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Offline bugsmasher  
#1 Posted : 08 September 2016 05:57:38(UTC)
bugsmasher

United States   
Joined: 07/09/2016(UTC)
Posts: 48
Location: Michigan, Canton
I just received a Piko BR 141 with ESU Loksound V4.0 M4 decoder and was pleasantly suprised that it registered in my Mobile Station 2 60653 automatically -- just like a Marklin mfx. Instructions say this decoder will register automatically (M4 protocol) with any Marklin command or control station.

The decoder has 27 sounds/function outputs but present Marklin CS2/MS2 can only address 16. But the new CS3/CS Plus will purportedly address 32 outputs.

Will the M4 decoder:

1. Also register automatically in the CS3/CS Plus?

2. Address the full 27 outputs of the M4 decoder.

If other locomotive manufacturers begin to use the M4 decoder, the range of locomotives/builder classes will expand far beyond what Marklin offers -- at less cost.
Offline sjlauritsen  
#2 Posted : 08 September 2016 06:37:50(UTC)
sjlauritsen

Denmark   
Joined: 18/08/2007(UTC)
Posts: 1,081
Location: Denmark
Originally Posted by: bugsmasher Go to Quoted Post

1. Also register automatically in the CS3/CS Plus?

2. Address the full 27 outputs of the M4 decoder.

1. Yes, because M4 is mfx. ESU cannot use the mfx brand, so they named it M4.

2. Time will tell. It may depend on how the decoder firmware is implemented. In theory it should work, but we cannot know for sure until the CS3 is here.
Søren from Denmark
Blog: https://railway.zone/ | Danish Model Railway Forum: https://baneforum.dk/
Offline H0  
#3 Posted : 08 September 2016 07:42:38(UTC)
H0


Joined: 16/02/2004(UTC)
Posts: 15,254
Location: DE-NW
Hi!
Originally Posted by: bugsmasher Go to Quoted Post
2. Address the full 27 outputs of the M4 decoder.
Probably not (is my personal guess).
But you can disable mfx/M4 in the decoder and use DCC to get all 29 functions - with the CS3, maybe with a CS2 after an upgrade, maybe even with an upgraded MS2 (rumours say it might get an upgrade for more than 16 functions).
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
UserPostedImage
Offline RayF  
#4 Posted : 08 September 2016 09:06:25(UTC)
RayF

Gibraltar   
Joined: 14/03/2005(UTC)
Posts: 15,838
Location: Gibraltar, Europe
Originally Posted by: bugsmasher Go to Quoted Post


I just received a Piko BR 141 with ESU Loksound V4.0 M4 decoder and was pleasantly suprised that it registered in my Mobile Station 2 60653 automatically -- just like a Marklin mfx. Instructions say this decoder will register automatically (M4 protocol) with any Marklin command or control station.

...

If other locomotive manufacturers begin to use the M4 decoder, the range of locomotives/builder classes will expand far beyond what Marklin offers -- at less cost.



I already consider that other manufacturers locos are worth buying alongside my Marklin locos, even when they don't have MFX. MFX is an additional advantage.

I have several Piko locos from their "Hobby" and "Expert" ranges and they are very good value for money.
Ray
Mostly Marklin.Selection of different eras and European railways
Small C track layout, control by MS2, 100+ trains but run 4-5 at a time.
thanks 1 user liked this useful post by RayF
Offline Goofy  
#5 Posted : 08 September 2016 09:27:22(UTC)
Goofy


Joined: 12/08/2006(UTC)
Posts: 8,993
Originally Posted by: sjlauritsen Go to Quoted Post
Originally Posted by: bugsmasher Go to Quoted Post

1. Also register automatically in the CS3/CS Plus?

2. Address the full 27 outputs of the M4 decoder.

1. Yes, because M4 is mfx. ESU cannot use the mfx brand, so they named it M4.

2. Time will tell. It may depend on how the decoder firmware is implemented. In theory it should work, but we cannot know for sure until the CS3 is here.



Depends if CS3 do accept M4 with all functions.
If you can use DCC all functions with the CS3,then it should been same for the M4,so long there is totaly functions to use.
Yes time will tell but it all depends by of manefacture.

H0
DCC = Digital Command Control
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