Marklin Decoders with ESU Command Station - I can't get my decoders to work Share  Email this topic  LinkBack Topic URL  Retweet this Topic  Share Topic on Google+  Like this Topic  Share on Facebook  Digg this Topic  Reddit this Topic  Share on Tumblr Options  Watch this topic  Print this topic View » Normal Threaded

Previous Topic Next Topic

drbob01		#1 Posted : 21 November 2013 16:24:18(UTC) Retweet
Joined: 26/11/2010(UTC) Posts: 70 Location: USA		Perhaps someone knows about this issue and can help me? I recently purchased a "new" ESU command station which I have connected to my C track layout that has 6 turnouts and 2 signals. I have the trains running, but cannot get the signals or turnout decoders to be recognised, despite re-re-re-reading the manual. I was using the mobile station 2 previously and was hoping to use TouchCab for remote operation. However, I see that I had to add a cable to connect the mobile station 2 to the command station. The IP address doesn't seem to be working on my ipad mini so far and the manual says the signals I have need to be addressed prior to installation. Let me know if you have any such experience and how to get this corrected. Thanks! drBob
User Profile View All Posts by User View Thanks

	Wish to join the discussion?! Login to your marklin-users.net community | Forum accountor Register a new forum account. Or Connect via Facebook

H0		#2 Posted : 21 November 2013 16:47:17(UTC) Retweet
Joined: 16/02/2004(UTC) Posts: 15,451 Location: DE-NW		For signals and turnouts using MM protocol it is vital to connect B to centre rail and 0 to outer rail. Check the wires or try them swapped.
		Regards Tom --- "In all of the gauges, we particularly emphasize a high level of quality, the best possible fidelity to the prototype, and absolute precision. You will see that in all of our products." (from Märklin New Items Brochure 2015, page 1) ROFLBTCUTS
User Profile View All Posts by User View Thanks

Goofy		#3 Posted : 21 November 2013 17:20:23(UTC) Retweet
Joined: 12/08/2006(UTC) Posts: 9,278		Originally Posted by: drbob01 Perhaps someone knows about this issue and can help me? I recently purchased a "new" ESU command station which I have connected to my C track layout that has 6 turnouts and 2 signals. I have the trains running, but cannot get the signals or turnout decoders to be recognised, despite re-re-re-reading the manual. I was using the mobile station 2 previously and was hoping to use TouchCab for remote operation. However, I see that I had to add a cable to connect the mobile station 2 to the command station. The IP address doesn't seem to be working on my ipad mini so far and the manual says the signals I have need to be addressed prior to installation. Let me know if you have any such experience and how to get this corrected. Thanks! drBob "New"...?? What says the latest upgrade in yours "new" purchased Ecos??
		H0 DCC = Digital Command Control
User Profile View All Posts by User View Thanks

drbob01		#4 Posted : 21 November 2013 19:37:35(UTC) Retweet
Joined: 26/11/2010(UTC) Posts: 70 Location: USA		The manual says firmware3.4.0, 2nd edition, March2011
User Profile View All Posts by User View Thanks

drbob01		#5 Posted : 21 November 2013 19:40:24(UTC) Retweet
Joined: 26/11/2010(UTC) Posts: 70 Location: USA		Originally Posted by: H0 For signals and turnouts using MM protocol it is vital to connect B to centre rail and 0 to outer rail. Check the wires or try them swapped. Thanks! I will check and make certain that it's that way!
User Profile View All Posts by User View Thanks

drbob01		#6 Posted : 02 December 2013 17:13:56(UTC) Retweet
Joined: 26/11/2010(UTC) Posts: 70 Location: USA		Thanks for the suggestion of swapping wires...that worked for everything except the mast signals 76390. They don't work and I no longer have the cardboard and clip that was originally in the box. Now I need to re-program the signal decoder using the ECoS command station, although the instructions on the manual for ECoS says keep the box intact (not possible!) Does anyone have any luck in re-pregramming the 76390 series mast signals once they are already installed? They worked with MSII but not with ECoS. I would rather not buy new ones... Thanks for helping. PS: Marklin mobile station II doesn't seem to do anything when connected to ECoSlink even after waiting 10 minutes to re-program!
User Profile View All Posts by User View Thanks

Goofy		#7 Posted : 02 December 2013 17:25:45(UTC) Retweet
Joined: 12/08/2006(UTC) Posts: 9,278		Originally Posted by: drbob01 Thanks for the suggestion of swapping wires...that worked for everything except the mast signals 76390. They don't work and I no longer have the cardboard and clip that was originally in the box. Now I need to re-program the signal decoder using the ECoS command station, although the instructions on the manual for ECoS says keep the box intact (not possible!) Does anyone have any luck in re-pregramming the 76390 series mast signals once they are already installed? They worked with MSII but not with ECoS. I would rather not buy new ones... Thanks for helping. PS: Marklin mobile station II doesn't seem to do anything when connected to ECoSlink even after waiting 10 minutes to re-program! This clip and carboard for the signals must always to safe,if you shall program. Never throw them away!! But Marklins new color signals will be arrive with new decoder with mfx and DCC. Why not to try a new one??
		H0 DCC = Digital Command Control
User Profile View All Posts by User View Thanks

H0		#8 Posted : 02 December 2013 18:20:39(UTC) Retweet
Joined: 16/02/2004(UTC) Posts: 15,451 Location: DE-NW		Originally Posted by: drbob01 PS: Marklin mobile station II doesn't seem to do anything when connected to ECoSlink even after waiting 10 minutes to re-program! MS1 and MS2 both use CAN bus, but speak different languages. Only CS2 can use and update MS2, and can use MS1. ECoS can use MS1 - and maybe even update it. You can connect the trackbox of the MS2 to the sniffer port of the ECoS (use only DCC or MM protocol on the MS2).
		Regards Tom --- "In all of the gauges, we particularly emphasize a high level of quality, the best possible fidelity to the prototype, and absolute precision. You will see that in all of our products." (from Märklin New Items Brochure 2015, page 1) ROFLBTCUTS
User Profile View All Posts by User View Thanks

drbob01		#9 Posted : 02 December 2013 20:47:23(UTC) Retweet
Joined: 26/11/2010(UTC) Posts: 70 Location: USA		Originally Posted by: Goofy Originally Posted by: drbob01 Thanks for the suggestion of swapping wires...that worked for everything except the mast signals 76390. They don't work and I no longer have the cardboard and clip that was originally in the box. Now I need to re-program the signal decoder using the ECoS command station, although the instructions on the manual for ECoS says keep the box intact (not possible!) Does anyone have any luck in re-pregramming the 76390 series mast signals once they are already installed? They worked with MSII but not with ECoS. I would rather not buy new ones... Thanks for helping. PS: Marklin mobile station II doesn't seem to do anything when connected to ECoSlink even after waiting 10 minutes to re-program! This clip and carboard for the signals must always to safe,if you shall program. Never throw them away!! But Marklins new color signals will be arrive with new decoder with mfx and DCC. Why not to try a new one?? Thanks! I didn't mean to throw it away, but after renovation, I cannot find it. As for new one, I would rather not spend the money if possible to reprogram the current ones.
User Profile View All Posts by User View Thanks

drbob01		#10 Posted : 02 December 2013 20:56:37(UTC) Retweet
Joined: 26/11/2010(UTC) Posts: 70 Location: USA		Originally Posted by: H0 Originally Posted by: drbob01 PS: Marklin mobile station II doesn't seem to do anything when connected to ECoSlink even after waiting 10 minutes to re-program! MS1 and MS2 both use CAN bus, but speak different languages. Only CS2 can use and update MS2, and can use MS1. ECoS can use MS1 - and maybe even update it. You can connect the trackbox of the MS2 to the sniffer port of the ECoS (use only DCC or MM protocol on the MS2). Thanks for the prompt reply! I presume you mean the box that connects to the track from the MSII? The wires can be inserted into the sniffer port and then I can operate the mast signal via the MSII...correct? Thanks!
User Profile View All Posts by User View Thanks

Iamnotthecrazyone		#11 Posted : 03 December 2013 00:11:23(UTC) Retweet
Joined: 22/01/2012(UTC) Posts: 1,047		In regard of the signals and the cardboard piece. Are you good at soldering and have the proper tools to solder small areas? If so solder two wires were the cardboard bits would make contact and just join them as needed for programing. if you are not good better don't touch them as you can damage the circuit very easily. One thing I found with the ecos during programming of M signals is that you MUST set track DCC signal off otherwise they won't program correctly.
User Profile View All Posts by User View Thanks

drbob01		#12 Posted : 03 December 2013 17:32:19(UTC) Retweet
Joined: 26/11/2010(UTC) Posts: 70 Location: USA		Thank you! Now, I just need to figure out where those contacts were, so that I can make a replacement for them. Before I do, I will try to connect that track box to my ECoS sniffer and see if I can control the signals that way. Lots of help on this forum! I really appreciate it. PS: does anyone know if the new decoder, Marklin item # 60831 m83 Decoder, will replace the discontinued 60880 decoder?
User Profile View All Posts by User View Thanks

drbob01		#13 Posted : 04 December 2013 01:58:54(UTC) Retweet
Joined: 26/11/2010(UTC) Posts: 70 Location: USA		Well, I tried connecting the trackbox to my sniffer with the MSII attached...no luck with working the signals. I am going to try to re-program the mast signals separately...here's hoping I don't kill them!
User Profile View All Posts by User View Thanks

Goofy		#14 Posted : 04 December 2013 08:42:25(UTC) Retweet
Joined: 12/08/2006(UTC) Posts: 9,278		Originally Posted by: drbob01 Well, I tried connecting the trackbox to my sniffer with the MSII attached...no luck with working the signals. I am going to try to re-program the mast signals separately...here's hoping I don't kill them! I´m not really sure,but i wonder if yours sniffer does disturb Marklins signals...?? Did you tried first without ESU products by only use MS2 to program signals?
		H0 DCC = Digital Command Control
User Profile View All Posts by User View Thanks

drbob01		#15 Posted : 04 December 2013 14:10:19(UTC) Retweet
Joined: 26/11/2010(UTC) Posts: 70 Location: USA		Yes, with MSII, all the decoders worked, including the 76xxx decoders for the mast signal. Now, I hooked up the track box to ESU and the MSII to the track box using the sniffer contacts on ESU. I can get the MSII to change to various functions, but none work and the mast signals don't light up. I am going to disconnect them from the layout and try programming them using a separate track and see if I can get ESU to recognize them. If not, I guess I will look for a new way to do this. I want to get this layout to work with ESU before I begin adding my new layout plans to my current one. So far, everything works EXCEPT the decoders for the mast signals. Thanks, much for helping, Goofy!
User Profile View All Posts by User View Thanks

drbob01		#16 Posted : 07 December 2013 14:02:35(UTC) Retweet
Joined: 26/11/2010(UTC) Posts: 70 Location: USA		After no response with ECoS command station and MSII connected, I connected my MSII to the track, independent of the command station. The 76390 Marklin Mast Signals light up and work. Why can't I get any response when using the ECoS command station? All the other decoders for my turnouts work fine. Any ideas? Thanks!
User Profile View All Posts by User View Thanks

H0		#17 Posted : 07 December 2013 14:24:44(UTC) Retweet
Joined: 16/02/2004(UTC) Posts: 15,451 Location: DE-NW		Is the ECoS set to use MM protocol for turnouts?
		Regards Tom --- "In all of the gauges, we particularly emphasize a high level of quality, the best possible fidelity to the prototype, and absolute precision. You will see that in all of our products." (from Märklin New Items Brochure 2015, page 1) ROFLBTCUTS
User Profile View All Posts by User View Thanks

drbob01		#18 Posted : 07 December 2013 23:11:36(UTC) Retweet
Joined: 26/11/2010(UTC) Posts: 70 Location: USA		Yes, and all the turnouts work...it's just the 76391 mast signals (2) that do not light up or appear to be recognized. I can only get them to work when connected to MSII. I hope I don't need to remove them to re-program them...that's what I am afraid of!
User Profile View All Posts by User View Thanks

drbob01		#19 Posted : 11 December 2013 01:47:39(UTC) Retweet
Joined: 26/11/2010(UTC) Posts: 70 Location: USA		Well, here is the latest in the saga of the 76391 mast signal: I totally disconnected from my layout and connected it to an isolated track, along with theECoS, confirming the B and O tracks were connected properly to the mast signal yellow and brown wires and the Ecos to the B and O track posts. I shorted out the signal decoder box using a paper clip and followed the directions in the Ecos manual, page23 and page 34, 18.9. I turned off Ecos and then after creating an icon for the mast signal, turned the Ecos on, waiting for the signal to start flashing...Nothing! no light, no nothing. Yet, it worked fine when connected to the track using MobileStation II. Does anyone have any ideas?? I hope so! Thanks for your help!
User Profile View All Posts by User View Thanks

Goofy		#20 Posted : 11 December 2013 08:25:30(UTC) Retweet
Joined: 12/08/2006(UTC) Posts: 9,278		It seems there is bugs in the Ecos... If signal works fine with MS2,why not with the Ecos?? Maybe you should try to reset yours Ecos and start it again. By the way...did you upgrade the latest version from ESU for the Ecos?? Did you find out if there is any bugs in the Ecos? If not is working with signal and the Ecos,you should contact ESU. www.esu.eu
		H0 DCC = Digital Command Control
User Profile View All Posts by User View Thanks

river6109		#21 Posted : 11 December 2013 10:42:35(UTC) Retweet
Joined: 22/01/2009(UTC) Posts: 14,875 Location: On 1965 Märklin Boulevard just around from Roco Square		Having bought an ECoS you should be able to join the ESU forum after registering your command station, when this is all done enquire about your problem on the English spoken site regards., John
		https://www.youtube.com/river6109 https://www.youtube.com/6109river 5 years in Destruction mode 50 years in Repairing mode
		WWW
User Profile View All Posts by User View Thanks

H0		#22 Posted : 11 December 2013 11:18:42(UTC) Retweet
Joined: 16/02/2004(UTC) Posts: 15,451 Location: DE-NW		Originally Posted by: Goofy It seems there is bugs in the Ecos... Who knows where the bug is. My Märklin turnout decoders work fine with my ECoS 60212 (aka CS1 reloaded). Could be a problem with the configuration, could be a problem of the sender (ECoS), could be a problem of the receiver (Märklin signal).
		Regards Tom --- "In all of the gauges, we particularly emphasize a high level of quality, the best possible fidelity to the prototype, and absolute precision. You will see that in all of our products." (from Märklin New Items Brochure 2015, page 1) ROFLBTCUTS
User Profile View All Posts by User View Thanks

H0		#23 Posted : 11 December 2013 11:28:29(UTC) Retweet
Joined: 16/02/2004(UTC) Posts: 15,451 Location: DE-NW		Originally Posted by: drbob01 Yet, it worked fine when connected to the track using MobileStation II. When the signals work with the MS2, then they should also work with the ECoS using the same address without re-programming the signals. Same for the turnouts. The basic errors are swapping red (B, centre rail) and brown (0, outer rail) in the track connection of both controller and decoders. Another basic error would be using DCC for those accessories (in the ECoS this can be configured for each accessory). You say you checked all that. The ECoS allows to enable and disable protocols. For a test you can disable RailCom, DCC, SX, mfx and try it with MM only (trying both settings for the asymmetric track signal).
		Regards Tom --- "In all of the gauges, we particularly emphasize a high level of quality, the best possible fidelity to the prototype, and absolute precision. You will see that in all of our products." (from Märklin New Items Brochure 2015, page 1) ROFLBTCUTS
User Profile View All Posts by User View Thanks

drbob01		#24 Posted : 11 December 2013 20:38:47(UTC) Retweet
Joined: 26/11/2010(UTC) Posts: 70 Location: USA		Thanks! I am a member of ECoS forum and they have not been able to figure this out either. Perhaps there is some error. I need to speak to someone who knows this unit and can maybe walk me through it. Forum is good, but not enough to and fro on the ECoS ESU forum to really figure this out. I am going to try to get to the person who originally sold the unit, which I purchased as new through EBay (tried to saver money!) Oh, well...so much for saving money!
User Profile View All Posts by User View Thanks

Goofy		#25 Posted : 11 December 2013 20:47:48(UTC) Retweet
Joined: 12/08/2006(UTC) Posts: 9,278		Oh dear... I suggest you shall try first to reset yours Ecos,because it´s second hand bought(used). Tom has right...try to accept MM protocol and test if this work with signal. Just in case...when you program signal,don´t use anything standing on the tracks(locomotivs with lighting on).
		H0 DCC = Digital Command Control
User Profile View All Posts by User View Thanks

drbob01		#26 Posted : 12 December 2013 22:19:36(UTC) Retweet
Joined: 26/11/2010(UTC) Posts: 70 Location: USA		Thanks ! I did try removing the signal and isolating it on the track with nothing but the Ecos wires. (The unit was sold after 2 weeks of use, and was said to be new) anyway, I tried everything, including a dealer who tried as I was trying and he also was unable to get any power to the mast signal. I think there is something that may be incorrect in the manual...I am checking on that with ESU support. As I progress I shall report!
User Profile View All Posts by User View Thanks

Bigdaddynz		#27 Posted : 13 December 2013 06:19:03(UTC) Retweet
Joined: 17/09/2006(UTC) Posts: 18,772 Location: New Zealand		You said your Ecos is at software version 3.4.0. The latest is 3.7.0, and you might want to update to that, just in case there were some bug fixes.
		WWW BLOG
User Profile View All Posts by User View Thanks

drbob01		#28 Posted : 16 December 2013 20:43:37(UTC) Retweet
Joined: 26/11/2010(UTC) Posts: 70 Location: USA		Sounds like a worthwhile thing to do, since I am having quite a bit of trouble with this command station.
User Profile View All Posts by User View Thanks

Iamnotthecrazyone		#29 Posted : 20 December 2013 03:27:57(UTC) Retweet
Joined: 22/01/2012(UTC) Posts: 1,047		I still fail to understand this problem, you say the signals don't light up at all. Just by connecting power to them they should light up in state even if they aren't recognized. Since obviously your Ecos is putting some power out then that should be the case. I doubt this is the cause of your problem but the power pack has a voltage adjustment and it might be set too low. You can check the voltage output of your ecos through the screen with the sliders, what do you have it set at?
2 users liked this useful post by Iamnotthecrazyone		Goofy, H0
User Profile View All Posts by User View Thanks

Goofy		#30 Posted : 20 December 2013 09:27:56(UTC) Retweet
Joined: 12/08/2006(UTC) Posts: 9,278		Originally Posted by: Iamnotthecrazyone I still fail to understand this problem, you say the signals don't light up at all. Just by connecting power to them they should light up in state even if they aren't recognized. Since obviously your Ecos is putting some power out then that should be the case. I doubt this is the cause of your problem but the power pack has a voltage adjustment and it might be set too low. You can check the voltage output of your ecos through the screen with the sliders, what do you have it set at? To use Marklin trains,you need power about 18 volt to the track.
		H0 DCC = Digital Command Control
User Profile View All Posts by User View Thanks

drbob01		#31 Posted : 24 December 2013 00:06:29(UTC) Retweet
Joined: 26/11/2010(UTC) Posts: 70 Location: USA		I have successfully upgraded my firmware to 3.7.0 and I now have my 2 locos working well. However, my turnouts seem to be sluggish and I wonder if I need a voltage booster. My current reading is about 13 volts. If that's too low, how do I get a voltage booster for Ecos? Maybe that's why my signals aren't working?? Thanks! And...Merry Christmas to all!
User Profile View All Posts by User View Thanks

H0		#32 Posted : 24 December 2013 08:10:20(UTC) Retweet
Joined: 16/02/2004(UTC) Posts: 15,451 Location: DE-NW		Hi! Originally Posted by: drbob01 If that's too low, how do I get a voltage booster for Ecos? Read the manual. Or read this thread. The ECoS comes with an adjustable power supply. A half turn to the right on the power supply will give you a higher track voltage. I adjusted mine so I got a reading of 19 V with idle track (no trains running).
		Regards Tom --- "In all of the gauges, we particularly emphasize a high level of quality, the best possible fidelity to the prototype, and absolute precision. You will see that in all of our products." (from Märklin New Items Brochure 2015, page 1) ROFLBTCUTS
User Profile View All Posts by User View Thanks

drbob01		#33 Posted : 26 December 2013 14:06:05(UTC) Retweet
Joined: 26/11/2010(UTC) Posts: 70 Location: USA		Hi Tom, Thanks for the tip! That's what the problem was---my voltage was too low and once I adjusted it to 18 volts it worked! The mast signals now light up. Now I can re-install them and hopefully get on with my layout addition. Thanks so much for your help!
User Profile View All Posts by User View Thanks

H0		#34 Posted : 26 December 2013 14:09:30(UTC) Retweet
Joined: 16/02/2004(UTC) Posts: 15,451 Location: DE-NW		It was Iamnotthecrazyone who pointed out the problem.
		Regards Tom --- "In all of the gauges, we particularly emphasize a high level of quality, the best possible fidelity to the prototype, and absolute precision. You will see that in all of our products." (from Märklin New Items Brochure 2015, page 1) ROFLBTCUTS
1 user liked this useful post by H0		Iamnotthecrazyone
User Profile View All Posts by User View Thanks

drbob01		#35 Posted : 03 January 2014 16:05:46(UTC) Retweet
Joined: 26/11/2010(UTC) Posts: 70 Location: USA		Well then, many many thanks to lamnotthecrazyone for his very astute observation and suggestion!
User Profile View All Posts by User View Thanks

Iamnotthecrazyone		#36 Posted : 03 January 2014 20:33:29(UTC) Retweet
Joined: 22/01/2012(UTC) Posts: 1,047		No problem, I am glad to be of help when I can. it's the least I can do since other people in this forum have helped me on countless occasions too.
2 users liked this useful post by Iamnotthecrazyone		kbvrod, H0
User Profile View All Posts by User View Thanks

Users browsing this topic

Guest