Hi all

I’m looking to transition away from my K83 and move to M83 decoders for my switch tracks. My question is, if using a separate transformer to power them, how important is it use (or not use) the Universal power supply 60822? I have a starter set transformer I plan to use so I can separate powering them from my CS2.

Thanks in advance

That was my reasoning as well, thanks!

As for why the change, I’m actually giving away my K83’s to someone whose expanding their layout and doesn’t really have the funds, so I figured this was my way of helping them out without them thinking I was doing that. I have several old starter set (black) transformers that I could power them with, so that’s my reasoning. The money grab, that’s exactly what I was thinking with the UPS for the same reason you said, why include the socket.

Thanks

Hi,

I have also wondered about what is inside such a 60822 so I decided to disassemble one.

To me it looks like the primary functionallity is noise reduction because the main components are a coil and a capacitor.

I guess that the reason why Märklin specify that a 60822 always has to be used could be to comply with the regulations for RF noise.

Best regards
Per

Boy is that question on the 60822 an ever confusing (for me) topic. I too never really understood it.

The M83/84 have a DC power input that one can plug a regulated DC power supply into for providing it with power, so whats the point of the other thing?
The only thing that makes sense is the filtering/isolation function described, to keep signal from bleeding back out onto the mains or into the airwaves (as RF) via some weakness in the design of the DC power supplies.

In fact, from Stummi, there is a post that has Märklin saying exactly this in a Märklin Magazine Issue 1, 2014 (if someone can scan the relevant page that would be nice).



Or in English (and skipping the bit about its needed when using the 66361 power supply:


That is, to comply with the various rules on handling what sort of electromagnetic noise can leak out, this part is needed. Its got nothing to do with the delivery of electrical power TO the M8x decoders, etc, and everything to do with how electromagnetic signals are suppressed - either going back upstream to the power supply side OR downstream from the power supply into the various M8x decoder connected equipment and wiring.

The layout will run just fine without the 60822, but you may be violating your local national rules on radio wave emissions and handling and the related effects on radio/tv/cell service/etc. From the Stummi forum, as this predates my getting into the hobby seriously, the 60822 was not made available until some time AFTER the various M8x devices, and as a result of EU harmonization between countries on the rules of handling RF interference, so its a 'retrofit bandage' to keep things in compliance without having to redesign the power supplies and other components that were already in production and work just fine as is.

Hello,

The reason I like powering the M83/M84 clusters with a separate power supply (in lieu of a booster circuit) is that that turnout and signal lights do not go out when I hit "Stop" on my CS3. Also, I've been told that this arrangement helps maintain the current state of the M84's relays.

Regards,