Regarding the 126 - 128 speed step and the Lenz system.

I am currently developing control software to use with the XpressNet system. The speed step in 128-mode is calculated this way:

B=bit

B6 B5 B4 B3 B2 B1 B0
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Fahrstufe 0
0 0 0 0 0 0 1 Nothalt
0 0 0 0 0 1 0 Fahrstufe 1
0 0 0 0 0 1 1 Fahrstufe 2
. . . . . . . .
1 1 1 1 1 1 1 Fahrstufe 126

Both the emergency stop and the stop step is considered a speedstep, which makes perfectly good sense from a logic point of view.

This is why Lenz writes 128 speed steps, even though the actual speedsteps where the locomotive can move is 126.

There you go!

Best regards
Søren

You've said it. Things can quickly get ugly when trying to compare a CS2 to the mobile station. I have considered to split the document into two documents. One comparing the command stations (ESU, Märklin, Viessman etc.) and one comparing the micro command stations (Lenz, Roco, Mobile Station). It is a difficult task.



I have been thinking about this, when I wrote the question to which the "update via pc" was the answer, I came to think that the definition perhaps had some flaws. Perhaps the statement should be: "Manual update possible". And then have another row at the bottom specifying the "update method" this could be: USB, Internet, or whatever the method.

I am trying to make it clear to the reader, that fx. the Lenz, cannot be updated unless you send it to the factory. So in one way it is updateable, but you cannot do it yourself. The customer needs to know this fact, as a Lenz update is an expensive procedure if you have many hand controllers (30€ pr. controller!!)

Kind regards
Søren

The reason, actually, is that I did not know of it. If you can give me the specs I will put it on.

And if somebody can give me the specs for the 6021 I will put that on as well.

Kind regards
Søren

The new Märklin MS 2 lets you choose between 126 and 28 speedsteps for DCC locomotives. No choice for MM or mfx.


@Søren:
CS 1 reloaded (60212 with ESU upgrade) supports 20 functions per DCC loco, 16 functions per mfx loco and 9 functions per MM loco (using two consecutive MM addresses).
A 90 VA power supply is included in the upgrade.

Hi Søren,

Thanks for your efforts. Even though I agree with Jeehring that a complete comparison is hardly possible, a comparison of specifications does clarify the mist surrounding all those different digital offerings.

Just one comment though; as you compare prices, I think it would be fair to include whether or not a power supply is included in this price as a factor. For instance, the ECoS comes with such a power supply whereas the CS (2) does not, making the price differences in terms of value for the buyer's money a little bigger.

I've made my decision, I'm waiting and waiting and waiting.
You may ask what is he waiting for ? Just wait and see.

John

Hi Søren,

Great list, I was not aware of it until today. Thanks for the big effort to produce it.
I for one would like to se the M* 6021 included in the list. I hope that somebody with a deep knowledge of it will send the specs. to you.