With 12 MFX lokos on the layout, about a half dozen passenger cars with LEDs, and 10 Viessmann 52292 signal decoders (only 2 signals connected at the moment), according to my CS3 Plus, voltage is at 19.2V and current is at 1.03 amps. If my understanding and math are correct (V x A = P), this works out to roughly 20 watts of power being drawn. If I add one more Viessmann decoder or run one of the lokos with some light/sound functions on, I get "An overload situation has occurred at Device GFP3-1 - Channel 1" error on the CS3.



The 60065 Switched Mode Power Pack is rated for 50W and the CS3 Plus for 5 amps max. Given the CS3 states I’m under the wattage and amperage limits, I'm trying to understand why I'm seeing an overload error. Is it possible the CS3 amp measurement is incorrect and I am in fact approaching the limits (I wouldn't be surprised as 20W seems a bit low for what I have connected)? Or some other potential cause of an overload?

Thanks,
Roland

Hi HO,

Where is the setting for 3A / 5A? I don't see this within the interface. FYI I just tried upgrading to version 2.4.1 of the CS3 software. I still see it overload if I add one more 52292 decoder, however, if I run a loko with functions enabled, it so far has not overloaded and I can see amps climb to 1.08 (prior to the update, this would have caused an overload within a second or two).

The interior lighting is all factory installed by Marklin - no capacitors that I'm aware of. I have the 43570 set as well as three add-on 43571, a 4298 with a pickup shoe and rear light, and a 42167 set where the end car has a pickup shoe and lighting.

Regarding the transformer, I have a 60065, however this does not show in the list. 60061 is currently selected which I assume is the default.

In case it's relevant, my bus lines are 14ga and I have 22ga drops to the track on the layout every 100-150cm. I have a dedicated 14ga bus running to the group of Viessmann 52292 signal decoders which are chained 4, 4, and 5 using 22ga wiring. Per the Viessmann documentation, each 52292 decoder operates at 85mA. Is it possible that chaining them is causing a problem? Or that 13 decoders is too much for a 14ga bus line?

To confirm, it seems you agree that my CS3 should be able to handle well beyond 1.0X amps before experiencing an overload?

Thanks,
Roland

Yes, CS3 shows 1.0x A for the main line. I've just double checked that my buses are connected to the Hauptgleis port. Programming track is constantly at 0.012A connected to ~50cm of track with nothing on it currently.

After further testing, occasionally if running a loko with lights and loko sounds enabled, it will overload. Sometimes it'll continue to run just fine and show 1.08-1.09A. With no lokos running, it shows 1.02-1.03A, and if I connect an additional 52292 decoder, it always overloads immediately after enabling track power. I've tried multiple different 52292 units to eliminate a faulty unit being the issue.

I should also mention I have roughly 30 Viessmann 5211 turnout decoders connected to track power, but I believe they do not draw any significant power unless activated (which I am not in any of my testing). Please correct me if I'm mistaken.


I've recently bought a 60175 booster and 60045 switched mode power pack that I have not yet hooked up, as I wanted to try and fully understand if I'm really at the limits of the CS3 already. I think I'll try powering the 52292 decoder bus with the booster and see what A readings I get as a test.

As a comparable, how many amps are others up to using a CS3+ and 60061/65 power pack?

This may be the same problem I had when I ran a second feed wire to the far end of my layout. I didn't see why it was doing it. As it turned out, I don't even need a second feed. The booster in the CS3 is enough for my track route.