Hi All,

I'm setting up a three-rail C-track digital layout with my CS3+ as the command station. My platform is already wired for four power distribution blocks from a previous DCC layout. The current command station (NCE) sends the signal to the track through DCC Specialties PSX circuit breakers. I'd like just to replace the output of the NCE system with the output from the CS3+. It would be DCC more or less, wouldn't it? As opposed to pure AC? I can rewire some bits if necessary and bypass the PSX units. Of course the CS3 would then be responsible for any and all the shorts. How are power districts commonly handled with Marklin three-rail? Separate booster districts? Obviously, this is my first layout other than a simple loop.

Thank you,
Tony

Yes, I'm planning to run only DCC, well, mfx actually, but I only have Marklin locomotives now. The PSX breakers just pass the signal on through. I've read that they work with ECos and pass through RailCom, so they should be OK with my CS3. My layout is not too big (around the walls 9' x 15') and I'll probably only run a few trains. I have both the smaller power supply as well as the larger one (and a booster for that). I just wanted to try some automation and Marklin makes that pretty easy because it's all one system. And, of course, the trains are cool.

Correct, and the CS3, and MS2 sold for Trix (and cs3 for LGB except power pack) are identical. Both multi protocol. You can even run other brands of locomotives, ESU, Piko, Roco, etc if DCC equiped. You only need to manually enter the loco into your CS3 once. The Roco Z21 cab driver function will only work with a Z21, or possibly an ESU Ecos. The marklin mfx software/firmware and CS3 is not Railcom compliant. If you desire the "world of operation" feature, you have to buy a Marklin locomotive.

Of course. I doubt mfx protocol would trip the PSX but to avoid any unknowns, I could just bypass the circuit breakers. My wiring is pretty modular so not a big deal. Or, I could just run DCC only but then miss out on the mfx features.