Hello All,

I managed to successfully convert a Marklin 3-rail locomotive (BR39, #39390) from its original MFX decoder to a LokSound 5. This loco has a C-Sine motor and a special adapter board with a 21-pin socket into which the original M4 decoder (and new the LokSound) are plugged-in.

As per ESU instructions in the manual (Section 11.2 and 11.4), I disabled "Load Compensation" by setting CV49 = 0. I use a LokProgrammer, so this part is fairly simple. However, by doing this, I can no longer carry out the BEMF decoder auto adjustment (i.e., set CV54=0 and pressing F1). The loco runs smoothly and nicely crawls. However, I alway like to start with auto BEMF adjustments -- this provides a very nice speed curve -- from which minor adjustments are easily carried out.

Is there some other way of automating BEMF adjustments? Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks,

On these locos the C-Sine is driven through the SUSI interface. Unfortunately there is no information on the functions of the SUSI CVs to do any adjustments.

Hi
I am not sure about ESU decoders but with Märklin decoders (mSD2, mSD3, mLD2, mLD3) the motor is driven by using the 2 motor outputs and AUX3 and AUX4 outputs. The SUSI interface is not used. I have a few older mLD2 equipped SDS locos where the susi interface is used to drive simplified sounds while the M1,M1, AUX3 and AUX4 are used to drive the SDS motor (though the MTC21 interface)
Here are 2 Märklin locos with SDS C-Sine compact motors with an external sound module: 26540 Rheinpfeil and 39401 CC40100

Cheers
Jean

Hello Jean et al,

After much experimentation, I can confirm your statement regarding the SUSI interface -- I ran the loco on my Programming Track (using the LokProgrammer's "Driver's Cab") with both SUSI enabled and disabled. There was no apparent difference in how the loco behaved. It ran smoothly and chuffed along very nicely. BTW, I do have both AUX3 and AUX4 set for always "ON" via function mapping (as per ESU manual). I did not play around with these parameters since the loco runs very nicely.

However... I now have a problem and I'm not sure if it's related to C-Sine.

My ECoS is connected to a Programming Track, on which I'm trying to register this loco. When I disconnect the LokProgrammer from the Programming Track and connect the ECoS, a small DCC icon appears showing the progress of registration. After abount 1/3 of the bar becoming green, the progress seems to stops without ever registering the loco. I've tried enabling / disabling various protocols in the ECoS (M4, Motorola) and also enabling and disabling RailCom. When I disable RailCom Plus, there is no DCC icon (for obvious reasons). I've also tried enabling / disabling the M4 protocol in the LokSound decoder -- no success with registration.

I have a fairly decent mix of DCC (LokSound) and M4 (MFX, MFX+) locos (all Marklin 3-rail) and have had no problems with registration. Note: The only recent change to my setup was to upgrade the ECoS firmware to version 4.2.10.

Any thoughts or suggestions on how to resolve this very frustrating problem with the ECoS?

Thanks,

Hello Ocram63_uk,

Yes, the loco was registered as an MFX loco. It ran under TrainController but would loose/regain its sound sporadically when running around the layout. From what I read on various Marklin forums, these early C-Sine MFX decoders had a tendency for the sound to cut in and out. That is the main reason why I decided to convert it to LokSound. It's a beautiful loco and it would be a shame to let it sit in my display case...

Just an update to tie up loose ends and in case someone else needs help to resolve similar problems.

Today, I installed an ESU PowerPack and enabled it. The loco runs beutifully -- crawls at scale 1 km/h. I reduced its top speed to 70 km/h because that's the max on my layout. It is currently running the speed calibration process (part of RailRoad & Co. "TrainController" software).

In conclusion -- I'm glad I converted this early Marklin C-Sine MFX loco to a LokSound 5. The sounds are much better; they don't turn off and on at random moments; and I can program more authentic sounds than those originally provided. Overall, well worth the hasstle of conversion.

Cheers,