hi Justine,

This subject can be as big or as small as you want it to be.

Personally, I would say get a s88 as soon as you can and have play.
Unless you specifically want the telegraphed capability of track current detection of the , yet to be GA'd 60882, the 60880 will serve you well

The 60880 (and 6088) have been around for approx 20 years, have been reliable and do most of what is needed in the way of sensing on a model railroad layout. Marklin offer the "Circuit track" and "Contact track" companion product but anything that produces a "switch to ground", like a reed switch or a panel button can also be deployed. Should you wish to get into more electronic detection device, these can be integrated at the output stage by providing a sink that the s88 will detect.


I have had no problems with the Marklin 6088(0) and would recommend them. I have not even bothered to try OEM offerings.
Comment: I consider the limitation on length of the Controller<>s88 cable to NOT be an issue as I place all my s88s at the control desk. The "yet to be GA'd" s88_Link items may alleviate the base issue but will not mean an enforced rewiring of the older units

The 6088(0) has 16 inputs and all can be used - OEM offering I am aware of include 8 port options and the ability to "number each port" rather than them just being sequential (unnecessary complexity if you ask me)


Reliability is as good as the installation process and the future environmental impacts of modelling activity (glue, ballast and flock etc)

Therefore reeds win-out as the CircuitTrack incurs the exposure of mechanical binds
That said the Circuit tracks do offer a separate sensor input to determine the direction of travel

What your real question needs to be is how you need them used...
- For single line - bidirectional traffic - the Circuit track gets a big tick
- - but be wary of trains with multiple shoes
- The reed switch option gives nice distinct pulses
- - this can be an issue with the CS2 shuttle usage
- ContactTracks (rail isolation using Axle bridging) are a cheap option
- - note that isolation one rail reduces the "3rd Rail" resilience
- - good for yards when detecting "is anything there"


The Circuit track has 2 distinct wires that provide an input for each direction

The Reed switch will trigger via a magnet in any direction - within its vacinity
If you want to get fancy it is technically possible to "tune" the reed switch and magnet placement for directional detection. I would recommend against this.




Start with ....

http://medienpdb.maerkli...s/1/pdf/6088_betrieb.pdf
http://medienpdb.maerkli.../1/pdf/24194_betrieb.pdf
http://medienpdb.maerkli.../1/pdf/24995_betrieb.pdf

Peter,

I have another question with S88 feedback module. Do you need Braking modules with S88 or do Braking modules work with S88 modules?

Cheers

Justin

There is no direct connection/need between a S88 and a braking module.
I have plenty of s88s and no braking modules.

You may use the Circuit/Contact/Other switches to directly activate a Braking Module if you wish
OR
they can connect to the s88 and the Control units route control may be programmed.

ref medienpdb.maerklin.de/product_files/1/pdf/72442_betrieb.pdf