Hello,

Just experimented tonight an interesting solution with Vie4720->4730 signals.

To answer precisely your question:

1)
76372 equivalent : Vie4727
76383 equivalent : Vie4720
76391 equivalent : Vie4721
76394 equivalent : Vie4723
76397 equivalent : Vie4725
and also
76371 equivalent : Vie4728
76393 equivalent : Vie4722
76395 equivalent : Vie4724
+
Vie4726 = M 76394 + color light distant signal on same mast
+
Vie4730 = Color light distant signal with an additional white led

2) Do they need additional decoder ?
Answer : YES. The 5229 decoder works with these signals. It works perfectly with a Central Station II, either with MM or DCC protocol. The 5229 decoder also works with Vie signals 404x (not personally experimented). The 5229 decoder do not work with discrete led signals Vie4010->Vie4018.
A 5229 decoder can drive a signal + a distant signal.

3) Is it worth using Viessmann signals to control a layout with a CSII ?
- It depends on the way you "control" the layout. My personal choice is to control the layout thru a computer, so I don't need the power to be cut off when signal is red (the computer drive the velocity of the loco and stops it when necessary). If you want to manage the power cut thru the 5229, then you need an additional device: The 5228 relay.
- Price (referring to Lokshop prices):
M 76391 : 53.75€; Vie4721+Vie5229 (+optional 5228): 11.79+29.55 (+9.28)€: Result : small advantage for VIE with full config; greater advantage without 5228
M 76397 : 92.14€; Vie4725+Vie5229 (+optional 5228): 22.88+29.55 (+9.28)€: Result : VIE easily wins.
M 76372 : 50.61€; Vie4727+Vie5229 (+optional 5228): 13.27+29.95 (+9.28)€: Result : small advantage for M compared to VIE full config; advantage to VIE without 5228
- Reliability : honestly, I can't give you long time use feedback. Just received simple signals today (4720,4721,4722) and programmed them very easily. Still waiting for another order of multi-aspect signals (4723,4724,4725). About reliability, I had numerous problems with M signals mounted with K tracks (bad contacts after 2 months, tiny wires with bad soldering, erratic behaviors when many M signals are on the layout: > 10). I definitely removed M signals from my choices, enough is enough !
- Look & feel : My opinion is Vie signals look pretty, almost as pretty as M signals, so for me it's acceptable. But your opinion may vary...

See also this thread : https://www.marklin-user...--use-4720-47305229.aspx
Documentation for Vie 5229 : http://www.viessmann-mod...9_92349_01_DE-EN_web.pdf

Please note my experimentation is very fresh. Other members may offer different opinions with more feedback...

HTH

Cheers,
Fabrice

Edited by user 08 June 2012 23:05:08(UTC)  | Reason: typo error