marklin dealer who has the My World range I'll ask them about it, but for now I think I'll stick to the Viessmann signals.

For the 74XXX signals there is a box available that converts them to digital signals that can be programmed for the MS2, CS2 and ecos.
I will look up the supplier later and post the name.


Found it. Ebay Seller : dr.pannek

Item :

Signaldecoder f Lichtsignale kompatibel Märklin digital or

or:


Signalmodul, Bremsmodul kompatibel zu Märklin - Digital
Nev

http://www.ebay.com.au/i...&hash=item51a08da4db