Thank you for your VERY helpful video. I could not get my S88 to work right and it was overwhelmed with the manual. You explained and showed it so well, making something I could not understand into something I could. I followed your instructions, and then the S88 worked perfectly with the contact tracks. Your video quality is excellent so I could see everything. And changing the normal track into contact tracks saved me lots of money! I am going to watch your signal videos next to see how to get them to work. You also know English so well! I listened to other UA-cam videos and could not understand the presenter, even though they were speaking English. Your command of the language makes understanding you so much more simple! Thanks again, and as I watch your other videos will add comments too!
I am glad the video helped you and indeed you save a lot by converting the C-track into a contact track. The added benefit is that you can make very long contact tracks enabling less glitches when doing the detection. Hope the signal videos will help you as well. Enjoy ;-)
Thank you for presentation well done. It is complicated, but in the end, it was worth the time to watch, and your time time to gather it all together for this presentation.
Just to be sure - you can see all differences between CS3 and CS3+ here: ua-cam.com/video/wANbrR0fdJk/v-deo.html Generally, I agree you do not need it - but just in case. Enjoy ;-)
@@ModelTrainFun I saw that one as well, very good also. And then I started to hesitate. With this one you just confirmed as I see the benefits of using the Link88 instead of S88. Thanks again! 😀🚂
i agreed the way you setup CS3+L88+S88 buses in order to seperate power consumption from cs3. i'll do the same setup for my on going facility. thanks for your effort for this tutorial👍
Excellent tutorial. Thank you. One observation: you need ONLY one ground connection per Link S88 and one for the internal Link88 (CS3+). Having extra ground connections may cause problems of high currents in the S88 system when there is a short circuit (train derailing). During the little period the short circuit exists, different voltages may appear between the ground connections and this can generate high currents in the CAT5 cables and the S88s..
Hi John, Great tip! I would have expected Märklin to put this in the manual as well... I did consult the manuals again and it does state "Only one ground return is required for all track contacts" - it does not state if this is per module or in total. Neither does it talk about the issue you mentioned. Question: What is the problem with high currents? false detections or damage to the S88? Question: Does this also apply if you have multiple power districts/boosters? Enjoy ;-)
@@ModelTrainFun High Current (up to 5 A) generate potential differences even between 2 gound points. Connecting 2 S88 (of the same Link88 zone) to 2 different points will cause a portion of this current (1 A or possibly more) to circulate between the connections of a same Link88 system through Ethernet cables that are not made for high currents resulting potentially in connections giving up or faulty cables; Multiple boosters: they all should be connected to a commun ground (ground reference) and this point should be used also for the S88 grounds.
@@johnjeanb I dont think I am able assess if what you are saying is true as I am not en electrical engineer. However, must admit if this really is an issue then I am surprised that Märklin has not clearly stated this in the manuals. As you indicate it would destroy cables and S88s. If this is an issue wouldn't it also be an issue for the feedbacks themselves - not just the ground? Why did Märklin make 2 ground connections on each S88 if they could have saved the money and just use common ground from the CS3/CS3+? I also wonder if the S88 devices are able to protect themselves? The detection is between the ground and the feedback input from the track - if this current difference is too great I can see it getting flaky as well (perhaps this means that the ground should be close to where the detection is - hence the ground is needed for each device). Lots of questions ;-) I think it would be a good question to Märklin on what is the recommended method. Thanks for pointing out a potential issue. Enjoy ;-)
@@ModelTrainFun "Why did Märklin make 2 ground connections on each S88" To make it easy for Reed users and during testing "Why aren't inputs involved" because the impedance is high 5 k to 20 kOhms so there is no destruction risk PS I am an Electrical / Electronics engineer
Hi Bo, Thanks so much for posting your very informative videos to UA-cam. Your videos have been, by far, the best source to help me understand the digital worlds of Marklin and Trix. I am developing a shuttle layout with 2-rail (Trix ) track (so I am able to run a collection of trolleys from Bachmann and other companies that I have purchased over the years. All are DCC). The shuttle layout is elevated above a Marklin 3-rail layout. I have watched nearly all your videos, and have watched some several times (especially those in the Automation series), but a few questions remain. I have a CS3 (not the Plus version), and I want to stop a trolley at each end of a Trix point-to-point layout, as well as at an intermediate station in the middle. The trolley would reverse direction at each end, then stop and the intermediate station for a bit, then travel to the station at the other end of the layout, then repeat. I understand that I must purchase a Link S88 (item 60883). But I am confused about how best to do track detection and automate the layout. I believe my 2 choices are to use either 1) reed switches with the Link S88; or 2) the S88 DC Decoder (item 60882) connected to a Link S88, but with all the wiring to the track done via the S88 DC, not the Link S88. Choice 1 (Reed Switches): I understand that if I were to use reed switches, they are just momentary, and do not provide true block detection. I would wire them to terminals on the Link S88, and could then trigger events when the reed switches detect a magnet attached to the bottom of a loco or car (such as sounds, speed control, etc.). I really don’t like this solution because of the work/wiring involved with installing reed switches in various places to trigger events. In this scenario, I believe I would not have to purchase an S88 DC or insulated rail joiners (as I would not be creating blocks). Choice 2 (Using the S88 DC): I would use insulated rail joiners to create 3 blocks to detect locos or lighted cars in each of the 3 blocks via the presence of current (i.e., no magnets or reed switches required). But, in this scenario, I do not know how to stop the trolley precisely at the 3 stations, or how to trigger sounds and speed control unless I do it all on timing, which seems imprecise. Would I have to use reed switches to accomplish this, after all? I guess I just don’t really understand how the reed switches and the S88 DC would work together. Thanks so much for any help you can provide. Also, it would be GREAT if you could produce a video specific to issues like this which are unique to 2-rail track. Again, thanks for your great videos!
Hi Brian, I am not a 2-rail expert, but to me you got it all right. Your understanding of the reed contacts is correct and yes you have to use the S88 DC to detect blocks: 1. Agreed - you need the reed switches on the track and the magnets on loco/cars. No insulated rail joiners needed. 2. Not sure why you are talking about 3 blocks... are you thinking of 3 blocks in a circle? Indeed no reed switches or magnets in this scenario. For 2-rail tracks: only wheel sets that draw power are detected, so not the entire train. You can add a resister to a wheel set on the last car to get the same effect as if it is drawing power or has light. I do not have 2-rail, so unsure of resistor size. As I understand it you do not want to add a resistor to all wheel sets as this will draw too much power? If you only have one trolley and want to minimize price I think the reed switches could be the cheapest as you only need 3 reed contacts and 1 (perhaps 2) magnets together with the L88. However, if you know different kinds of trains would run on the same stretch (perhaps even have more blocks on the layout) and you dont feel like having magnets on all your trains, then the S88 DC version is better. Generally, on medium/large 2-rail layouts I understand that the S88DC is preferred. Hence, to me you can use reed switches or S88DC as you wish. If you combine you have to remember to put magnets on all trains that must trigger the reed contacts. I have seen some modellers use the trick that only some trains have the magnet such that only certain trains trigger and stop at a station. Hence, it can even be beneficial to combine. If you use the S88DC, then the simplest solution is only to detect the track where you want the trolley to stop at each station. You do not need to detect all tracks. In this way the S88DC is almost used like reed switches. It will detect immediately when the first set of wheels from the trolley hits the track. I recommend a longer track such that you get a more reliable detection. Using this method you can just set speed to 0 and adjust the decoder to slowly brake. If you want to control the slowing down/braking. Then use the trick of having first a block where you slow down, then a block where you stop. Generally, make sure that a block is at least the length of 2 wheel sets to make it more reliable when wheels or tracks are dirty. Do remember when wheels/tracks are dirty you can get multiple triggers... As for making a video on this - unfortunately, I do not have any 2-rail H0 trains. I do have N-scale, so it might happen, but I cannot promise ;-) Hope this helps! Enjoy ;-) Bo
Your video is just outstanding. Thanks to your VERY clear explanations, I am slowly but surely preparing the future automation of my tracks! I start to 😮see what I have to buy from märklin. I thought I made a mistake one year ago by buying the CS3… I now understand this was luckily not so wrong. One question: is it sufficient initially to buy the L88 only?
Hi Baudouin, Glad it was helpful! You only need one Link88. For further expansion you need the S88s. Remember to get the S88 AC version (60881) which is for Märklin 3-rail. The 60882 (S88 DC) is for two rail. The CS3 can be used for automation and it is really fun. However, be ready for a lot of testing and troubleshooting. The focus of automation is reliability ensuring that everything works every time - or it stops if something is wrong. With the CS3 it is also to use automation software on a PC connected to the CS3. This means that you can do both automation in the CS3 or with software. Enjoy ;-)
Big fan here, thank you for all videos, I wonder if you can explain how to build a signal track with signals ( like 70411) coupled with 72442 marklin bremsmodule.
Thanks - I am glad you like the channel! To be honest the reason that I have not looked at the braking module yet is that I think it is a very expensive solution... I try to make videos on items I recommend and right now I am very much in doubt if the braking module really is worth it... Intriguing is the following video from @SignalNe4 that show how to make a low cost braking module yourself (unfortunately in German): ua-cam.com/video/g7vBXv8QeBk/v-deo.html However, I have purchased a braking module (still missing a power supply) so maybe I should just need to make the video, warn about the price and let the viewers make up their own mind? What do you think? Enjoy ;-)
@@ModelTrainFun I agree. I bought one, many cables, very heavy to install. I will run my train with Rocrail, with this program there is no need of braking module any longer.
Hejsa, Når du viser alt det her i din video har du så "klippet" broen på skinnen "0" inden du sætter dine ledninger på eller har du ikke klippet den ? Du har i hvertfald hjulpet mig rigtig meget med din video. 1000 tak for det 👍👍
Hejsa Karsten, Yes - I have converted the track to contract track as illustrated in ua-cam.com/video/2FMWxEPm__Y/v-deo.html Hence, the little bridge at the "0" as shown here is cut: ua-cam.com/video/2FMWxEPm__Y/v-deo.html ja - jeg har konverteret sporet til kontaktspor som beskrevet i ua-cam.com/video/2FMWxEPm__Y/v-deo.html Så broen ved "0" som du ser her er klippet: ua-cam.com/video/2FMWxEPm__Y/v-deo.html Hope this helps. Enjoy ;-)
Hello Bo. Firstly may i thankyou for the advice you gave me regarding the contact tracks which was very clear and easy to follow. Unfortunately even though the system works both my son in law (Engineer) and my son (Computer systems manager) still cannot solve why two or three contacts show up on my CS3+ at the same time. Obviously it is a short somewhere but we are trying to resolve it. May i ask when i make other contact block tracks once this problem is over come............do i connect another brown wire to the same port as the one already connected originally in the earth port ?. My layout is three connecting ovals so i am not sure what to do about the brown wire when i make the other contact areas on the other ovals? Thanks once again and i look forward to more advice and helpfull videos from you.
Hi Alf, Remember to check out the video on contact track before diving into this video: ua-cam.com/video/2FMWxEPm__Y/v-deo.html The principle of the contact track is that one rail is powered, while the other is used to detect when the wheels bridge the rails - hence there is a powered rail and a detection rail. You can see an illustration of the principle here: ua-cam.com/video/2FMWxEPm__Y/v-deo.html?t=173 To make it simple always have a philosophy for which rail is the powered rail and which is the contact rail. I usually go with the one closest to me is the powered rail and the one farthest away is the detection rail. Remember to take loops into consideration. To make a simple test - first start by connecting the L88/S88 as described in this video to just one 24188 track. Connect the brown wire to a powered track and try to use a grey wire to touch the powered rail. You should see the contact track change on the CS3. If you do not, then start troubleshooting. When the L88/S88 works you can make a simple contact track section using 24188 tracks to see how it works. Try the following to test the principle having tracks from left to right (do this when CS3 is shutdown or in STOP mode and power on/take out of STOP mode when you test). The idea is to make 4x24188 track from left to right. First track is a standard track insulated from the contact section to the right. The next two track are contact track. The leftmost contact track is connected to the CS3. The rightmost contact track is connected to the L88/S88. The last rightmost track s a standard track insulated from the contact section. Hence you do the following: - Leftmost 1x24188 track that is not a contact track. Insolate this track to the right on the contact that is farthest away from you. - have 2x24188 track that are contact track where you have disconnected the rails on both track. Make sure you use the troubleshooting hints in the contact track video to test that you disconnected them correctly. Connect the two contact track together and place them in from of you so you have a leftmost contact track and a rightmost contact track. Then connect the CS3 to the contact track to the left by connecting the brown wire from the CS3 to 0 on the rail closest to you (this is now the powered rail) - this is the 0 to the left of the leftmost contact track. Then connect red wire from the CS3 to B on the same track (left or right). Then connect the L88/S88 to the rightmost contact track brown wire to the powered rail (to 0 to the left). Notice all powered connections are to the same side - the 0 to the left. Now the grey wire to the L88/S88 must be connected to the detection rail. When the powered rail is to the 0 on the left, then the detection rail is on the 0 to the right. Hence, connect the grey wire from the S88 to the 0 to the right on the rightmost contact track. On these two contact track put a small Märklin car as verify if the CS3 detect the car. if this works, then connect the two contact track to the first 24188 track with the insulator. Make sure the insulator is farthest away from you matching the detection rail. Be careful when connecting the track to avoid bending the insulator. Now try again - does the detection still work? Finally, put an insulator on the rightmost contact track on the detection rail - hence, to the right on the contact farthest away from you. - Rightmost 1x24188 track can now be connected to the two contact track - again take care not to ben the insulator and retest that everything works. Remember you can only make contact track of standard straight or curved track - not turnouts, uncoupler, and so on. Hope this helps! Enjoy ;-)
Hi Bob: I followed all your latest instruction but I still with problems (I connected the K2 to the K1 and the problem was solved with the K1. But now the problem is with the K2) I changed the tracks the Wires and etc. I may buy a new S88 Link. (60883) Do I need the S88 Ac to be connected to the CS3+ ?. I'm thinking to use the computer program Rocrail. Thank you again for your help. My best regards, Carlos
Hi Carlos, To me it sounds like K1 is not really working for some reason? You only need one Link88 (Märklin 60883) and then you will connect the rest of the S88s to the Link88. If you use the 12V setting on the Link88 for increased reliability (recommended), then you can only use S88s that support this 12V setting. So you must use Märklin 60881 AC, Märklin 60882 DC or compatible. These are connected to the Link88 bus 1 or 2. If you have the CS3+ you can also connect S88s directly to the CS3+. If you have the CS3+ with a small layout consider connecting directly to the CS3+ to save money. If you have the CS3+ and a larger layout or have issues with reliability consider using the Link88 so you can use the 12V. You can see the benefits of the Link88 here: ua-cam.com/video/asgop7QRIK8/v-deo.html If you have a CS3 (not +), then you always need the Link88. Hope this helps with your automation! Enjoy ;-)
Glad you like it! The "Switch to" moves the contact to another device. If you accidentally created it on "LinkS88-1" you can move it to "GFP3-1" or vice versa. Enjoy ;-)
Hi Bob: I’m sorry about my insistence regarding the automation. I have been following step by step your instruction, in this case “Automation Episode 3”. When I check with the spade connectors, I get the yellow or the grey colors with the K1 and with the K2. But when I try to check with the freight car in the tracks, I get the yellow color (contact) for the K2 but nothing happens with the K1 (doesn’t change Yellow and or Grey) The ground cable is also connected. I have been trying with the spade connector and even soldering to the track. Why I’m always having the problem with K1 and not with K2, the connection are exactly the same way. Thank you again, You have a very good Knowledge about Marklin, You should be The CEO. My best regards, Carlos
Hi Carlos, Compared to your previous comment where K1 and K2 did not work I guess you got K2 working now? What made it work? Maybe the same thing is wrong with K1? Usually when something is mysterious like what you have there I try to isolate the fault - which piece is not working. I would replace each part one by one to see if there is a difference and check each piece another place as well. Suggest: - Another track - works better? connect K1 to the K1 track? - Another wire from K1 to the track? use same wire as to K2? - Another car? use same car as works with K2? Other things: - if you just connect the two rails on the K1 track - does it work? - How long is the wire from the S88 to the K1 track? - when you tested K1 did you use the same wire as goes all the way to the K1 track? Looking as this and the previous comment it sounds most likely that there is an issue with the track/car or connection of wire to track. However, you could also be unlucky that K1 does not work - try K3 instead? Finally, the track might be too far from the S88? ...or the K1 track is very far from the K2 track and the ground is different. Connect the ground to some place between K1 and K2? Is there another track near K1 that works? Hope this helps! Enjoy ;-)
Hi Bob: Finally, it seems that both the K1 and the K2 turn yellow when the freight car passes through the road. My only concern is that the yellow color does not turn gray for a couple of seconds (1 or 2). Is this normal? Shouldn't it suppose be that as soon as it passes the freight car should have to instantly turn gray? Another question: from K1 to K2 all tracks should have an insulator ( in the detection rail (B)). Again Bob, I'm sorry about this, and thank you again. my best regards. Carlos
Hi Carlos, Great that the K1/K2 turn yellow when the freight car arrives. What was wrong? As for when the freight car is leaving the contact section (could cover multiple tracks) it should go gray again. Remember if you did not isolate from the adjacent tracks then they may also be part of the contact section. Even if you isolate the rails might touch - see touching rails here: ua-cam.com/video/2FMWxEPm__Y/v-deo.html Hope this helps. Enjoy ;-)
Help please. Your videos are great and without them I would have no chance of getting things working. But I have one basic problem. I have connected the s88 dc (2track garden railway) and I can’t get the s88 to show up on the system/settings screen. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks in advance.
Thanks for your videos! Great explanations! I still have a doubt: if I have a L88 and a S88 on Bus 1 can I avoid to connect the brown wire of the S88 or I always need to connect a brown wire for each S88 on the bus?
Hi Luigi, I have always connected the brown on each L88/S88 device. I double checked the manual - it does not say directly, but seems to indicate the same. I suggest connect brown on each to ensure better detection. Enjoy ;-)
would it be possible to use a contact track without an S88/CS3? I am considering building a layout using the marklin system, however I want to make an automatic signal system using american style signals (3 posistion) operated by a raspberry pi.
Hi Jim, Yes this is possible - I know of other people operating signals with the raspberry pi. I have not tried it, so I cannot advise you on this. One thought though - if you want American style signals, do you intend to have US rolling stock? If so, then the amount of US rolling stock for Märklin is limited - although some great Märklin US models are coming this year. Consider a 2-rail instead system instead - then you can buy the Märklin US models from Trix as 2-rail version. Finally, if you have a Märklin Mobile Station 2 (MS2) then you can use the M84 to do some signal automation - however more difficult for 3-way signals than two-way signals. Hope this helps! Enjoy ;-)
56:03 great video's. I do not wish to buy a CS3 since my CS2 works perfectly and I do not want to spend so much money. How do you install old S88's via L88 to the CS2. Do I have to rename all my contact tracks from -say- 12 to 3012 or does this process go automatically? I cannot find an explanation anywhere and I do simply adhere to the old Marklin philosophy that everything new should also work wthi the older fashion (except for the new slim couplings that do not function with older couplings at all). Best, eric
Hi Eric, I am glad you like the videos! Completely understandable to stay with the CS2 as this is still an excellent central station. As I understand it nothing is automatically renamed. you have to manually configure the S88 contacts. When you want to use the old S88s you are connecting these to bus 3. Do remember to set the switch to 5V as the old S88 do not support the new 12V - see page 14 in: static.maerklin.de/damcontent/6a/f5/6af536424f70e1294136e4187262615b1619688441.pdf Also remember that the L88 needs a power supply to work. The S88 contacts on the L88 are addressed as 1-16 as far as I can see from the same manual on page 16. The first of the old S88 you connect to the L88 is addressed as 3001-3016. I hope this helps? Enjoy ;-) Bo
Great tutorials. I have 1 question. When you make a block, i think you need a section of a contactrail (*/- 30 cm) that detects when the train enters the block - 'ENTER'. Then you have a great block ( longer than the longest train), that is the block itself - 'BLOCK'. And at least a section(*/- 30 cm) that detects when the train leave the blcck - 'LEAVE'. And now my question. When I place 2 blocks one after the other, on the same track? Do I need to put a 'ENTER - BLOCK1 - LEAVE - ENTER - BLOCK2 - LEAVE or can I do it on a easy way 'ENTER - BLOCK1 - LEAVE - BLOCK2 - LEAVE or ENTER - BLOCK1 - ENTER - BLOCK2 - LEAVE. What is the right solution? Greetings from Belgium
Hi Tasha, How you create the blocks depends on if you use the CS3 or software automation. For many software automations you only need one contact track as the software can break precisely within one contact track (1 contact track per block). With the CS3 I tend to make the blocks such that there is a contact track where I need to break. Hence, for one-way blocks I have 1 long contact track followed by one short where I want to break e.g. before a signal. In the same way I tend to have 3 contact tracks in a two-way block. Make sure that the shortest contact track is at least the length of your longest locomotive and/or car + a little. You can check out the Automation Series where I make some examples: ua-cam.com/play/PLYAhs-Pox3sHzQJsNU-FmOEj1ylO-NPpV.html Specifically, you can in this video see how I make the contact tracks and blocks on a small simple layout: ua-cam.com/video/ieAltkA_WDw/v-deo.html Hope this helps. Enjoy automation ;-)
Hey, thank you so much for the videos, i have learned so much from you! I wanted to ask, do you know if in order to connect a booster into the CS3 alongside the L88, do i need a terminal? or i can connect them both to the CS3? Thank you again for all the amazing videos that you create for us!
Hi, I am glad you like the videos! The booster and the L88 are connected through the 7-pin connection on the back of the Central Station 3 (CS3). If you have a CS3+ you have one 7-pin connector on the back. If you have the CS3 you have two 7-pin connectors. Hence, if you have the CS3 I believe you should be able to connect both without the terminal while the CS3 you need it. Hope this helps. Enjoy ;-) Bo
@@ModelTrainFun Thank you very much for your respond. i do have the CS3, and i have never noticed that there are to 7-pi connectors there, so it helped! Thanks again!
Hi, I installed the contact track according to your instructions, but I need to delete one of the contact track that appears in the CS3. Please let me know how can be done.Thank you, All your videos are fantastic. Regards, Carlos
Hi Carlos, glad you like the videos. Are you asking how to delete an accessory (turnouts, signals, S88 contacts, etc.)? You can delete accessories by going to the article list. Go to the top of the screen and use Edit->Edit Article List. Then you can either use the "x" on each item - or select an item, then hit delete to the top right. Enjoy ;-)
Hi Mike, not sure I understand your question? The 16 ports on the device can be used for train detection. You need one port per contact track. Enjoy ;-) Bo
Great videos, thanks very much. We have been struggling big time until we came across your channel, now things are much less murky. Can we please ask a very basic question. We are setting up an LBG garden railway which we want to automate, We have a Central Station 3plus and are trying to work out the best way to create the train detection. The LBG has the two tracks (positive and negative) so we are assuming we have to use something light magnetic read switches to detect the trains? If so we assume the reed switches can be connected to the S88 as you have explained in your videos? Thanks in advance for your answer.
Hi Phil, Märklin is a 3-rail system while LGB is a two rail system. This means that in principle you could use the S88 DC (Märklin 60882) connected directly to the rails. I do not have LGB, but one thing you have to consider is reliability. If you are using LGB outside in the garden I do not think the detection through the rail is the most reliable method. Your idea of using reed switches /contacts seem to be the way as LGB has the LGB 17100 Track Contacts (www.lgb.com/products/details/article/17100). Unfortunately the manual for the LGB 17100 is not very useful... However, the following video actually shows you how: ua-cam.com/video/UudfKtaxx1o/v-deo.html. Additionally, the following discussion also seems to be relevant: www.gscalecentral.net/threads/reliability-of-lgb-track-contacts-17100-or-reed-switches-and-best-practice-for-use-and-installation.317505/ Remember f you have a Central Station 3 without built-in S88 you must also have a L88 (Märklin 60883) - this is really also the preferred method with a CS3+ for medium to large layouts (see ua-cam.com/video/wANbrR0fdJk/v-deo.html). However, if you have the CS3+, then using the internal S88 is a good start. Hope this helps! Enjoy ;-) Bo
@@ModelTrainFun Thanks very much for taking the time to reply. I shall watch the video recomended tonight, along with a couple more of yours, thanks again.
Hi Carlos, Does it mean you have a previously owned CS3? If so, another issue could be that the timings of the S88 have bee changed. This could be changed back to default by resetting the CS3. Alternatively, I could read from my CS3 what the values are so you can double check. However, unfortunately I am not back from vacation and near my CS3 until January :-( If you want me to check send an email to me (see About on the Channel home page). Enjoy ;-)
Hello again I wrote to you several weeks back when I had a problem with my M83 decoder. And thanks again for the tips and advice you gave me. Since then it stopped working with the turnouts, but i finally got them to work again, however they would only work when i had my CS3 connected via the programming connection. i did add some more track to my layout but still not a big layout. But now I am finding there is some sort of conflict in the cs3 itself, as one of my almost new mfx locos wont respond to commands when on the track but will respond when on a small length of programming track connected to the programming input on the cs3. I tried to reset the device which deleted all the locos but that made no difference either. I wondered if you had ever heard of a problem like this. I have had the cs3 for just on a year and performed one update several months ago. I tested one of my non MFX non sound locos and that did work ok.
It sounds like you have some interesting issue. Could you email me (see About) and describe the situation and what you done. Then I will see what I can do to help. Enjoy ;-)
Hello Bo. To me it seems, that you are missing one option. I have connected 60881 to CS3+ and all 16 are working ok. Therefore I have purchased another 60881, but when I connect this new one to the first I do not get another device to connect contact-tracks to ?
Hi Georg, I am not sure how you ended up with two GFP3s as this it the internal S88? Unless I am mistaken there should only be 1. I suspect one is not working and the other will be the one to use as you mention above. When you have multiple S88s connected directly to the CS3+, then you connect 1 S88 directly to the CS3+ and the 2nd S88 to the first S88. You do this by connecting the "out" on the first to the CS3+ and the "out" on the 2nd S88 to the "in" of the first S88. You can distinguish "out" and "in" as small triangles on the S88 showing out/in on the S88. You can connect more S88s as you connected the 2nd S88. You can see here how an additional S88 is connected to the Link88: ua-cam.com/video/asgop7QRIK8/v-deo.html Then you can add the contacts to the working GFP3 as shown here: ua-cam.com/video/asgop7QRIK8/v-deo.html The first S88 is module 1 and the second is module 2 as shown here: ua-cam.com/video/asgop7QRIK8/v-deo.html Don't forget to adjust the bus length on the GFP3 as shown here, if needed: ua-cam.com/video/asgop7QRIK8/v-deo.html Hope this helps! Enjoy ;-) Bo
Hello Bo. Yes, it helped a lot to try once more. The code word you used was "Module 2". I tried to create a connection with Module 2 and contact 1 but the contact field turned red. When i used Module 2 and contact 2 it all worked out. I don't know how I can clear the contact 1, but I am sure I will find a way. Thanks a lot, very great.
@@Vagabond4320 Red means that the S88 has not decided yet. As a test try to connect the port to the brown and see it go yellow. White=not activated, yellow=activated and red=undecided. Enjoy ;-) Bo
Hello Bo. I still have problems with the connections, when I want it to work with Windigipet, the numbers get mixed up. How to connect it correctly? @@ModelTrainFun
Hi Piotr, yes, I need a crimping tool - issue is that I do not know what to buy. Unfortunately, it does not seem like I can buy the Knipex 975234 where I live. When I search for crimping tool in my local amazon.ae I find multiple types of crimping tools - do you have a hint what to look for to get a compatible one? ...or do you have a picture of one, so I know which type to look for? Thanks. Enjoy ;-)
Nice video. If you follow your videos you don't need the Marklin manuals. Top.
Glad you liked it. Enjoy ;-)
Hi, thank you for your prompt reply. I’m going to do what you told me this coming weekend. My best regards, Carlos
Excellent - have fun with trains ;-)
Thank you for your VERY helpful video. I could not get my S88 to work right and it was overwhelmed with the manual. You explained and showed it so well, making something I could not understand into something I could. I followed your instructions, and then the S88 worked perfectly with the contact tracks. Your video quality is excellent so I could see everything. And changing the normal track into contact tracks saved me lots of money! I am going to watch your signal videos next to see how to get them to work. You also know English so well! I listened to other UA-cam videos and could not understand the presenter, even though they were speaking English. Your command of the language makes understanding you so much more simple! Thanks again, and as I watch your other videos will add comments too!
I am glad the video helped you and indeed you save a lot by converting the C-track into a contact track. The added benefit is that you can make very long contact tracks enabling less glitches when doing the detection.
Hope the signal videos will help you as well. Enjoy ;-)
Thank you for presentation well done. It is complicated, but in the end, it was worth the time to watch, and your time time to gather it all together for this presentation.
Hi David, glad you thought this video was worth it. Hope it helps you make some interesting layouts. Enjoy ;-)
Hi @ModelTrainFun, thank you for your video helped me a lot. I subscribed to your channel and congratulations for what you do.
Hi Mauro, Glad you enjoyed the video and welcome to the channel. Hope you have fun with your model trains. Enjoy ;-)
I want to thank you for the time you devote to help beginners to understand all these things. MERCI, GRACIAS, THANK YOU !!!
Hi Piwi, I am glad you like the channel and hope you continue to find useful videos. Enjoy ;-)
Great video! I was hesitating between CS3 and CS3+ and now thanks to you I know I will go for the CS3.
Just to be sure - you can see all differences between CS3 and CS3+ here: ua-cam.com/video/wANbrR0fdJk/v-deo.html
Generally, I agree you do not need it - but just in case. Enjoy ;-)
@@ModelTrainFun I saw that one as well, very good also. And then I started to hesitate. With this one you just confirmed as I see the benefits of using the Link88 instead of S88. Thanks again! 😀🚂
@@petit_train_lux Excellent - don't forget to get a poser supply as well. Enjoy ;-)
Nice clear presentation, many questions are solved👍👍
Glad to hear that. Enjoy ;-)
very good explanation! You provide a lot of insight in the installation process. Keep on doing the good work!
Hi Peter, thanks - I am glad you like the video. Enjoy ;-)
i agreed the way you setup CS3+L88+S88 buses in order to seperate power consumption from cs3. i'll do the same setup for my on going facility. thanks for your effort for this tutorial👍
Glad you liked the video and it gave you some inspiration. Enjoy ;-)
I have a CS3+ but I was forced to instal a L88, direct connection of S88 to the console with the RJ45 was not working...
Thank you for the excellent video that does nothing but seal your preparation, truly remarkable and very useful, you are unique thanks again.
Hi Lorenzo, I am glad you like the videos. Hope you enjoy your trains ;-)
Excellent info I enjoy very much such a great help
Hi Chris, Glad it helped you. Enjoy ;-)
Excellent....It is all what I need, perfectly explained. Good job man !
Hi Phil, glad it helped! Enjoy ;-)
Great video and explanation, thank you!!!
Hi Pedro - great to hear that it was helpful - enjoy ;-)
excellent explanation! Thanks for that.
Hi Sammler, glad it was helpful! Enjoy ;-)
Excellent tutorial. Thank you. One observation: you need ONLY one ground connection per Link S88 and one for the internal Link88 (CS3+). Having extra ground connections may cause problems of high currents in the S88 system when there is a short circuit (train derailing). During the little period the short circuit exists, different voltages may appear between the ground connections and this can generate high currents in the CAT5 cables and the S88s..
Hi John,
Great tip!
I would have expected Märklin to put this in the manual as well... I did consult the manuals again and it does state "Only one ground return is required for all track contacts" - it does not state if this is per module or in total. Neither does it talk about the issue you mentioned.
Question: What is the problem with high currents? false detections or damage to the S88?
Question: Does this also apply if you have multiple power districts/boosters?
Enjoy ;-)
@@ModelTrainFun High Current (up to 5 A) generate potential differences even between 2 gound points. Connecting 2 S88 (of the same Link88 zone) to 2 different points will cause a portion of this current (1 A or possibly more) to circulate between the connections of a same Link88 system through Ethernet cables that are not made for high currents resulting potentially in connections giving up or faulty cables;
Multiple boosters: they all should be connected to a commun ground (ground reference) and this point should be used also for the S88 grounds.
@@johnjeanb I dont think I am able assess if what you are saying is true as I am not en electrical engineer. However, must admit if this really is an issue then I am surprised that Märklin has not clearly stated this in the manuals. As you indicate it would destroy cables and S88s.
If this is an issue wouldn't it also be an issue for the feedbacks themselves - not just the ground? Why did Märklin make 2 ground connections on each S88 if they could have saved the money and just use common ground from the CS3/CS3+? I also wonder if the S88 devices are able to protect themselves? The detection is between the ground and the feedback input from the track - if this current difference is too great I can see it getting flaky as well (perhaps this means that the ground should be close to where the detection is - hence the ground is needed for each device). Lots of questions ;-)
I think it would be a good question to Märklin on what is the recommended method.
Thanks for pointing out a potential issue.
Enjoy ;-)
@@ModelTrainFun "Why did Märklin make 2 ground connections on each S88" To make it easy for Reed users and during testing
"Why aren't inputs involved" because the impedance is high 5 k to 20 kOhms so there is no destruction risk
PS I am an Electrical / Electronics engineer
Hi Bo,
Thanks so much for posting your very informative videos to UA-cam. Your videos have been, by far, the best source to help me understand the digital worlds of Marklin and Trix.
I am developing a shuttle layout with 2-rail (Trix ) track (so I am able to run a collection of trolleys from Bachmann and other companies that I have purchased over the years. All are DCC). The shuttle layout is elevated above a Marklin 3-rail layout.
I have watched nearly all your videos, and have watched some several times (especially those in the Automation series), but a few questions remain.
I have a CS3 (not the Plus version), and I want to stop a trolley at each end of a Trix point-to-point layout, as well as at an intermediate station in the middle. The trolley would reverse direction at each end, then stop and the intermediate station for a bit, then travel to the station at the other end of the layout, then repeat.
I understand that I must purchase a Link S88 (item 60883). But I am confused about how best to do track detection and automate the layout. I believe my 2 choices are to use either 1) reed switches with the Link S88; or 2) the S88 DC Decoder (item 60882) connected to a Link S88, but with all the wiring to the track done via the S88 DC, not the Link S88.
Choice 1 (Reed Switches): I understand that if I were to use reed switches, they are just momentary, and do not provide true block detection. I would wire them to terminals on the Link S88, and could then trigger events when the reed switches detect a magnet attached to the bottom of a loco or car (such as sounds, speed control, etc.). I really don’t like this solution because of the work/wiring involved with installing reed switches in various places to trigger events. In this scenario, I believe I would not have to purchase an S88 DC or insulated rail joiners (as I would not be creating blocks).
Choice 2 (Using the S88 DC): I would use insulated rail joiners to create 3 blocks to detect locos or lighted cars in each of the 3 blocks via the presence of current (i.e., no magnets or reed switches required). But, in this scenario, I do not know how to stop the trolley precisely at the 3 stations, or how to trigger sounds and speed control unless I do it all on timing, which seems imprecise. Would I have to use reed switches to accomplish this, after all?
I guess I just don’t really understand how the reed switches and the S88 DC would work together.
Thanks so much for any help you can provide. Also, it would be GREAT if you could produce a video specific to issues like this which are unique to 2-rail track.
Again, thanks for your great videos!
Hi Brian,
I am not a 2-rail expert, but to me you got it all right. Your understanding of the reed contacts is correct and yes you have to use the S88 DC to detect blocks:
1. Agreed - you need the reed switches on the track and the magnets on loco/cars. No insulated rail joiners needed.
2. Not sure why you are talking about 3 blocks... are you thinking of 3 blocks in a circle? Indeed no reed switches or magnets in this scenario. For 2-rail tracks: only wheel sets that draw power are detected, so not the entire train. You can add a resister to a wheel set on the last car to get the same effect as if it is drawing power or has light. I do not have 2-rail, so unsure of resistor size. As I understand it you do not want to add a resistor to all wheel sets as this will draw too much power?
If you only have one trolley and want to minimize price I think the reed switches could be the cheapest as you only need 3 reed contacts and 1 (perhaps 2) magnets together with the L88. However, if you know different kinds of trains would run on the same stretch (perhaps even have more blocks on the layout) and you dont feel like having magnets on all your trains, then the S88 DC version is better. Generally, on medium/large 2-rail layouts I understand that the S88DC is preferred.
Hence, to me you can use reed switches or S88DC as you wish. If you combine you have to remember to put magnets on all trains that must trigger the reed contacts. I have seen some modellers use the trick that only some trains have the magnet such that only certain trains trigger and stop at a station. Hence, it can even be beneficial to combine.
If you use the S88DC, then the simplest solution is only to detect the track where you want the trolley to stop at each station. You do not need to detect all tracks. In this way the S88DC is almost used like reed switches. It will detect immediately when the first set of wheels from the trolley hits the track. I recommend a longer track such that you get a more reliable detection. Using this method you can just set speed to 0 and adjust the decoder to slowly brake. If you want to control the slowing down/braking. Then use the trick of having first a block where you slow down, then a block where you stop. Generally, make sure that a block is at least the length of 2 wheel sets to make it more reliable when wheels or tracks are dirty. Do remember when wheels/tracks are dirty you can get multiple triggers...
As for making a video on this - unfortunately, I do not have any 2-rail H0 trains. I do have N-scale, so it might happen, but I cannot promise ;-)
Hope this helps! Enjoy ;-) Bo
Thanks a lot for this very useful presentation. Only the 66201 power supply is not an old one, I've it with a Märklin start up set.
Hi Pascal, indeed you are right - you can find it in the starter/start up sets. Enjoy and have fun with trains ;-) Bo
The thing you refer to as the handle should be named the locking tab.
Hi Mike, indeed a locking tab it is. Enjoy ;-) Bo
excellent! Many thanks, I learned a lot
Hi Sammler, Glad you liked the video and hope you have fun with the L88/S88. Enjoy ;-)
@@ModelTrainFun There ist not yet so much fun with it, because I didn''t yet succeed to activate the contacts. I'm just trying.
Your video is just outstanding. Thanks to your VERY clear explanations, I am slowly but surely preparing the future automation of my tracks! I start to 😮see what I have to buy from märklin.
I thought I made a mistake one year ago by buying the CS3… I now understand this was luckily not so wrong.
One question: is it sufficient initially to buy the L88 only?
Hi Baudouin,
Glad it was helpful! You only need one Link88. For further expansion you need the S88s. Remember to get the S88 AC version (60881) which is for Märklin 3-rail. The 60882 (S88 DC) is for two rail.
The CS3 can be used for automation and it is really fun. However, be ready for a lot of testing and troubleshooting. The focus of automation is reliability ensuring that everything works every time - or it stops if something is wrong.
With the CS3 it is also to use automation software on a PC connected to the CS3. This means that you can do both automation in the CS3 or with software.
Enjoy ;-)
Big fan here, thank you for all videos, I wonder if you can explain how to build a signal track with signals ( like 70411) coupled with 72442 marklin bremsmodule.
Thanks - I am glad you like the channel!
To be honest the reason that I have not looked at the braking module yet is that I think it is a very expensive solution... I try to make videos on items I recommend and right now I am very much in doubt if the braking module really is worth it...
Intriguing is the following video from @SignalNe4 that show how to make a low cost braking module yourself (unfortunately in German): ua-cam.com/video/g7vBXv8QeBk/v-deo.html
However, I have purchased a braking module (still missing a power supply) so maybe I should just need to make the video, warn about the price and let the viewers make up their own mind? What do you think?
Enjoy ;-)
@@ModelTrainFun I agree. I bought one, many cables, very heavy to install. I will run my train with Rocrail, with this program there is no need of braking module any longer.
@@piwiwipi5233 Sounds like a much better idea ;-)
super video
I am glad you liked it. Enjoy ;-)
Thanks for all the useful info. I wonder what country your in.
Hi, I am from Denmark, but currently deployed to Abu Dhabi. Enjoy ;-)
Hejsa, Når du viser alt det her i din video har du så "klippet" broen på skinnen "0" inden du sætter dine ledninger på eller har du ikke klippet den ? Du har i hvertfald hjulpet mig rigtig meget med din video. 1000 tak for det 👍👍
Hejsa Karsten,
Yes - I have converted the track to contract track as illustrated in ua-cam.com/video/2FMWxEPm__Y/v-deo.html Hence, the little bridge at the "0" as shown here is cut: ua-cam.com/video/2FMWxEPm__Y/v-deo.html
ja - jeg har konverteret sporet til kontaktspor som beskrevet i ua-cam.com/video/2FMWxEPm__Y/v-deo.html Så broen ved "0" som du ser her er klippet: ua-cam.com/video/2FMWxEPm__Y/v-deo.html
Hope this helps. Enjoy ;-)
Hello Bo. Firstly may i thankyou for the advice you gave me regarding the contact tracks which was very clear and easy to follow. Unfortunately even though the system works both my son in law (Engineer) and my son (Computer systems manager) still cannot solve why two or three contacts show up on my CS3+ at the same time. Obviously it is a short somewhere but we are trying to resolve it. May i ask when i make other contact block tracks once this problem is over come............do i connect another brown wire to the same port as the one already connected originally in the earth port ?. My layout is three connecting ovals so i am not sure what to do about the brown wire when i make the other contact areas on the other ovals? Thanks once again and i look forward to more advice and helpfull videos from you.
Hi Alf,
Remember to check out the video on contact track before diving into this video: ua-cam.com/video/2FMWxEPm__Y/v-deo.html
The principle of the contact track is that one rail is powered, while the other is used to detect when the wheels bridge the rails - hence there is a powered rail and a detection rail. You can see an illustration of the principle here: ua-cam.com/video/2FMWxEPm__Y/v-deo.html?t=173
To make it simple always have a philosophy for which rail is the powered rail and which is the contact rail. I usually go with the one closest to me is the powered rail and the one farthest away is the detection rail. Remember to take loops into consideration.
To make a simple test - first start by connecting the L88/S88 as described in this video to just one 24188 track. Connect the brown wire to a powered track and try to use a grey wire to touch the powered rail. You should see the contact track change on the CS3. If you do not, then start troubleshooting.
When the L88/S88 works you can make a simple contact track section using 24188 tracks to see how it works. Try the following to test the principle having tracks from left to right (do this when CS3 is shutdown or in STOP mode and power on/take out of STOP mode when you test).
The idea is to make 4x24188 track from left to right. First track is a standard track insulated from the contact section to the right. The next two track are contact track. The leftmost contact track is connected to the CS3. The rightmost contact track is connected to the L88/S88. The last rightmost track s a standard track insulated from the contact section. Hence you do the following:
- Leftmost 1x24188 track that is not a contact track. Insolate this track to the right on the contact that is farthest away from you.
- have 2x24188 track that are contact track where you have disconnected the rails on both track. Make sure you use the troubleshooting hints in the contact track video to test that you disconnected them correctly. Connect the two contact track together and place them in from of you so you have a leftmost contact track and a rightmost contact track. Then connect the CS3 to the contact track to the left by connecting the brown wire from the CS3 to 0 on the rail closest to you (this is now the powered rail) - this is the 0 to the left of the leftmost contact track. Then connect red wire from the CS3 to B on the same track (left or right). Then connect the L88/S88 to the rightmost contact track brown wire to the powered rail (to 0 to the left). Notice all powered connections are to the same side - the 0 to the left. Now the grey wire to the L88/S88 must be connected to the detection rail. When the powered rail is to the 0 on the left, then the detection rail is on the 0 to the right. Hence, connect the grey wire from the S88 to the 0 to the right on the rightmost contact track. On these two contact track put a small Märklin car as verify if the CS3 detect the car. if this works, then connect the two contact track to the first 24188 track with the insulator. Make sure the insulator is farthest away from you matching the detection rail. Be careful when connecting the track to avoid bending the insulator. Now try again - does the detection still work? Finally, put an insulator on the rightmost contact track on the detection rail - hence, to the right on the contact farthest away from you.
- Rightmost 1x24188 track can now be connected to the two contact track - again take care not to ben the insulator and retest that everything works.
Remember you can only make contact track of standard straight or curved track - not turnouts, uncoupler, and so on.
Hope this helps! Enjoy ;-)
Hi Bob: I followed all your latest instruction but I still with problems (I connected the K2 to the K1 and the problem was solved with the K1. But now the problem is with the K2) I changed the tracks the Wires and etc. I may buy a new S88 Link. (60883) Do I need the S88 Ac to be connected to the CS3+ ?. I'm thinking to use the computer program Rocrail. Thank you again for your help. My best regards, Carlos
Hi Carlos,
To me it sounds like K1 is not really working for some reason?
You only need one Link88 (Märklin 60883) and then you will connect the rest of the S88s to the Link88. If you use the 12V setting on the Link88 for increased reliability (recommended), then you can only use S88s that support this 12V setting. So you must use Märklin 60881 AC, Märklin 60882 DC or compatible. These are connected to the Link88 bus 1 or 2. If you have the CS3+ you can also connect S88s directly to the CS3+.
If you have the CS3+ with a small layout consider connecting directly to the CS3+ to save money. If you have the CS3+ and a larger layout or have issues with reliability consider using the Link88 so you can use the 12V. You can see the benefits of the Link88 here: ua-cam.com/video/asgop7QRIK8/v-deo.html If you have a CS3 (not +), then you always need the Link88.
Hope this helps with your automation! Enjoy ;-)
Hi, thanks for this great video. On track contacts page, there is a section called “Switch to”. What does it do, do you know? Regards.
Glad you like it! The "Switch to" moves the contact to another device. If you accidentally created it on "LinkS88-1" you can move it to "GFP3-1" or vice versa. Enjoy ;-)
Hi Bob:
I’m sorry about my insistence regarding the automation. I have been following step by step your instruction, in this case “Automation Episode 3”. When I check with the spade connectors, I get the yellow or the grey colors with the K1 and with the K2. But when I try to check with the freight car in the tracks, I get the yellow color (contact) for the K2 but nothing happens with the K1 (doesn’t change Yellow and or Grey) The ground cable is also connected.
I have been trying with the spade connector and even soldering to the track. Why I’m always having the problem with K1 and not with K2, the connection are exactly the same way.
Thank you again, You have a very good Knowledge about Marklin, You should be The CEO.
My best regards,
Carlos
Hi Carlos,
Compared to your previous comment where K1 and K2 did not work I guess you got K2 working now? What made it work? Maybe the same thing is wrong with K1?
Usually when something is mysterious like what you have there I try to isolate the fault - which piece is not working. I would replace each part one by one to see if there is a difference and check each piece another place as well.
Suggest:
- Another track - works better? connect K1 to the K1 track?
- Another wire from K1 to the track? use same wire as to K2?
- Another car? use same car as works with K2?
Other things:
- if you just connect the two rails on the K1 track - does it work?
- How long is the wire from the S88 to the K1 track?
- when you tested K1 did you use the same wire as goes all the way to the K1 track?
Looking as this and the previous comment it sounds most likely that there is an issue with the track/car or connection of wire to track. However, you could also be unlucky that K1 does not work - try K3 instead?
Finally, the track might be too far from the S88? ...or the K1 track is very far from the K2 track and the ground is different. Connect the ground to some place between K1 and K2? Is there another track near K1 that works?
Hope this helps! Enjoy ;-)
...one to also try. If you connect K2 to the track that K1 was connected. Does K2 behave the same - or does it work?
Hi Bob: Finally, it seems that both the K1 and the K2 turn yellow when the freight car passes through the road. My only concern is that the yellow color does not turn gray for a couple of seconds (1 or 2). Is this normal? Shouldn't it suppose be that as soon as it passes the freight car should have to instantly turn gray? Another question: from K1 to K2 all tracks should have an insulator ( in the detection rail (B)). Again Bob, I'm sorry about this, and thank you again. my best regards. Carlos
Hi Carlos,
Great that the K1/K2 turn yellow when the freight car arrives. What was wrong?
As for when the freight car is leaving the contact section (could cover multiple tracks) it should go gray again. Remember if you did not isolate from the adjacent tracks then they may also be part of the contact section. Even if you isolate the rails might touch - see touching rails here: ua-cam.com/video/2FMWxEPm__Y/v-deo.html
Hope this helps. Enjoy ;-)
Help please. Your videos are great and without them I would have no chance of getting things working.
But I have one basic problem. I have connected the s88 dc (2track garden railway) and I can’t get the s88 to show up on the system/settings screen. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks in advance.
Thanks for your videos! Great explanations! I still have a doubt: if I have a L88 and a S88 on Bus 1 can I avoid to connect the brown wire of the S88 or I always need to connect a brown wire for each S88 on the bus?
Hi Luigi, I have always connected the brown on each L88/S88 device. I double checked the manual - it does not say directly, but seems to indicate the same. I suggest connect brown on each to ensure better detection. Enjoy ;-)
Thank you for your quick answer!
would it be possible to use a contact track without an S88/CS3? I am considering building a layout using the marklin system, however I want to make an automatic signal system using american style signals (3 posistion) operated by a raspberry pi.
Hi Jim, Yes this is possible - I know of other people operating signals with the raspberry pi. I have not tried it, so I cannot advise you on this. One thought though - if you want American style signals, do you intend to have US rolling stock? If so, then the amount of US rolling stock for Märklin is limited - although some great Märklin US models are coming this year. Consider a 2-rail instead system instead - then you can buy the Märklin US models from Trix as 2-rail version. Finally, if you have a Märklin Mobile Station 2 (MS2) then you can use the M84 to do some signal automation - however more difficult for 3-way signals than two-way signals. Hope this helps! Enjoy ;-)
Thank you very much for the reply
Great video.Thanks
Glad you liked it! Enjoy ;-)
56:03 great video's. I do not wish to buy a CS3 since my CS2 works perfectly and I do not want to spend so much money. How do you install old S88's via L88 to the CS2. Do I have to rename all my contact tracks from -say- 12 to 3012 or does this process go automatically? I cannot find an explanation anywhere and I do simply adhere to the old Marklin philosophy that everything new should also work wthi the older fashion (except for the new slim couplings that do not function with older couplings at all).
Best, eric
Hi Eric,
I am glad you like the videos! Completely understandable to stay with the CS2 as this is still an excellent central station.
As I understand it nothing is automatically renamed. you have to manually configure the S88 contacts. When you want to use the old S88s you are connecting these to bus 3. Do remember to set the switch to 5V as the old S88 do not support the new 12V - see page 14 in: static.maerklin.de/damcontent/6a/f5/6af536424f70e1294136e4187262615b1619688441.pdf
Also remember that the L88 needs a power supply to work. The S88 contacts on the L88 are addressed as 1-16 as far as I can see from the same manual on page 16. The first of the old S88 you connect to the L88 is addressed as 3001-3016.
I hope this helps? Enjoy ;-) Bo
Great tutorials. I have 1 question. When you make a block, i think you need a section of a contactrail (*/- 30 cm) that detects when the train enters the block - 'ENTER'. Then you have a great block ( longer than the longest train), that is the block itself - 'BLOCK'. And at least a section(*/- 30 cm) that detects when the train leave the blcck - 'LEAVE'. And now my question. When I place 2 blocks one after the other, on the same track? Do I need to put a 'ENTER - BLOCK1 - LEAVE - ENTER - BLOCK2 - LEAVE or can I do it on a easy way 'ENTER - BLOCK1 - LEAVE - BLOCK2 - LEAVE or ENTER - BLOCK1 - ENTER - BLOCK2 - LEAVE. What is the right solution?
Greetings from Belgium
Hi Tasha,
How you create the blocks depends on if you use the CS3 or software automation. For many software automations you only need one contact track as the software can break precisely within one contact track (1 contact track per block).
With the CS3 I tend to make the blocks such that there is a contact track where I need to break. Hence, for one-way blocks I have 1 long contact track followed by one short where I want to break e.g. before a signal. In the same way I tend to have 3 contact tracks in a two-way block. Make sure that the shortest contact track is at least the length of your longest locomotive and/or car + a little.
You can check out the Automation Series where I make some examples: ua-cam.com/play/PLYAhs-Pox3sHzQJsNU-FmOEj1ylO-NPpV.html
Specifically, you can in this video see how I make the contact tracks and blocks on a small simple layout: ua-cam.com/video/ieAltkA_WDw/v-deo.html
Hope this helps. Enjoy automation ;-)
Hey, thank you so much for the videos, i have learned so much from you!
I wanted to ask, do you know if in order to connect a booster into the CS3 alongside the L88, do i need a terminal? or i can connect them both to the CS3?
Thank you again for all the amazing videos that you create for us!
Hi, I am glad you like the videos! The booster and the L88 are connected through the 7-pin connection on the back of the Central Station 3 (CS3). If you have a CS3+ you have one 7-pin connector on the back. If you have the CS3 you have two 7-pin connectors. Hence, if you have the CS3 I believe you should be able to connect both without the terminal while the CS3 you need it. Hope this helps. Enjoy ;-) Bo
@@ModelTrainFun Thank you very much for your respond. i do have the CS3, and i have never noticed that there are to 7-pi connectors there, so it helped!
Thanks again!
Hi, I installed the contact track according to your instructions, but I need to delete one of the contact track that appears in the CS3. Please let me know how can be done.Thank you, All your videos are fantastic. Regards, Carlos
Hi Carlos, glad you like the videos. Are you asking how to delete an accessory (turnouts, signals, S88 contacts, etc.)? You can delete accessories by going to the article list. Go to the top of the screen and use Edit->Edit Article List. Then you can either use the "x" on each item - or select an item, then hit delete to the top right. Enjoy ;-)
Since there 16 ports on the s88 or l88 why is there no a maximum of 32 connections?
Hi Mike, not sure I understand your question? The 16 ports on the device can be used for train detection. You need one port per contact track. Enjoy ;-) Bo
Great videos, thanks very much. We have been struggling big time until we came across your channel, now things are much less murky. Can we please ask a very basic question. We are setting up an LBG garden railway which we want to automate, We have a Central Station 3plus and are trying to work out the best way to create the train detection. The LBG has the two tracks (positive and negative) so we are assuming we have to use something light magnetic read switches to detect the trains? If so we assume the reed switches can be connected to the S88 as you have explained in your videos?
Thanks in advance for your answer.
Hi Phil,
Märklin is a 3-rail system while LGB is a two rail system. This means that in principle you could use the S88 DC (Märklin 60882) connected directly to the rails. I do not have LGB, but one thing you have to consider is reliability. If you are using LGB outside in the garden I do not think the detection through the rail is the most reliable method.
Your idea of using reed switches /contacts seem to be the way as LGB has the LGB 17100 Track Contacts (www.lgb.com/products/details/article/17100). Unfortunately the manual for the LGB 17100 is not very useful... However, the following video actually shows you how: ua-cam.com/video/UudfKtaxx1o/v-deo.html. Additionally, the following discussion also seems to be relevant: www.gscalecentral.net/threads/reliability-of-lgb-track-contacts-17100-or-reed-switches-and-best-practice-for-use-and-installation.317505/
Remember f you have a Central Station 3 without built-in S88 you must also have a L88 (Märklin 60883) - this is really also the preferred method with a CS3+ for medium to large layouts (see ua-cam.com/video/wANbrR0fdJk/v-deo.html). However, if you have the CS3+, then using the internal S88 is a good start.
Hope this helps! Enjoy ;-) Bo
@@ModelTrainFun Thanks very much for taking the time to reply. I shall watch the video recomended tonight, along with a couple more of yours, thanks again.
Like, like, like, like
Hi Chen, Glad you liked it! Enjoy ;-) Bo
If this doesn't fix the problem, I'll buy a new CS3+. Regards
Hi Carlos, Does it mean you have a previously owned CS3? If so, another issue could be that the timings of the S88 have bee changed. This could be changed back to default by resetting the CS3. Alternatively, I could read from my CS3 what the values are so you can double check. However, unfortunately I am not back from vacation and near my CS3 until January :-( If you want me to check send an email to me (see About on the Channel home page). Enjoy ;-)
Hello again I wrote to you several weeks back when I had a problem with my M83 decoder. And thanks again for the tips and advice you gave me. Since then it stopped working with the turnouts, but i finally got them to work again, however they would only work when i had my CS3 connected via the programming connection. i did add some more track to my layout but still not a big layout. But now I am finding there is some sort of conflict in the cs3 itself, as one of my almost new mfx locos wont respond to commands when on the track but will respond when on a small length of programming track connected to the programming input on the cs3. I tried to reset the device which deleted all the locos but that made no difference either. I wondered if you had ever heard of a problem like this. I have had the cs3 for just on a year and performed one update several months ago. I tested one of my non MFX non sound locos and that did work ok.
It sounds like you have some interesting issue. Could you email me (see About) and describe the situation and what you done. Then I will see what I can do to help. Enjoy ;-)
@@ModelTrainFun Hi there thanks for the reply will email soon again.
Hello Bo. To me it seems, that you are missing one option. I have connected 60881 to CS3+ and all 16 are working ok. Therefore I have purchased another 60881, but when I connect this new one to the first I do not get another device to connect contact-tracks to ?
I migth add, that I now have both a GFP3-3 and a GFP3-1 but only GFP3-3 can be selected when adding contacts.
Hi Georg,
I am not sure how you ended up with two GFP3s as this it the internal S88? Unless I am mistaken there should only be 1. I suspect one is not working and the other will be the one to use as you mention above.
When you have multiple S88s connected directly to the CS3+, then you connect 1 S88 directly to the CS3+ and the 2nd S88 to the first S88. You do this by connecting the "out" on the first to the CS3+ and the "out" on the 2nd S88 to the "in" of the first S88. You can distinguish "out" and "in" as small triangles on the S88 showing out/in on the S88. You can connect more S88s as you connected the 2nd S88. You can see here how an additional S88 is connected to the Link88: ua-cam.com/video/asgop7QRIK8/v-deo.html
Then you can add the contacts to the working GFP3 as shown here: ua-cam.com/video/asgop7QRIK8/v-deo.html The first S88 is module 1 and the second is module 2 as shown here: ua-cam.com/video/asgop7QRIK8/v-deo.html
Don't forget to adjust the bus length on the GFP3 as shown here, if needed: ua-cam.com/video/asgop7QRIK8/v-deo.html
Hope this helps! Enjoy ;-) Bo
Hello Bo. Yes, it helped a lot to try once more. The code word you used was "Module 2". I tried to create a connection with Module 2 and contact 1 but the contact field turned red. When i used Module 2 and contact 2 it all worked out. I don't know how I can clear the contact 1, but I am sure I will find a way. Thanks a lot, very great.
@@Vagabond4320 Red means that the S88 has not decided yet. As a test try to connect the port to the brown and see it go yellow. White=not activated, yellow=activated and red=undecided. Enjoy ;-) Bo
Hello Bo. I still have problems with the connections, when I want it to work with Windigipet, the numbers get mixed up. How to connect it correctly? @@ModelTrainFun
A+++
Hi John, glad you liked the video! Enjoy ;-) Bo
L88 s88
Hi Michael, I am not sure what the comment/question is? Enjoy ;-)
Merci !
Baudouin - thanks a lot for your support. All thanks go directly into material for the channel again for material. Enjoy ;-)
OMG, buy Yourself crimping tool like Knipex 97 52 34 and You will be set for cables ranging from 0,1mm - 2,5mm^2 😉
Hi Piotr, yes, I need a crimping tool - issue is that I do not know what to buy. Unfortunately, it does not seem like I can buy the Knipex 975234 where I live. When I search for crimping tool in my local amazon.ae I find multiple types of crimping tools - do you have a hint what to look for to get a compatible one? ...or do you have a picture of one, so I know which type to look for? Thanks. Enjoy ;-)