Hello all,
Thank you for all of your comments.
I am going to try out my initial considered solution for the crane during this weekend.
You have opened my mind to the idea of feedback control for the crane using s88, which I had not considered

but which may be required.
I shall keep you posted after the weekend on how it goes.
USING M83 FOR UNCOUPLER PROCESSMy initial solution for the crane was formed after using the 60832 M83 for an uncoupler process which we were working on.
We were unhappy with the default solution of the uncoupler track in an event.
The uncoupler would activate only for a short period, not long enough to ensure that the train pulls away while leaving the wagons behind.
So I decided to program the M83 to use Mode_1, that means 8 switches with 4 addresses.
A key observation here is that the uncouper is activated by a press of the button, and then it remains active until a second press of the button.
Now, we can hold the uncoupler active while the train pulls away, and then release the uncoupler.
This works very well.
USING M83 FOR CRANE PROCESSMy idea for this weekend is to program the M83 in the same way as we have done for the uncouplers, namely 8 switches with 4 addresses.
So, we can use one M83 for up to 8 switchable functions.
Two functions for rotating the crane, two functions for lifting and lowering the hook, and one function for activating the magnet.
Of course I realise that this has some limitations.
I have not planned the feedback control.
And this method uses track power, which ideally we would prefer not to do.
I think that the M84 can also be programmed to use external power with 8 switches and 4 addresses, so this may also be a solution.
I'll keep you posted !
M83 OPERATING MODES - FOR INFORMATIONCV 79 – Preset Operating ModeAn operating mode can be selected and set for the m83
decoder by means of CV 79 in order to simplify the configuration of the outputs.
By selecting one of these modes, all of the relevant individual CVs are automatically set according to the mode selected.
However, the settings have no effect on the controller so
that here the assignments must be set specially accordingly.
Mode 0 (Value 0) – Standard ModeIn this mode of operation, the decoder occupies 4 addresses. This is the mode on the decoder as delivered from the
factory. It serves to control 4 solenoid mechanisms with end
shutoff features.
-> Turnout or solenoid item
Occupies the address set + 3 more addresses
Mode 1 (Value 1) - 8 Switches, 4 AddressesIn this mode of operation, the decoder occupies 4 addresses. Switching outputs is done by momentary buttons (the
same button for on and off). One output is controlled by the
red momentary button, the green momentary button controls
the second output.
-> 8 Lighting outputs without status indicator.
Occupies the address set + 3 more addresses
Mode 2 (Value 2) - 8 Switches, 8 AddressesIn this mode of operation, the decoder occupies 8 addresses.
Switching outputs is done by means of red-green switches
or a selected symbol. Red switches the output off, green
switches the output on. The brightness of the output can be
set with the dimmer parameter. The period has no function.